Activities at Beeston View Memory Lane Community

We took a trip to Eastham recently and made the most of the fantastic weather by having a picnic.

We left early to enjoy a full day out and arrived in Eastham at around 11:00am. We set ourselves up a couple of benches overlooking the Harbour. We were able to watch the boats on the River Mersey and see the planes flying over from Liverpool Airport too. There was plenty of people-watching to be done and children to keep us amused, as well as dogs to pet. We ate our picnic next to the Harbour and enjoyed ice cream too. There was a lovely old ticket office there that had been converted into a small shop that sold tea, coffee and treats, so we made the most of that too.

It was a relaxing day but with plenty to look at and discuss. Residents requested fish and chips for their tea, so on our way home we stopped off and enjoyed those before returning back to the home just after 5:00pm. It was a long, but very enjoyable day all round.

We enjoyed celebrating the Queen's birthday recently. Residents watched the parade on the television in the communal area and waved Union Jack flags. We have had bunting and flags up across the home as well as pictures of the Royal Family, including Her Majesty herself.

We have looked at books about the Royal Family, enjoying pictures from throughout her reign. There have been traditional English tea parties and music too, along with some singing and dancing.

We held our annual Open Day on Saturday 18th June this year at Beeston View.

We had wonderful sunshine for the entire day, which we made the most of by holding the entire event in the home's gardens.

There was musical entertainment provided by John Hughes Music, who played for 3 hours as everyone was enjoying it so much. There was a little dancing and a lot of singing. We had plenty of outdoor games, such as swing ball, croquet, footballs, table football and pool, badminton, scrabble, family fortunes Board skittles. There was also a cake stall, a bottle tombola and a raffle. We served hotdogs and burgers to residents and visitors alike and there was tea, coffee, cold drinks and Pimm's available too.

We had Maritza, our Zumba lady, in during the afternoon who entertained those residents and visitors who were unable or who chose not to come outside. It was a busy yet enjoyable day with a chance for everyone to socialise together.

We have had a visit from the local Beaver Scout Group at Beeston View this month. They came to help us weed and prepare our garden for the summer months. We cleared our raised flowerbeds ready for planting and weeded the flower beds around the garden too. Residents joined in and enjoyed spending time with the children. We have already painted some pots for outside with help from the Scouts; we will be planting these in the upcoming weeks with herbs and tomatoes - this will help to stimulate the senses.

Special interest was sparked by the finding of a big hairy caterpillar, which one of the Beavers took home to put in his garden.

This will be an ongoing project with monthly visits and the Beaver Scouts will be earning some badges for helping.

We have celebrated another birthday this month; Janet turned 88 years young, so we held a tea party with a birthday cake in the dining room, where we all sang Happy Birthday and enjoyed a singalong to make sure that Janet had a lovely afternoon. Her family came in to help her enjoy her day too.

We have been enjoying the Sunshine out on the balcony recently.

We have had drinks, chats and potted some plants whilst attempting to get a tan ready for the summer. Residents and their families have made the most of the good weather.