Buckland Bugle Newsletter Spring

BUCKLAND BUGLE

LATEST NEWS FROM AROUND THE GROUP

EASTER ACTIVITIES ACROSS OUR HOMES

Oh, Easter at Buckland Care Homes! It's a time when every corner of all eleven homes bursts into life, shimmering with the joys of spring and the warmth of community spirit This year, the celebrations have been nothing short of magical, painting smiles on faces and weaving memories that will be cherished for years to come

The Easter season at Buckland has been a showcase of creativity, companionship, and, of course, a touch of friendly competition Each home embraced the spirit of Easter with open arms, bringing to life activities that not only entertained but also brought together residents, staff, and the broader community in the most heartwarming ways

Let's hop into the highlights, shall we?

Egg-citing Easter Bonnet Parades and Crafts

Residents and staff put their creative hats on - quite literally - to craft bonnets that were as colourful as they were imaginative Feathers, flowers, and even little Easter chicks found their way onto these masterpieces, making the parade a vibrant spectacle. The laughter and pride in everyone’s eyes as they showcased their creations were the real prizes of the day Many of the homes also participated in crafting sessions, making cards and bunting too.

The Great Easter Egg Hunt

What's Easter without an egg hunt? The gardens of the care homes turned into enchanting hunting grounds, with hidden Easter eggs sparking the inner detectives in our residents It wasn’t just about finding the most eggs; it was the joy of the search, the teamwork, and the gentle stroll through nature that made this event a highlight And let's not forget the chuckles and the strategic discussions on where the next egg could be hiding!

“I loved making the Easter bunting, it brought back some lovely memories of my childhood” Janet, The Firs Care Home

MOTHER’S DAY BAKING AT BLACKWATER MILL

There's something truly special about the smell of freshly baked goodies wafting through the air It's like a warm hug from the kitchen, isn't it? At our care homes, baking isn't just an activity; it's a trip down memory lane, a sprinkle of joy, and a dollop of togetherness rolled into one

Head to our individual care homes Facebook pages to see all the fun activities they’ve been getting up to through the last few months

OUR HOMES CELEBRATE NATIONAL STORYTELLING

WEEK WITH ‘ONCE UPON A TIME STORY TIME

Recently our homes took part and celebrated National Story Telling week, a fantastic annual event to celebrate the power of sharing stories

The Buckland Care homes were transformed into magical wonderlands. Residents were greeted by a cast of beloved characters including Alice, The Mad Hatter, The White Rabbit, The Cheshire Cat, and The Queen of Hearts, making for fabulously eccentric celebrations.

The Firs turned an ordinally afternoon into an adventure as Alice in Wonderland was brought to life at a Mad Hatter's Tea Party.

A host of well-known figures, including Alice, the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts, welcomed the residents

The dining area was transformed into a portal to Wonderland, beckoning everyone to indulge in a little wonderful lunacy The story, written by the talented Lewis Carroll, was read aloud to residents and staff, rekindling in everyone a sense of wonder and delight from childhood

Residents' responses were largely positive, and many expressed their happiness:

Janet praised, "I thought it was marvelous, everything down to the set up and costumes. It was really a good day, the effort certainly paid off”

At Buckland Care, we believe that activities such as this are a vivid reminder of the joy and connection such imaginative events foster within the care home community.

Residents at West Bank were thrilled to be visited by St Joseph’s Nursery School for Peter Rabbit story time

Resident at The Firs enjoyed meeting all the characters from Alice in Wonderland

The Firs, magical spread for Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

BUCKLAND CARE AND WEST BANK AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS CAREHOME.UK AWARDS

With a mixture of pride and joy, we're delighted to announce a sparkling milestone in our journey at Buckland Care Our dedication to providing exceptional care has not only touched the lives of our residents and their families but has also been recognised on a grand stage

We are thrilled to have won this award Being ranked in the top 20 care home groups from 152 is an exceptional achievement and we are immensely proud

