During July we celebrated two special birthdays for our Residents, we had Barbara who was 90 and Hannah who was 102 years young!  Both ladies had parties and thoroughly enjoyed their day.

Armchair exercise is becoming very popular with our Residents with the help of the DVD ‘Move it or Lose it’ and this is creating alot of fun and laughter between everyone.

The monthly Social was again a success with fish and chips for supper which is becoming a favourite.

This month we tried a new activity which was ‘Race Day’ – residents came along and watched a DVD of the race but firstly they had studied the form of the horses, their odds and then placed their bets – each Resident had £5,000 in cash (not real!) to bet.  Violet was our overall winner of the race.

Our trips out this month have included: Court Hey Wild Flower Centre, Otterspool, Pub Lunches – whilst the weather was good!

We also had ‘hoopla’ in one of our beautiful gardens which was a big success with Residents and their relatives and friends joining in.

Upcoming events for August include: Gentleman’s Club, Theresa’s 100th Birthday, 70’s Theme Night, Mersey Memories (17th August 2016 at 2pm in the Market Place) and Scrabble Club.

Throughout June we have continued with our day to day activities of crosswords, news time, quizzes, book club, bingo, craft, and reminiscence.  Other activities throughout the month have included hand massage and playing scrabble whilst out kitting club is continuing and is going well.

Our ‘Fish and Chip Supper’ is now a must on our monthly social which, as requested, is followed by a quiz.

Armchair exercise is now a weekly activity and we often use a parachute during this which helps with the movement of arms.  We have recently obtained a new DVD ‘Move it or Lose it’ to enhance our armchair exercise activity and this is going well.

We also celebrated the Queen’s birthday with afternoon tea where the residents raised a glass to the Queen and we had a good old sing-along.  The tables were decorated in table cloths that had specially hand printed by our Residents during an earlier craft activity ready for the birthday celebrations.

Our trips out are going well (weather permitting) and this month they included a trip to Otterspool with Maureen and Doreen were we had lunch and enjoyed an ice cream whilst enjoying the view of the Mersey!

Mr Philip Daniel, French Honorary Consul for Merseyside informed us that our Resident Jim was being presented with a medal from the President of France in honour of his bravery on D Day during the Second World War.

Jim was to be presented with ‘Ordre National de la Legion D’Honour’

The celebration and award was to be a suprise for Jim and there was a very busy week to prepare for the event.  Jim’s family supported us in gathering the information of Jim’s Army career whilst Philip Daniel gave us the itinerary of the presentation.

On 9th June 2016 Maureen and Pat assisted Jim to get ready for what he thought was a celebration for the Queen’s 90th birthday and this was the reason for Jim wearing his regiment outfit.  Staff we busy in the background preparing his celebration and the commitment/team work shown by everyone ensured this was a successful day for Jim, his family, our Residents and Jim’s Regiment.

Everyone including the Lord Mayor, Councillor Roz Gladden, the High Sheriff of Merseyside, Jim Davies, Philip Daniel, French Honorary Consul for Merseyside, members of Jim’s Regiment (senior and young), his family and Residents gathered in the Market Place awaiting Jim’s arrival.

Jim made his grand entrance to the tune of ‘There will always be an England’ and a grand rouse of applause.  He was truly surprised and looked emotional when he saw everyone.

Philip Daniel presented Jim with his medal and spoke in French whilst doing so.  This was very moving and a lot of teas of joy by shed by all.

Then the party began and Jim enjoyed meeting his comrades and young men of the Regiment as well as spending time with his family.

We would like to thank everyone who contributed to making this a special day for Jim.

A truly memorable and proud day for everyone.

Maria Deegan
Nurse Manager