August update
August update from The Priory
Still no summer, but at least the end of this week is a lot better than it has been so the residents have been able to take some rays in the comfort of the garden.
The weather put a bit of a dampener on our Family Tea Party on Saturday. We were in two minds if we should try outside, but in the end we spread ourselves across the dining room, the old lounge and the lobby. We were still able to provide a wonderful selection of cakes and fresh scones – many thanks to Helen and Judith for all the baking. The choices were all so wonderful, a number of residents and families took a goody bag home! It was lovely to see so many of you. Also a big round of applause to our wandering troubadour James, who took his music around the home for us – a few private serenades as well – ever flexible.
Our next event will be a Cream Tea at Bowood House on either 26th or 27th September – we are still waiting to finalise transport. We plan to leave the home at 2:15pm to arrive at 2:45 for a 3 pm tea. Notices will go up around the home as soon as we know. Looking forward, another date for your diaries is Friday 3rd November for our Fireworks Party, with drinks and hot dogs for everyone. A great event for all the family – there will be sparklers galore for the children of all ages as well as a firework display in the garden.
We are also delighted to say that we will be having our Christmas Carol Party on Friday 15th December as we are now able to invite back St Paul’s Church. Simon, our vicar, will lead the carol service, ably supported by members of his choir – plus of course, the combined voices of The Priory. This has always been a very special evening followed by a buffet and drinks – this will be the first we have been able to hold for 4 years!
Last Friday Lynne held our latest residents meeting. The minutes are on the various noticeboards around the home. The discussion was very wide ranging – I won’t repeat everything here, but one of the points worth highlighting is that we will be instigating a “Resident of the Day”. The aim is that on one day a month, each of the staff team groups will spend some time with that resident to make sure we are doing everything we can for them. Helen checking for favourite meals, Stuart checking that the room is perfect – maybe some more shelves or a furniture move, Emma and the cleaning team doing a spring clean, Paula checking care plans etc. This is in the planning phase and hopefully that will start in September.
Family visits for lunch were also discussed. Residents were keen to be able to invite family in for lunch, but they wanted to use the new lounge rather than make changes in the dining room. Please do speak with Lynne if any families would like to do this – or perhaps afternoon tea?
We have also bid a sad farewell to Marigold, who passed away in July. Her family were with her at her bedside, which was comforting for everyone. Marigold was a wonderful lady, full of energy, joy and fun. We have sent the family a card from us all at The Priory and at the meeting, some of the residents said that they too, would like to send a remembrance card to her family. We will all miss her.
Malcolm Hughes has just joined us for a week while his family are on holiday. Malcolm will be going home on their return, but we hope you will have enjoyed your time with us Malcolm, and please feel free to return any time.
Finally, Judith and I will be away for 3 weeks in September, so there will be no September update nor any incidentals – we will recommence in October. We are off to explore Canada, a holiday we had been planning for a number of years, which was then rudely interrupted by Covid. As always and as ever, Lynne and the team are in charge anyway, so I am sure you won’t miss us too much.
Have a great August and let’s hope these few days are just the start of summer………