Friday 20 August 2010

friday 20th august

after lunch today, we set off for Wateringbury, to the marina.  The Kingfisher boat was booked for us at 2.30.  http://www.kingfishermedwaytrust.org.uk/   The boat is manned by volunteers; they are so lovely and welcoming, and really look after everyone.

Sheila had made some delicious cakes for the 2 hour trip as tea or coffee is served once the boat has left the marina.

The residents and staff enjoyed a relaxing trip first upstream, then down toward Teston lock and back to the marina.

The weather was just about right; plus beautiful scenery, swans, geese and wildflowers to admire along the way.


As for the residents left behind, Christiane, one of our volunteers, arranged a game of Bingo in the music room with a general knowledge quiz after tea and biscuits.  Think everyone managed to win at least one prize!

Thursday 19 August 2010

thursday 19th aug

thursday is always a busy day at Mount Ephraim; Charity the hairdresser arrives at 9.30 and already the residents are lining up in the hair salon to have their hair done!

Toby the PAT dog came to visit - he is owned by Angela, who has volunteered to bring her dog to visit the residents once a week - he is a specially trained dog (PAT stands for Pets for Therapy) and most of the residents are pleased to see them both.

We have two new kittens, Belle and Ellie - so they tend to keep out of the way on thursday mornings!

after lunch, it was computer training - Val (a specially trained tutuor) arrives with various laptops and equipment to work with those residents who are interested in learning how to use a computer.

marie gets to grips with her task!
Olga wanted to learn how to 'surf the net', Marie learnt how to use the graphics tablet, and Dymphna and Phyll composed letters to their loved ones in New Zealand.

 Val also showed residents how to play Suduko and complete jigsaw puzzles on the computer which was great fun. 

It was also Eric's birthday today; chef has a cake ready for him tonight at supper - hope the residents remember to sing!

Tuesday 17 August 2010

mount ephraim first award evening for residents!

held today in the dining room;  buffet supper, glass of Pimm's and awarding of certificates for 17 of our residents who have contributed to the home over the past few months in a special way - from helping the catering staff to opening our recent garden party, to displaying works of art around the home.  Manager Karen Cooper presented the award certificates to some very surprised residents.  we also said goodbye and thankyou to two very special volunteers who sadly have decided to 'retire' from their volunteering duties to spend more time with their family.  After the formalities, local musician Doug Wake entertained us with a 'sing-a-long' (complete with printed song sheets for those who forget the words!) and a good time was had by all.