February / March 2021

The snow came and went all in the space of a week. Typical British weather. We did think about going outside to build a snowman, but thought better of it as its so very cold.

We have had a few afternoon sing a longs to help keep our spirits high. The odd tipple helps too.

We are planning to reopen our doors in line with government guidance on the 8th March 2021. We are all excited to having visitors in once more - it’s been such a long time not to see relatives. However, we have been using our Facebook portals which has proved to be a great way to communicate with our loved ones.

We are planning to hold a Mother’s Day party on Friday 12th March and have invited all relatives to attend virtually via Zoom. This will be held in the lounge so everyone who wants to join in, can do so.

We are looking forward to getting out and about in our minibus again. Debbie has taken it out for drives to make sure he’s in good working order ready for our trips out.

We are looking to book our yearly boat trips again from May onwards. Debbie is now a volunteer on the boat, so it will be nice to see her down there.

Roll on spring and farewell to COVID ……

December / January

We continue to be a COVID free home. We wish everyone well during this extrememly difficult time.

We started the Christmas festivities nice and early this year, starting with putting up decorations in November and having our Christmas party during early December. We held it via zoom in the lounge and all relatives were invited to watch. We had music, snacks and drinks. After a few technical hitches everything went as exactly as we wished it would. We could see everyone on the TV which was great and they too could see us singing and dancing. Technology is fantastic - it has really helped us feel close to everyone during this difficult time where we are unable to physically see each other.

We took a drive out to see the Christmas lights at Bluewater. They have some huge reindeers on each roundabout which looked fabulous in the dark. Such a beautiful sight.

Christmas day was spent relaxing opening our presents then eating a lovely dinner prepared by Libby this year. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and I must admit needed a well deserved snooze after lunch.

January 2021 saw one resident turning 100 years old. She received a special Birthday Card from The Queen, which was beautiful. We held a special party for her with Ronnie singing in the lounge. Bob prepared a beautiful birthday cake which was devoured by us all. Everyone took the opportunity to get up and dance and have a sing along to some old time favourites.

All staff and residents have now received the 1st COVID vaccination, and we are awaiting the next dose.

We are certainly looking forward to spring and being able to get out into the garden and taking trips out on our minibus. Hopefully things will ease and we can start getting back to normal and see relatives once again.

October / November 2020

I’m pleased to say we have still remained COVID free throughout this pandemic.

Throughout October the weather has been kind to us so can still have outdoor garden visits. We have had many visitors come into the rear garden which is lovely to see and our residents thoroughly enjoy seeing their families again.

We have been getting out on our minibus for journeys around the Kent countryside and even though we don’t physically get off the bus, its lovely to see sites of Kent then stop with a quick brew and biscuit before heading back home.

We decided to put our Christmas decorations up a bit earlier this year so we can all get in the festive spirit nice and early. Christmas songs were playing whilst Mel and residents put up the tree and other decorations. The home is looking so festive - ready for Santa.

Unfortunately the nursery children who usually visit us each month have not been able to visit us due to the COVID restrictions, however during December we have been invited to watch their Christmas carol concerts online on the television in the lounge. This will certainly bring a smile to our faces. We have missed the children dearly and look forward to seeing them next year - hopefully.