The people living with us and the staff at Ashmead have been most affected by the recent news from Ukraine and have all wished to play a part to help the refugees. After a brief discussion on the matter, it has been decided to create a donation box appeal in an effect to assist the affected people of all ages from Ukraine. The donation box is presently located in the reception area so that visitors also can make their donations if they wish.

A most enjoyable afternoon for all residents was spent at Ashmead on Wednesday 15th March 2022, when members of our local NHS dietary team paid a visit. The team brought along ingredients to enable the residents to construct and taste wonderful milkshakes. The milkshakes made were Bailey’s Frappuccino, Fruit Milkshake, Dairy Free Fruit Burst Milkshake and Mango and Yoghurt Milkshake. Appropriate music and light costumes helped make this afternoon not only an adventure but also educational as the team explained the nutritional benefits from such milkshakes.

Our popular arts and craft group enjoyed their painting activity and produced some extremely wonderful art. Using acrylic paint, we created a sea scene which all the people living at the home were so proud of they couldn't wait to display them in their bedrooms.  

For the second consecutive year the residents enjoyed a Carnival Party at Allingham House. The residents started the week making and displaying colourful decorations all around our home, creating the perfect space to celebrate this festive day. When the big Day arrived, the residents and staff enjoyed singing and dancing while they were wearing their beautiful masks. I would like to thank specially to the kitchen staff, they provided delicious sandwiches and drinks to make this day completely memorable.

We celebrated International Woman's Day at Ashfield Court by having a talk on Emily Pankhurst and the residents shared views on how things were so different then and how she changed everything for women all them years ago! Plus lots of cups of tea and fresh cinnamon swirls. It was a great morning. Happy International Woman's Day

We dedicated a day for our lovely ladies in the home and also involved the community around Amber Court. Every lady had received pink flower and simple treat that symbolises how important and special they are. Some also had a pampering sessions like nails, haircuts, massages and entertainment to celebrate their womanhood. Jimmy, one of our residents helped the staff to go around Kipling Drive to give flowers and chocolates to all the women out there.

We started the month of March by celebrating Pancake Day. Our kitchen chef prepared a various choice of syrup that our residents enjoyed. Some of them chose strawberry syrup, others had plain maple syrup, lemon glazed syrup, different kind of jams and toppings of their choice! A beautiful day to socialize and make fun to everyone in the home.

Yesterday was National Meatball Day. Our kitchen prepared Meatball Spaghetti for everyone to enjoy. Our residents really love it!

We marked the 2nd week of March as British Pie Week. Pies can be part of any of our meals, it can be our main meal, dessert, or just for snacks. That’s why our very talented kitchen chef prepared different kinds of pie for the whole week. We had Cheese and Onion Pie, Cherry Pie with custard, Quiche, Steak Pie, Cottage Pie and a lot more of its kind. Our residents had enjoyed every pie they got.

Staff at Allingham House really enjoyed this magnificent training and can't wait for the next sessions.

Claire Ford is a registered nurse and PhD student researcher at the University of Manchester. She is conducting a research project where she is designing, developing and feasibility testing a falls awareness and prevention training prototype using Virtual Reality in care homes across Greater Manchester.