Hello all bookworms! We have thoroughly enjoyed celebrating Book Lovers' Day on the 9th August.

In the morning we discussed our favourite books. Rose, pictured, shared that her favourite is ‘Pride and Prejudice’ because, “the story has a bit of everything and is very descriptive.” Some of our residents also read short stories and non-fiction titles, including Jean. pictured, who read The Story of the Olympics while having a cup of tea and cake.

After lunch we listened to audio books including a short story by Roald Dahl called ‘The Hitchhiker’ which is one of his more adult-themed stories. Everyone was  captivated by the narration and the voices used for the different characters.

Other residents enjoyed watching films based on books and 'Nanny McPhee’ was a big hit. We do enjoy family films at Ashby House and Chris said he can’t wait to watch another.

All the book lovers here really enjoyed being in a different place by watching, reading or listening to a well written book.

Today at Ashby was another very hot day, with temperatures hitting 30 degrees. After lunch, to help everyone stay as cool and hydrated as possible, the Activities Team set up a trolley of delicious, thirst-quenching, cold drinks in a variety of flavours, and platters of fruit prepared by the kitchen team, including melon, grapes and peaches. Residents enjoyed these treats in the shade, under the parasols in the garden, with our sun cream and sun hats on. We admired the flowers, and the runner beans and peas that we have been eating with our dinners. We chatted about our own gardens over the years, what we used to grow in them, and playing in them with our families. A lovely time was had by all.

Ashby House residents celebrated International Day of Friendship by reminiscing about friends old and new. Everyone really enjoyed telling us all about the the important friendships in their lives and recalling fond memories. We made some Friendship Rainbows and coloured in some pictures. Chef made us some lovely cookies to go with our afternoon cup of tea while we chatted about what made our friends so special to us. And at the end of the day, we received a lovely surprise from another Barchester care home, Collingtree Park in Northampton. They sent us a big box of assorted doughnuts, which went down a treat!

During the past few months members of a local Scouts group have written to our residents. Some of the children’s letters spoke of their experience during COVID-19, including not being able to go to the park or school, and having to do school work at home. Others spoke about positive things, such as learning to ride a bike and helping their parents around the house.

Ashby House residents loved to hear and read the letters which lifted their spirits. This month we returned the favour by replying in writing and colour. John and Jim wrote about their pets back home and the relatives who are looking after them. Other residents spoke of our garden visits and their happiness at seeing their relatives again. Others described what they did before they retired and asked what the children would like to do when they leave school.

Jean particularly enjoyed decorating some cards, and Rose liked reading the cards and replying to the Scouts (both are pictured). Ashby House residents enjoyed this activity and we will try to continue a pen pal relationship. We eagerly await the Scouts' replies.

Ashby House general manager, Wojciech Kuczkowski, is delighted to announce that the new residential community at Ashby House is to be named Dove Lane.

This fitting name for a lovely part of our home represents peace, hope love and unity, and was suggested by Intisar, a year 9 pupil at The Hazeley Academy, in a competition we ran for children at local schools. We look forward to Intisar coming to see us later in the year when we are able to have visitors again.

Residents at Ashby House, including Jean and Christopher (pictured), took part in selecting the winning name from all the entries submitted by local children.

Congratulations, Intisar, and thank you to everyone who suggested a name - we had lots to choose from and it was a tricky decision.

At Ashby House we had the first reunion visits between residents and their families this week - the first of many visits. Joyce was so happy to be visited by Michelle and Martin, and vice versa. Residents have been looking forward to seeing their loved ones for three months now and some were overwhelmed with happiness when the time came - tears of joy were shed. Everyone was pleased to catch up on news and see that their loved ones are well and happy. Relatives marked the occasion with gifts such as flowers, chocolates, magazines and lots of snacks for later. The weather was kind too and gave us the hottest day of the year so far. We’d like to  thank everyone for cooperating with our hygiene and social distancing guidelines which helped to make it a very successful day. We look forward to seeing you again soon!