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.

We celebrated burns night with haggis, neeps and tatties and washed down with a glass of whiskey. We listened to traditional bagpipes after remembering the life of Robert Burns, The peoples poet.

Gardening club is back in full swing and we have began to sow our seeds! All have enjoyed getting their hands stuck in to the soil and looking through the variety of flowers that we have been potting. Look out for our red sunflowers and our giant yellow sunflowers.

Last week our residents were getting crafty creating Chinese lantern and fans for Chinese New Year and enjoyed a Chinese curry dish for dinner. Our residents enjoyed film afternoon watching the famous funny face and got to choose within the group what they would like to watch. We had a remembrance on buddy holly, and sang songs on karaoke in remembrance of him and passed pictures around the room. Our residents got up and sang on karaoke and told the group some information that they knew about buddy holly. We then enjoyed cake and coffee along with a nice chat.