This accolade is more than just an award; it's a reflection of the heartfelt compassion, meticulous care, and warm companionship that our incredible team extends to our residents every single day

It's about those moments that might seem small but are monumental in the eyes of those we care for – a kind word, a shared laugh, or a comforting hug

SAMANTHA

SPECIAL ACCOLADE FOR WESTBANK RESIDENTIAL HOME

The celebrations don't end there! West Bank Residential Home, nestled in the picturesque Ross on Wye, has also been recognised as one of the 12th out of 1602 care homes in the region. This honour highlights the exceptional environment the West Bank team has cultivated, one where warmth and care shine brightly, making it a true home for our residents.

SPOTLIGHT ON A TEAM MEMBER

What are you most proud of?

Court

RICHARDSON Manager Woodland

How did you end up as the Manager at Woodland Court?

I have worked in care for most of my career and have always aspired to be a manager of a home I stepped up as deputy in 2019 and worked closely

with the last manager who was a great mentor So it was my natural progression to go for the manager’s position to continue the hard work we have put in to work towards achieving outstanding I am also incredibly fortunate to have a very supportive husband and five children who have pushed me to become who I am today

I am proud to be the manager of Woodland Court and to be part of such an amazing and supportive team The support the team gives one another has inspired them to be the strong, hard-working and extremely compassionate carers they are today

What are your ambitions for the home?

My vision for Woodland Court is for all resident staff and visitors to feel welcomed and view Woodland Court as their home from home I want our home to feel like it does when you pop round to your Grandparents where you know it is the heart of the family where everyone is made to feel loved, safe, and valued

I want the staff to feel proud of where they work and our residents to build positive relationships

Staff and residents at West Bank proudly displaying their award

JOY AND LAUGHTER FILL THE AIR AT BLACKWATER MILL CARE HOME WITH JIGGY WRIGGLERS

The residents of Blackwater Mill Care Home were treated to an afternoon of joy and vibrant energy as they participated in a Jiggy Wrigglers session, marking the beginning of a delightful partnership that will see these sessions become a fortnightly highlight.

Jiggy Wrigglers, a group known for their engaging and lively musical activities for children, brought smiles and laughter to both young and old, creating an atmosphere filled with happiness and youthful energy The session was a beautiful blend of music, movement, and interaction, leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved

Joan, a resident at Blackwater Mill, shared her delight, saying, “I loved seeing the children It made me feel young again” This sentiment was echoed throughout the care home as the power of intergenerational connection was vividly on display

Nat, the Activity Coordinator, reflected on the session’s success, “What a delight it was to see the connections being forged It was very relaxed but loads of fun The right mix and balance to make it a success” This initiative is a testament to Blackwater Mill’s commitment to creating meaningful, engaging experiences for their residents

Debbie, the Home Manager, highlighted the significance of the event, “What a fantastic experience for all involved We cannot stress the importance this type of experience has on the residents. The intergenerational effect provides benefits for all involved.” The care home is dedicated to fostering these connections, recognising the joy and benefits they bring to their community.

The feedback from participants and observers alike has been overwhelmingly positive, with many lovely comments from parents on the Jiggy Wrigglers Facebook page This feedback underscores the impact of the session and the excitement for its continuation

As Blackwater Mill Care Home looks forward to hosting more Jiggy Wrigglers sessions, they invite the community to join them in celebrating this wonderful initiative

It’s clear that these gatherings are more than just fun activities; they are a bridge connecting generations, fostering understanding, and creating joyous memories for everyone involved.

For more information or to get involved, please visit the Jiggy Wrigglers Facebook page or contact Blackwater Mill Care Home directly Let’s come together to support this beautiful initiative that brings joy and laughter to our elderly and the young, enriching lives across generations

A resident at Blackwater Mill enjoying play time with a little wriggler!

