"If roses tried to be sunflowers they would lose their beauty: and if sunflowers tried to be roses, they would lose their strength" what wonderful words from philosopher Matshona Dhliwayo and how apt as today residents took a walk around our gardens and particularly admired our glorious sunflowers and stunning roses.

We are all so excited to see our planting is bearing fruit, the tomatoes in the green house are ripening and the vegetables planted in the courtyard are nearly ready. Our residents definitely have green fingers the lettuce, cabbage and cauliflower look so good, we all know everything tastes better when you grow your own.

The weather is either too cold or too hot! It really was too hot for anything outside so Tina spent time with our Memory Lane Community making pizzas. We are sure you will agree they look delicious. Cooking and baking are so enjoyed and residents love preparing their own food and chatting about favourite foods.

Huge congratulations to the staff and residents at White Lodge for winning Garden of the Year in their Division at the Barchester Care Awards. There are over 70 homes within the central region so this is an outstanding achievement. White Lodge will now go forward to the National Awards later in the year, we will keep you all updated and in the meantime we will all continue to enjoy our stunning gardens.

Congratulations to our Activities Coordinator Martine Whitehead and her now husband Andy. The residents and all the team at Barchester White Lodge wish them a long and happy marriage. White Lodge gave Martine a hen do to remember and it was an afternoon full of fun and giggles. All the residents entered into the spirit and we love the photos with so many happy smiles. We also thought you would like to see Martine on the big day itself, she looked beautiful. With two hen dos in a month - who is next from White Lodge to walk down the isle?!