“O my Luve is like a red, red rose
That’s newly sprung in June”
(A Red, Red Rose by Robert Burns)
Welcome to Wardington House’s latest newsletter
Already October and the roses are still looking as stunning as they did in June, if not more so with the morning dew dappled on their delectable petals.
The residents have been making the most of the sunshine to see the Rose Garden’s impressive display before the red skies and red leaves of Autumn become our love of the season.
Activities
Don’t you find picking fresh fruit and vegetables from the garden so satisfying – especially when surrounded by blue skies. Some residents have not only been enjoying the Rose Garden on sunny days, but also picking, and of course having a little taste of some succulent raspberries, as well as admiring the juicy scrumptious apples in the garden.
Have you noticed any squirrels busily gathering their goodies ready for the winter? We were kindly given some acorns, not for the squirrels, but to make some miniature smiley people out of – which at the same time created smiles amongst the residents and staff.
From fruit and vegetables to a little something sweeter – cinnamon biscuits and Chelsea Buns. Some residents enjoyed a drive around the lovely local area in the minibus, then returned home for an Autumn themed coffee morning.
For our London theme a Chelsea Bun afternoon tea took place where the buns were moving as fast off the cake stands as an elite London Marathon runner!
There has been a selection of London themed pictures including the Royal Family around the Main Sitting Room to initiate interest and conversation. A morning of creating Big Ben out of cereal boxes captured a number of residents’ curiosity and created some smiles and laughs.
Another occasion when smiles and laughter spread around the home is when our newest member of our entertainment team, Josie the PAT dog, joined us. I’m not too sure who was more excited to see each other, the
residents or Josie! Josie will be visiting fortnightly on a Wednesday at 2.15pm.
Some small animals, whose excitement was quite reserved but created a calm, curious atmosphere, joined us from Zoolab for an afternoon. Some residents were asking the owner some interesting questions about the extraordinary exotic animals, whilst having a hold.
For something less slimy and creepy crawly the bunnies and other cuddly animals from Lucia’s Tiny Farm, as well as the ponies; Moomin and Lollipop, were warmly welcomed back for soft strokes and snuggles.
Kitchen – Update from Claire
“With Harvest in mind at the moment there is an abundant supply of fruit and vegetables which are an integral part of every meal here at Wardington House, adding vibrant colour to the plate while also adding massive nutritional benefits.
We have just finished this season’s rhubarb from the garden and are now working our way through the plentiful supply of apples we have on our trees.
We try to adjust our menus to take advantage of the wonderful seasonal produce, while keeping the old favourites all year round. We continually evaluate what goes down well and adjust the menus accordingly.
Creamy, winter, vegetable, soups and stews, packed full of lovely root vegetables to lighter, brighter ratatouille and rich tomato pasta dishes -there is something for everyone’s tastes all year round.
The weekly menu is always available to see on the noticeboard, next tothe kitchen hatch. Please find below next week’s menu to see whatdelicious meals the residents will be enjoying”.
Emma’s Update
“What a year for apples it’s been! The boughs are laden with beautiful, bountiful fruit – some so heavy they nearly touch the ground! Whilst mowing in the orchard, there is one particularly low branch, I have now hit my head on too many times to count!
We’ve also had a bumper year of raspberries and rhubarb. Theresidents have been picking, eating and enjoying these fruits in their puddings. Even two, not so old, pear trees I’ve planted had an amazing number on them. I was always told that you plant pears for your heirs but it seems these two are in a rush to earn their place in the garden!
Many of you may have noticed that the box topiary has not been looking its best this year, you may even have lost box plants in your own garden.
This is mainly due to the rapid increase in the population of box moth caterpillars, since their arrival in the UK in 2008. They’ve been having a ovely time munching on ALL the leaves. A few people have said to spray them with all sorts of chemicals, but I’m very against spraying anything and prefer to let the ecosystem sort itself out. I’m sure you all, like me, love seeing the butterflies and want to protect them and anything further up the food chain.
So the plan is to future proof the garden by removing the box plants that have died and replace them with a range of different plants. Therefore, if a plant specific problem comes along in the future we don’t lose quite so many plants all in one go.
We have been working on a new project on the bank, at the front of the house, making it larger and adding in more plants. Hopefully there will be lots more colour and interest, as quite frankly it’s been looking a bit green and boring. I have spoken to the new inhabitants and asked them, very nicely, if they could make an effort to grow some big strong roots this winter and look fabulous for you all next year.”
The Month Ahead
You can definitely smell Autumn in the air and there is still so much to happen: – the trees are just starting to put on their colourful display of eye catching reds, yellows and oranges; we have yet to enjoy the heartwarming sunsets and other wonderful little gems of Autumn like conkers, acorns and cobnuts. Therefore, the theme of Autumn will continue through October.
Harvest will also be a big part of the activities this month. With the home already starting to get into the ‘harvest spirit’ with a selection of colourful squashes dotted around the sitting room, keep an eye out for the
delightful knitted vegetables. We will also be having a go at creating Corn Dollies and have a Harvest themed Coffee Morning.
The Harvest Festival Service will take place Tuesday, 14th October at 2pm – please come along if you wish.
We also have a variety of other activities for you to come along and join in the fun, with the residents.
A lively session of African Drumming will be taking place with In2Culture on Friday 3rd October at 2pm.
A more quiet, tranquil musical activity will be taking place on Monday, 6th October, at 2pm, when Bodicote Bellringers visit us. The well known songs and relaxing atmosphere offers a pleasant, relaxed afternoon.
For the animal lovers – Lucia’s Tiny Farm will be visiting on Tuesday 7th October at 1.45pm and Josie the PAT dog on Wednesday 8th October at 2.15pm
The last week of the month be prepared for the squashes around the home to be replaced with pumpkins as Halloween creeps up on us. Pumpkin carving always creates a lot of interest amongst the residents. We will also be having a Halloween themed Afternoon Tea.
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 (fortnightly).
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