EMBRACING SPRING WITH GREEN THUMBS AND WARM HEARTS AT BUCKLAND CARE HOMES

The joy of planting

Across all our homes, the spirit of spring has inspired a wonderful tradition – planting bulbs in pots, ready for them to bloom into a riot of colours This activity is much more than just a way to beautify our gardens; it's a heartwarming opportunity for our residents to get hands-on with nature, feel the soil between their fingers, and witness the wonders of growth and renewal Each bulb, carefully nestled into the soil by loving hands, symbolises hope and the beauty of life

Welcoming our greenhouse

The Firs have a wonderful new greenhouse, and as the curtains of winter gently lift to reveal the lush, vibrant canvas of spring, the residents are buzzing with excitement and the spirit of rejuvenation ‘This season, we're fully embracing the joy of gardening, a pastime that brings our residents, their families, and our staff together’ says home Manager Julie

From our garden to our table

At Hartwell Lodge, our garden is a source of pride and joy, bursting with flavours and colours that make their way from our soil to our kitchen "We grow tomatoes, strawberries, and rhubarb in our garden here at Hartwell, and we use it in the kitchen," shares a member of our team Our residents play a crucial role in this cycle of growth, tending to the plants with care, ensuring they're watered and loved, making the harvest even more special.

Trips out to choose plants and shrubs

Across our homes, delightful excursions to local garden centres are a much-loved activity, allowing us to select the perfect plants and flowers that bring our gardens to life

7 Tips for Safe Gardening As We Age

Gardening can be a wonderfully rewarding activity for the elderly, offering both physical exercise and a sense of accomplishment. Here are some friendly tips to make gardening more enjoyable and accessible:

Raise the Beds: Elevated garden beds or containers can make a world of difference. They reduce the need to bend or kneel, making gardening more comfortable and accessible for those with mobility issues

1 Choose the Right Tools: Look for gardening tools with long handles to minimise bending and tools with easy-grip handles to assist those with limited hand strength Lightweight tools can also make a big difference in managing fatigue.

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2. Go for Easy-Care Plants: Opt for plants that require less maintenance, such as perennials, which come back year after year, or drought-resistant plants that don’t require constant watering. This can make gardening more manageable and less timeconsuming

4 Stay Safe: Always wear a hat and sunscreen to protect from the sun, and consider gardening in the cooler parts of the day to avoid heat exhaustion

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Install Seating: Having a bench or a chair nearby allows for regular breaks and can make gardening a more leisurely and enjoyable activity It’s also a lovely way to enjoy the beauty of the garden without the work

5 Use Mulch: Applying mulch around plants can help retain moisture in the soil, reduce weed growth, and minimise the need for constant watering and weeding

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Keep a water bottle handy to stay hydrated

Garden in Groups: Gardening can be a social activity

Doing it as part of a group can not only make it more enjoyable but also means there’s help at hand for tasks that might be a bit more challenging

West Bank and Kingland House, visiting their local garden centres

Hartwell Lodge resident admiring the garden

RECIPES OF THE SEASON

EASTER BUNNY

GINGERBREAD HUG BISCUITS

INGREDIENTS

375 g plain flour, plus more for surface

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

225 g butter, softened

200 g sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1 tbsp. milk

Cadbury Mini Eggs

7cm gingerbread cookie cutter

METHOD

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt

Step 2: In a large bowl using a hand mixer (or in the bowl of a stand mixer), beat butter and sugar until fluffy and pale in colour Add egg, milk, and vanilla and beat until combined, then add flour mixture gradually until totally combined.

Step 3: Shape into a disk and wrap in cling film Refrigerate 1 hour

Step 4: When ready to roll, preheat oven to 180ºC (160ºC fan) Lightly flour a clean work surface and roll out dough until 1/2cm thick Cut out gingerbread shapes (upside-down, they will be bunnies!) and transfer to parchment-lined baking trays

Step 5: Place a Mini Egg into the centre of the arms and gently place arms around the edges of the egg. (They won’t wrap around the egg com

Step 6: Bake until edges are lightly golden completely

PARMESAN ROASTED GARLIC POTATOES

INGREDIENTS

Red Potatoes

Olive Oil

Grated parmesan Cheese

Crushed garlic

Salt and Pepper

Chopped Parsley

METHOD

Step 1: Preheat Oven, Prep Pan: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray

Step 2: In a large bowl, add the olive oil, parmesan cheese, garlic, and oregano Toss with the potatoes until coated and lay in a single layer on your baking sheet Salt and pepper to taste I also like to sprinkle additional parmesan on top.

