Woodlands theme for the month, chosen according to true British tradition was “April showers bring May flowers”. Throughout the month residents like to busy themselves by joining in the daily morning and afternoon activities, ranging from outings to the more physical activities such as skittles, quoits and golf putting, to more relaxed activities like poetry, word searches and musical bingo. There is always good accessibility to some of the residents more favoured individual activities like, knitting, chess, crosswords and cards.
Between the blustery showers of April, we were blessed with a few days of beautiful sunshine and warmth which we took full advantage of and moved our activities into the wonderful courtyard suntrap. Some residents chose to just top up their sun quota whilst sipping on a glass of sherry whilst others participated in the afternoon activity of “Sweet Pea” planting which we hope will soon adorn the courtyard walls.
Our weekly cooking club remains as popular as ever. Residents have enjoyed making pizzas for their evening supper as well as some delicious apple tarts whilst reminiscing over past recipes and cooking experiences.
On the 6th April some residents were accompanied to “The Emporium” in Fleet to enjoy an early tipple and a bit of shopping in Fleet. We were made to feel very welcome and chatted like old friends whilst watching the busy world go by.
Wednesday the 11th April was a very special day for one of our residents, Happy Birthday Jean. Jean’s daughter arranged a surprise treat for her and all other the other residents, a visit from 3 and 5-week-old goat kids! The kids were kindly bought in by Jean’s granddaughter who works for “Millers Ark” and was rearing the kids at home. Everyone immediately fell in love with them and enjoyed a stroke and cuddle. The kids were very loving and playful resulting in constant head counting to ensure none ran off, one went amiss but was soon found fast asleep on a chair cuddled up beside one of our residents. The highlight for some of the residents was being given the opportunity to feed the kids their milk through baby bottles. The residents had a wonderful, joyous evening with some experiencing the opportunity of a lifetime.
On Friday the 20th April we visited our local the Wyvern Public house in Church Crookham. Here we joined residents from Hillhouse and Hill brow for a relaxing drink and chat in the beautiful surroundings and atmosphere of a friendly local pub.
On Monday the 23rd of April we welcomed Mike Burley-Wood to entertain us for St George’s Day. Mike created the atmosphere of a nostalgic “Music Hall” bringing back many fond memories for the residents. They tapped their feet and sang along to the likes of “Daisy, Daisy” and “My old mans a dustman”. Before Mike even left residents were already asking when he is coming back again!
Wednesday the 25th April welcomed the quarterly “Family’s supporting care” quiz night to Woodlands. 9 teams took part including residents from Woodlands, Hill brow and Hillhouse. The questions had everyone racking their brains especially with the “Events of the 1990’s section”.
Congratulations to “The Goat Kids” team who won 1st place, consisting of 2 family members and 2 Woodlands residents. The evening raised a brilliant £265 which will be kindly doubled by the Lee family for our own charity “Family’s supporting care”.
Woodlands Manager Victoria Ayling with the winning team “The Goat Kids” consisting of Maria, Sylvia, Jean and Mark.
On Friday 27th April a few residents from Woodlands joined other residents at Hillhouse for the “Carillon Singers” spring concert and belated “St George’s Day” celebration. The Carillon singers are a professional choir who mesmerised the audience with their beautiful singing voices. The wonderful evening of entertainment was concluded with everyone collectively singing and waving Union Jacks to a patriotic “Jerusalem”, “Land of hope and glory” and “Rule Britannia”.
