Our residents had a great time at yesterdays Valentines bash! We had Rich from Britain's Got Talent here to sing us some big band love songs. A great time was had by all.

We are sharing the Valentines Day love here at Carmel Lodge, even our work men have been included in our treats.

Valentines Day at Hope Green was a lovely celebration with residents and staff gathering together to decorate the home with flowers, balloons, hearts and ribbons. There was some lovely music playing in the background which gave the opportunity for anyone to sing along whilst busily making table decorations in our craft club and in true Hope Green style there was of course some dancing, tapping of feet to the beat and clapping too. Happy Valentines Day from us all.

There is a magnificent yew tree between Carmel Lodge and Hope Green care homes.

You may know that yew trees are traditionally grown in church yards. This is not symbolic, but practical in times gone by.

Yew trees were needed to make bows and arrows, before guns were invented. At this time, (before the enclosures act) most of Britain was common land, grazed by all animals. However Churchyards were always walled, to keep the animals out. Yew trees are highly poisonous, so it makes sense that they were grown where animals could not eat them.

We have been busy baking heart shaped cookies for Valentine’s Day. Vera has also been preparing some sweet treats as a Valentines Day surprise for her friends and the staff.

After being closed for such a long period our residents this week enjoyed a concert by one of our regular performers Sam Jones. Sam sang favourite jams requested from residents as they boogied along. We can surely say the residents have thoroughly enjoyed this magical musical moment.

Love was in the air at Manorhey as residents made beautiful cards for their loved ones for Valentines Day. We all got very creative as everyone made their own cards personalised.

We've had quite a few birthdays to celebrate already this month which means lots of cake, singing, dancing and fun to be had by all. We all love a good excuse for a party and the atmosphere is loved by everyone.

Australia Day was celebrated with one of our most favourable activities - armchair travel.

Passports and boarding passes in hand, we flew 10657 miles and landed in Canberra. In 3 hours and 30 minutes we travelled around Australia stopping at some really breath-taking destinations, Kangaroo Island, Uluru, Great Barrier Reef, Bondi Beach and Sydney Opera House to name but a few. One lady commented "We really do live in a remarkable world to have so much beauty".

A selection of wine and cheese from around the world, what more could you want? Over 25 of the people living with us joined the party and gave their critiques. It was a most enjoyable time and all are very much looking forward to the next soiree.