Activities at Ashlar House Care Home

The afternoon show was a wonderful eclectic mix of music from the past and present featuring the odd spooky tune here and there and of course, classic big band music for residents and their families to enjoy. It was lovely to see so many residents, and their families together getting up and dancing to the turns of yesteryear.

William was a member of the University of the Third Age for 11 years, participating in country & forest walks, retired at the age of 70. After attending the residents October meeting himself and others took on a weekly walking challenge. It can be steps, meters or miles, either way any excuse to catch the winter breeze, enjoy the nature and focus on movement is always welcome. One of our residents has a great competitive spirit and took the challenge of completing the daily steps very seriously. He felt totally rewarded at the finishing line. An Apple watch was issued to the residents, so they could track their steps and show off later. Of course, the fantastic achievements were properly celebrated with cake and tea in the afternoon. What a lovely experience, enjoyed by all involved. 

Willoughby Peters made some beautiful new friends at Ashlar House, and even shared a dance or two. What an lovely afternoon of song and dance. Cannot wait for his return.

What a wonderful morning we’ve just had here at Ashlar House Care Home in Epping yesterday. Our group reiki session with Kate Marshall was loved by all with the vibration and energy in the room reaching high levels on numerous occasions! With a very zen feeling all around, we can’t wait to arrange the next one. 

Rita, the home's Lifestyle Activities attended the Epping Forest Dementia Fair on Saturday, 1st of October, accompanied by Creative Mojo. The aim of the event was to raise awareness for people living with dementia and provide information to those interested. A number of our local partners and local community groups joined the event. It was lovely to see familiar faces and to discuss interesting dementia-related topics. This was the first event of its kind in Epping and the Epping Forest Dementia Action Alliance, working in partnership with the local church, are keen to hold more events like this again in the future. Oovie Usher, a teacher from Coopersale and Theydon Garnon Primary School, also attended, showcasing and raising awareness for the intergenerational work they have done with Ashlar House and how all children in the school learn about dementia. Three Year 6 pupils - Presley, Remy and Elsie - also spoke about the impact it's had on them and why they think children learning about dementia is so important.

The guests were offered a glass of bubbly on arrival and all took great interest in the artwork on display. There was lots of chat, laughter and smiling faces as they wandered around. Great interest was shown in how our Creative Mojo Ltd workshops worked and the residents we worked with. Some guests liked the artwork so much they even wished to purchase some of the pieces. The Mayor, Barbara Scruton, also attended and turned out to be a friend of Claire Stallan Mum and Dad - hence the unconventional hugging photo. Amelia - Lifestyle Leader Rita Green’s daughter - also introduced us all to a great art app she has been using which plays back how the art piece was made from start to finish.