The frozen fountain at Wardington House.
“In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, In the bleak midwinter, long ago …”
(In the Bleak Midwinter, Christina Rossetti)
Welcome to Wardington House’s latest newsletter.
Midwinter it may be but bleak at Wardington House it certainly is not. Christmas has been a whirlwind of excitement and now with the freezing conditions, the beauty that surrounds Wardington House is an idyllic excitement to experience from the warmth and atmosphere within the house this January.
Activities
Happy New Year! We hope you had a lovely Christmas. Here is a quick snapshot of the merrymaking activities that took place making our Christmas lovely.
Elf day was a colourful Christmassy day to get us started, with the staff doing a super job in looking the part and raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society.
Some staff members looked like excellent elves.
Lucia’s Tiny Farm is always a treat so seeing them just before Christmas was the cherry on the cake.
One of the many guinea pigs and rabbits the residents enjoyed seeing.
Our Pamper Morning was a great success, with residents fully taking advantage of being pampered with foot spas, manicures and hair styling, in a relaxing spa like atmosphere by our talented team.
Pamper Morning in the Green Sitting Room.
We hope some of you enjoyed receiving your hand made Christmas cards from loved ones in the post.
A resident creating a Christmas card.
Christmas cards made for loved ones.
Music always creates such joy here at Wardington House and even more so at Christmas. We have enjoyed carols and Christmas themed songs from Bodicote Bellringers, Katie Holland and Tristan Pate. A Christingle and Carol Service took place – obviously welcoming even more carols. The panto Aladdin also included a sing along of a variety of well known carols as the finale.
Bodicote Bellringers playing carols
Tristan Pate playing and singing carols.
Christingles made by the residents and the Order of Service.
Wizard in the visiting panto Aladdin
Two panto cast singing carols.
Crafting and baking also seem to be a big part of the build up to Christmas and we certainly played our part in making mince pies, and dazzling decorations.
A resident making mince pies
Ready to make wreaths.
Decorations made by residents.
We were lucky enough for Santa to spare some time to visit us at our annual Christmas party delighting children and residents.
A resident searching for a present in Santa’s sack.
Enjoying a mince pie or two and a slice of Christmas cake is a must in the build up and the coffee morning on Christmas Eve offered the perfect opportunity.
Christmas coffee morning.
Thank you to everyone that helped make the craft afternoon on the 29th December such a wonderful experience for our residents, joining in with lego building and arts and crafts. There were smiles all around.
Staff’s family members spending time with residents building Lego and arts and crafts.
Emma’s Update
“First of all a Happy New Year to you all! I hope you are all keeping warm.
A Cotoneaster surrounded by the frozen weather.
December is the month that I don’t need to set an alarm to remind me to pack up and go home, I know to pack up at the moment when it is so dark I can no longer see what I’m doing.
The benefit of being here at dusk is listening to the tawny owl calling. The long “whooo” call and fading light are so atmospheric and I long to hear the “toowhit” call in reply and know we have a pair. Wouldn’t it be lovely to have some owlets here at Wardington next year.
The chickens have been enjoying the frosty conditions but have soon become tired of following me spreading grit and looking hopefully in the salt bucket for chicken food.
The orchard area windfall apples are providing a much needed feast for a visiting fl ock of redwings, I’ve also spotted wrens, blackbirds and a woodpecker pecker enjoying the fallen fruit in these harsh winter conditions.
We are making a start on the winter pruning, including all the roses ,which is like going into battle with an opponent that on regular intervals removes your hat for no good reason. With hands like pin cushions, ripped clothes and gloves it becomes hard to remember why I like roses so much… oh yes their stunning blooms and heady summer fragrance.
The view from the Rose Garden.
There are already signs of life, snow drops popping up all over, and one very determined clump of daffodils not far off flowering. It will soon be spring again.”
Daffodils on their way.
The Month Ahead
There is nothing better than an indulgent hot chocolate at this time of year. So we will start the month with what should be called a ‘Hot Chocolate Morning’ instead of ‘Coffee Morning’ with a wintry theme.
Winter, especially countries with snow this time of year, will be our theme at the beginning of the month – though we have some activities with warmer climate themes involved. Zoolab with their exotic animals will be visiting at 2pm on Friday 9th January, then African Drumming with In2Culture will take place at 2pm, Monday 26th January.
From the exotic animals to the cute and cuddly – Lucia’s Tiny Farm will be visiting 1.45pm on Thursday 29th January.
Burn’s Night takes place at the end of the month so famous poets and poetry will be our theme then.
The following regular activities will also take place this month: singing with Tristan Pate (weekly) and Katie Holland (monthly); Exercise Classes with Alfie (fortnightly); Josie the PAT dog (fortnightly); afternoon tea at Harley Equestrian Cafe (monthly) and in-house Church Services (weekly). Due to the popular enjoyable experience of the Pamper Morning we will now be holding these on a regular basis, at least monthly.
Care at Wardington House
If there is anyone you know, who might need our care, please tell them about us and we will be happy to help.
Wardington House Contact Information:
Telephone: 01295 750622
This goes to the office during the working day, or to the nurses’ office during evenings and weekends.
For general or administration queries, please email [email protected].
For Accounts, please email Julie Linzey at: [email protected]
For George Tuthill, please email: [email protected]
P.S If you wish to unsubscribe from this newsletter please contact Gemma Shaw at [email protected]
Compiled and edited by Gemma Shaw
