Skip to main content
A bumblebee making a beeline for the alliums at Wardington House.

“But for now, I’m in my garden,
Watching clouds sail with the breeze
Feeling carefree as I listen
To the hum of bubblebees”
(Lyrics from the song Bumblebee by Abba)

Welcome to Wardington House’s latest newsletter

Isn’t it wonderful to see so many bees working their way around the fabulous flowers in the garden. It is that time of year where the residents love making their way around the garden, enjoying the stunning sights and smells of the flowers. The serene atmosphere creates a carefree haven where the only hint of hustle and bustle is from the bees who do busyness so beautifully.

Activities

The 80th Anniversary of VE Day was celebrated with exuberance, maybe not quite like back in 1945 but we still had a good time.

The main sitting room was decorated with posters, balloons, flags and streamers to create a celebration mood. The residents then enjoyed a jolly sing along with Tristan, with lots of well known war time songs. The residents then tucked into appetising party food – sausage rolls, pork pies, cocktail sausages and colourful themed cup cakes made by Alison – thank you!

VE Day poster above the fireplace.
Tables ready for VE day afternoon tea.
Residents singing along with Tristan.
A resident enjoying the savoury party food.

Have you noticed the fantastic flowers in the planters in the courtyard? We have the residents to thank for this lovely display. Whilst the sun was out some residents spent an afternoon busily planting and what a great job they did – be sure to have a look next time you are passing.

Residents planting plants in the courtyard planters.
Residents planting in the courtyard planters.

Themed Activities

Residents enjoyed looking at some of the pictures around the sitting rooms based on Australia. Some residents had wonderful stories to share about their time there – all not so keen on the creepy crawlies.

Talking of creepy crawlies – a few residents enjoyed creating cheery caterpillars as part of our insect theme.

Australian themed pictures in the sitting room.
A ‘crafty caterpillar’ created by a resident.

Garden Party

Have you got the Garden Party date in your diary?

We look forward to welcoming you, your family and friends to a delightful afternoon, 2.30pm to 5pm on Sunday 6th July. There will be tea and refreshments on the lawn, plenty of entertainment to enjoy and here is a sneak peek of how glorious the garden is looking ready for you to explore.

See you there!

The herb garden within the walled garden.
Colourful climbing roses.
Huge alliums and peonies to admire.
Flower beds bursting with beauty.

Emma’s Update

“May is the month when saying we are busy is an understatement. There is so much to do, seemingly all at once, it becomes difficult to work out what is most important and should be done first.

The weeds are growing quickly, the grass needs cutting and edging, everywhere needs water, the green house is full of plants needing planting out, hedges need cutting back from pathways, and wall climbers need tying in and trimming back from obscuring the windows. Zooming back and forth we are very busy bees!

Pathways being cleared.
Plants ready to be planted.

The garden really does start to look wonderful this time of year and if you do get a chance to come outside and admire it all, make a bee line to the roses and peonies. Perhaps like me, you will look at the small buds and the huge flowers that emerge from them, with a wonder akin to Michael and Jane Banks watching Mary Poppins pull out a seemingly endless number of items from her magic carpet bag. How does it all fit in there and where are all these petals coming from?

So many flower buds are like this but roses, alliums and peonies are the absolute master of this magic trick and right now they look magnificent.

When out and about, do look out for fledgling birds hopping about the garden, learning to fly, and busy parents flying back and forth to nests with beaks full of worms and caterpillars for their chicks.”

A fledgling bird discovered in the garden.

Staff Update

I’m sure you will all join me in saying a fond farewell to Anne Wilkins who has been the Accountants Administrator at Wardington House for 35 years! A big thank you Anne and we wish you all the best – enjoyretirement!

We are delighted to welcome Julie Linzey as the new Accountants Administrator. Julie has already worked at Wardington House for 14 years within the Housekeeping Team. Congratulations Julie on your new role!

The Month Ahead

It looks like we are going to be busy bees this month with a variety of entertainment and activities on offer.

On Saturday 7th June at 2pm Tickled Pink Productions will be performing their show ‘We’ll Meet again – 80th Anniversary’. Residents will have the opportunity to sing and dance along to some well known songs from this era.

From Anniversaries to Birthdays – the 14th June is the King’s official Birthday, marked by Trooping the Colour. This amazing parade will be on television for us all to enjoy. Our activities at the start of the month will be focused on The Royal Family, past and present. Then on the 17th Junewe will also hold a coffee morning to mark the special occasion.World Tapas Day takes place in June. With this in mind we thought Spain would be a good theme to base the rest of our activities on this month – including a Tapas themed afternoon tea.

If you have ever seen the Spanish horses in action you will know that it is quite an enchanting sight – unfortunately they won’t be visiting, but the Shetland ponies will be at 2pm on the 16th June. It is always a delightful sight to see the smiles they create when here.

More smiles will be seen as more animals join us on Friday 27th June at 1.45pm as Lucia’s Tiny Farm will be visiting – always a lot of fun for the animal lovers amongst us.

For the music lovers we are pleased to welcome back Bodicote Bellringers at 2pm on the 9th June and then In2Culture for some Bhangra Dancing at 2pm on the 24th June.

Also, we musn’t forget a day for the Dads, Sunday 15th June – Father’s Day. An opportunity to reminisce about the delights of being a Dad and/or days spent with our Fathers.

The following regular activities will also take place this month: singing with Tristan Pate and Katie Holland; Exercise Class with Alfie; Bonnie the Dog visit; afternoon tea at Harley Equestrian Cafe and in-house Church Services.

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 Jane Worrall at: [email protected]

For Accounts, please email Julie Linzey at: [email protected]

For George Tuthill, please email: [email protected]

 

Compiled and edited by Gemma Shaw