Step 3: Next, roast for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and crisp Serve with parsley sprinkled on top

POETS’S CORNER

A WEST BANK POEM BY THE RESIDENTS

RESIDENTS HAVE REGULAR POETRY SESSIONS WITH MR BRIAN JACKSON (A KEEN POET, WHOSE WIFE IS A RESIDENT AT THE HOME)

The Welcome at West Bank is easy to see;

A Smile and a Sandwich, A Warm Cup of Tea!

(it was not long thereafter I started Tai-Chi)

And with visiting choirs and other nice things

Like Carols at Christmas

Where everyone sings

And tea at 1030 and coffee and cake

And ‘keep fit’ to keep us alert and awake

Football on Friday’s, on Tuesdays its ‘Hair’ And Derek comes in with a consoling prayer

And we sit or we wander or watch the TV, And sit with our visitors, (Parking is Free).

And the people who care for us

Show with a smile

Understanding and friendship is here all the while…..

SPRING HAS SPRUNG AT HARTWELL LODGE

Hartwell Lodge recently turned into a buzzing farmyard paradise, thanks to a special visit from Em's Friendly Farms!

Hearts overflowed with joy as they welcomed the cutest little guests of honor – Wallace the sheep, Arnold the goat, and Trevor the piglet –into the home and, quite literally, into their laps

SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS THE FIRS CELEBRATES DURBAN’S 103RD BIRTHDAY

Residents and staff at The Firs came together to honour Durban, on his 103rd birthday

This wasn't just any birthday celebration; it was a tribute to a life well-lived, a journey through history for Durdan who has given so much to his country

Durban, an ex-serviceman was greeted with a surprise as special guests from The Royal British Legion and the RAF joined visited Durban on this significant milestone

Durban said "I feel wonderfully overwhelmed by the time and effort the Firs made to make my day special, being able to spend time with service men once again, brought so many memories back."

We feel incredibly honoured to have shared this special day with Durban, a truly inspirational man whose life story reminds us of the values of courage, service, and community. It's moments like these that truly define what we stand for- a family that celebrates each milestone with love and appreciation.

Durban with guests from The Royal British Legion and the RAF

Residents at The Firs getting into the party spirit to celebrate alongside Durban

The residents at Hartwell enjoy meeting and petting Wallace, Arnold and Trevor

FUNDRAISING EFFORTS

THE BIG BUCKLAND SPRING CLEAN

The residents and staff from Hartwell Lodge, take on litter picking at the local children’s playground

In an effort to raise money for Dementia UK, employees and residents of Hartwell Lodge have been getting together on a number of different days to pick up litter from the neighboring children's parks. They have enjoyed the fresh air and soaking up the glorious sunshine, whilst stopping to talk to locals walking their dogs.

One of the residents who took park described the activity as a combination of exercise and also a sense of achievement She said “Picking up the litter from the children’s park made me feel great, it’s nice to do something good for the community all whilst raising money for an amazing cause”

UPCOMING EVENTS

We're on the brink of turning our care homes into vibrant festival grounds, filled with laughter, music, and the warmth of community spirit Here are a few events some of homes will be taking part in over the coming months:

Festival of Lights

A tranquil evening event with lanterns or fairy lights, where residents can enjoy a peaceful moment, with soft music or a gentle storytelling session.

Resident Talent Show

Talent shows where residents will be able to share their own musical talents, be it singing, playing an instrument, or reciting poetry related to festive themes.