The Southerndown care home gardens are beginning to burst with colour and wildlife. Our residents just love to take a stroll in the sun. On a morning nature walk they spotted; squirrels, starlings and sparrows, there are even birds nesting in our bird boxes. Taking a seat in the summer sun is just the tonic we needed, catching rays as the world goes by – We’re all amazed at the difference some sunshine makes.

Our residents have been enjoying a little reminiscence therapy courtesty of The Theatre Chipping Norton by way of their 'captured on camera' information sheets and memorable items contained in their Memory Lanes gift box.

The items brought back so many wonderful memories of growing up in Chipping Norton. Especially for Joan who moved from London during the war to become part of the Land Army and “do her bit for the war effort “. Joan loved chippy so much she ended up staying around the local area.

Chipping Norton is a wonderful place to live; steeped in history.

During Dementia Action Week, were so pleased to receive a delivery from The Theatre, Chipping Norton; ‘Take Part’ team and our Activities Coordinators couldn’t wait to utilise the contents with our wonderful residents earlier today.

Our box was jam-packed with games and activities to help our residents reminisce through the years. From ‘Tin-Can Alley’ to ‘Hook a Duck’ and plenty of arts and crafts for our team to set up 'All the Fun of the Fair' activity sessions within the home.

Each game helped stimulate found childhood memories of trips to fair grounds, and the addition of retro sweets as the winner’s prizes went down really well too!

We look forward to taking a trip into Chipping Norton and attending the ‘Memory Lane’ open-air exhibition this June (24/06 – 01/08) 2021. Thank you so much The Theatre Chipping Norton for this wonderful gift of kindness from all at Southerndown Care Home.

This morning, our memory lane residents gathered together to help one another complete some more of our Active Mind jigsaw puzzles. Today's theme of the wild coast generated many conversations about holidays, in the UK and abroad with family and friends, swimming in the sea and even diving from the rocks!

The residents of Barchester Healthcare Southerndown care home in Chipping Norton were so excited to get creative with their planting for the Oomph Wellness project. From deciding which items to recycle and rejuvenate into creative containers, to the choice of flowers and foliage to brighten each item and where they should be placed in our gardens.

Old wooden planks were used to create a large planter for vegetable growth and pretty climbers, a suitcase and wicker basket were packed with flowering plants for visiting bees and mini beasts. They used an old bedside cabinet, with its ‘bits & bobs’ draw open to create the ideal planter for fragrant florals. The gardening group had a wonderful time taking part, and planting each with love… 'Henry the hoover' has never looked so good!

We'd like to send a BIG THANK YOU' to our Oomph trainer #AmberDarbyshire and the Oomph Wellness team for setting such a fabulous challenge, (green) fingers crossed you love our residents entry as much as we enjoyed taking part.

Our new ‘Target’ tournament game went down a storm (like the weather) on Sunday. The rules are straight forward, the highest score out of 5 throws is the winner - however it’s not as easy as it looks!

Fortunately our residents had it down to the tee within a couple of practice throws. As Joan commented “it’s easy when you know how” and apparently when Peter mastered his throws, he advised “Overarm, that’s the secret”.

Everyone agreed... it was a great way to spend a rainy Sunday morning.