It was a beautiful day today. We took Owen and Roy to watch the green bowling which is very close to our home. They both thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. 

Residents had fun with the old favourites, jigsaws and painting were a hit but the one that proved the most fun was playing snakes and ladders, there were cheers when we landed on the ladders but plenty of groans when we landed on a snake. One of our residents said "I've not played that for years but it was great fun and reminded me of playing it with the kids." 

Here at Hope Green our residents had a lovely Father's Day and enjoyed their own each individualised goody bag which consisted of a drink and some sweet treats. 

We at Knights Court Care Home realise the importance for our residents to make visits out of the home and appreciate that it is an important part of care home life. We were so happy for our Knights Court residents to be accompanied by their relatives to the park, for outdoor socially distancing lunch, cream tea afternoons, feeding the cows at the Hare Krishna Temple or just basking in the sun in their loved ones back gardens. 

Although living in Cornwall you get used to the stunning scenery, just once in a while the view makes you stop. On a day when the sky is as blue as the sea in the distance and a view like this from the gardens of Windmill Court you have to take a minute to appreciate what is on our doorstep. 

At our recent residents committee meeting there was a request for more picnics in the garden now that the weather is warmer. The next alfresco meal happened very quickly and it was Fish and Chips all round, a huge success.

We have a number of home entertainers who visit and they are always a highlight of the social calendar at Brunel bringing the whole home together. Colin really enjoyed the most recent entertainer. 

We recently enjoyed an outdoor concert courtesy of Wiltshire Rural Music. They are a charity who bring live music to communities within Wiltshire and they kindly offered to perform in the garden. It was a fantastic afternoon of live entertainment and they were so talented, we can wait for them to return. 

John, Phil and Graham who all live at Brunel House always enjoy their trip to the local garden centre. The gentlemen's knowledge about plants and gardening is amazing and we all picked up plenty of tips. After having a look round we all enjoyed a lovely lunch at the centre. 

The people who live at Princess Lodge are busier than ever. Arts and crafts remain a favourite past time, so there was plenty of smiles for National Smile Day and as soon as the sun was out we took our painting into the garden. Another favourite past time is High Tea in our beautiful dining room. Music, great conversation and amazing homemade cakes, what's not to love? 

On the news, we always hear a lot of praise for doctors, nurse, teachers, and care staff but we here at Appletree feel that we don't hear enough praises for the domestic staff, cleaners, activities, and our maintenance staff. 

Today we are shouting our thanks to these unsung heroes.