We’ve been reminiscing about summer holiday experiences – whether it was relaxing on the beach in Cornwall, lazing on a gondolier in Venice or enjoying a chilled white wine on a Parisian café terrace. At the beginning of June, the Italians celebrate ‘Republic Day’ as a national holiday, and we thought we would host an Italian inspired event to give people that holiday feeling, and what is more Italian than pizza making!

Many people who live here at Abingdon Court come from a rural background and have plenty of stories to tell about their days on the farm, or frolicking through fields amongst the livestock they had grown so fond of. World Milk Day celebrates and recognises the dairy industry and all of the hard working farmers who help to keep our agriculture thriving.

When the music flows, you've just got to bust a move. Dancing is the best form of exercise ever!

We have been hosting dinner parties at Ashmead. It's a very relaxing setting with music in the background. The people who live at Ashmead enjoy having lunch together and choosing their own menu beforehand but most of all they enjoy chatting and sharing memories and stories together. As we are not able to visit the restaurants at the moment we decided to bring the restaurants to Ashmead. 

An enjoyable day was had by all at Ashmead Care Centre when an Indian Cuisine BBQ with a Military twist was arranged for the residents. Residents and staff enjoyed the special BBQ prepared by the Head Chef and his team. The activities team decorated the garden for the party and wore clothing to suit the occasion. As well as music, singing from the residents could be heard throughout the community. 

To celebrate the D Day anniversary on Sunday 6th June, the flags and bunting were out. Marianne entertained everyone with a tribute to the 1940s by singing songs such as Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and White Cliffs of Dover. The residents really enjoyed singing along. 

The residents joined the celebrations of Volunteers Week, writing letters and thank you cards to the volunteers that collaborate with us. We wanted to say thank you to them for the amazing work that they do. 

We had a visit from Jim, our favourite ice cream man. Residents and staff enjoyed their ice creams which they had after eating fish and chips in paper trays to celebrate National Fish and Chip Day. 

We have had a large delivery of cakes supplied from the friends of Troutbeck which was a lovely surprise. The residents will really enjoy these this afternoon with their cups of tea.

Thank you for the lovely treats from all at Troutbeck Care Home. 

Care Home Open Week is just around the corner and we want to embrace this fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on what we do across our care homes.

This annual initiative, which this year takes place from June 28 to July 4, is a chance to celebrate social care and highlight everything care homes and their residents have to offer – and that is a lot!