Activities at Ashcombe House Care Home

The best thing about baking is that all the residents get a chance to taste test!  Our honey biscuits were a big hit with a cup of tea in the afternoon.  Although next time we need to make a bigger batch of cheese scones as residents were asking for more the next day!

We worked together to make the honey biscuits, using honey, flour, eggs, sugar and cinnamon.  We measured, mixed, shaped and chatted.  The conversation led to rationing during the war and the lack of bananas! Gerry said “If you got a banana, you’d eat it quick… and hide the evidence.”

The following week we decided to make some cheese scones.  The special ingredient in our cheese scones is…….a little bit of mustard!  We really had to use our muscles to mix the ingredients together but with a bit of team work it was soon ready to roll out.  We each rolled and cut out the scones ready for the oven.

Peggy told us that she used to enjoy making date and walnut cakes, so that will be our next baking for fun bake!

When Milestones Museum got in touch asking if we would like to join them for some reminiscing sessions in their Memory Lounge we jumped at the chance.  We spent the last four Wednesday mornings chatting about holidays in the 60’s, household items, cleaning items and toys of the past.  It was great to see, touch, smell and talk about items that used to be part of our everyday lives.  A glass baby bottle brought back memories for our ladies.  Gerry talked to us about Portsmouth in the war and his job delivering telegrams at the age of 14 on his bicycle.  Victoria made a postcard for everyone at Ashcombe House and Kate said that she had a lovely time in Memory Lounge.

We also got a chance to walk around the museum seeing what life used to be like in Hampshire in the past.  We walked down Milestones Pier and Penny Arcade and admired all the vintage vehicles.

The residents enjoyed the sessions so much they sent a thank you card to everyone at Milestones who made the Memory Lounge sessions so engaging and enjoyable.

Residents and guests at Ashcombe House were treated to a delightful evening of wine tasting, complete with plenty of laughter and fun. The event featured a wide selection of wines, ranging from sweet dessert wines to rich reds and refreshing rosés, all provided by Majestic Wines in Basingstoke. Residents were able to sample the different varieties while learning about the various notes and blends, from floral and fruity to zesty, bitter, and earthy combinations. The evening was further enhanced by the care home’s hospitality team, who prepared a delicious spread of sweet and savoury treats perfectly paired to complement the wines. General Manager Louise commented, “It was lovely to see our residents and guests enjoying such a wonderful evening. We always strive to provide a diverse range of activities, and this wine tasting has been one of our favourites.”  

One resident shared their thoughts on the night: “We’ve had lots of fun this evening. It’s great to get together and try different wines. My favourite was definitely the orange wine, and the food was delicious!” The wine tasting event was a resounding success, bringing joy to residents and guests alike, and showcasing Ashcombe House’s commitment to creating memorable experiences for its community.

Residents spent a morning recalling school days before composing encouraging words for schoolchildren to start the new term positively.

Resident Josie Horton of Ashcombe House said: "You’ve got to be kind to others and always remember if you have any problems share them with your mum, dad or teacher."

Sally Chivers, spent many years working in the kitchen at Kings Furlong Junior School, said: "I hope you all make lots of new friends and remember to always be kind."

Respite resident Kate Andrews said: "Learn to read! If you can read you can do anything."

General manager Louise Lambert said: "It’s been a wonderful morning reminiscing and learning how much school has changed over the years.

"My residents have really enjoyed thinking of their own words of wisdom to pass down to today’s children, from everyone here at Ashcombe we hope all those starting school or going back to school have a wonderful first day back."

With the Colder Mornings arriving residents wrapped up and headed off on the homes minibus to Longacres garden centre in Bagshot. For some it was the first time they had visited Longacres and they were amazed at arriving to a huge outdoor display at the doors. Residents loved seeing all the Autumnal decorations and selected pieces for a display at the home. The Halloween decorations made everyone laugh as skeletons shook and screamed, making us all jump.  Residents enjoyed browsing the gifts and outdoor plants before a pit stop at the restaurant for lunch. The garden centre has a cut flowers shop where residents were able to find their favourite flowers and brought autumn coloured flowers for the homes dining table displays. It was a lovely day and enjoyed by all, with a promise that we will be back when the Christmas shop opens.

Residents were filled with joy during their visit Marwell Zoo. Residents were able to see animals from all round the world in person, and had a chance to glimpse the new Baby Giraffe born just two weeks ago at the Zoo, the first Baby since 2012! The zoo was only allowing visitors to the Giraffe house for a short time so that Mum and Baby could enjoy quiet time together. Residents were excited to see the Monkeys and were not disappointed as the Monkeys went swinging through trees and played together bringing much laughter to the group. The zoo has a few encounter areas meaning residents could see animals in what would be their natural habitat. In the Tropical house, residents came up close to a sloth who was chilling in the tree, staff in the enclosure educated residents all about the sloths, what they eat and how they can rest for up to three days without really moving!