Activities at Upton Bay Care Home

A virtual event was held where they learnt how to make non-baking Christmas tree decorations. This creative activity allowed residents to showcase their artistic talents and add a personal touch to their holiday decorations.

In the afternoon, Vicar Tessa led a wonderful church service centred around Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas. James, a parishioner, recited readings from the Bible, and the residents joyfully sang traditional Christmas carols such as "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" and "Away in a Manger."

The residents on Memory Lane then took part in building their own gingerbread house, a delightful and challenging task. With the guidance of Karen and Chloe from Activities, the residents mixed icing sugar and egg white to stick the house together, overcoming the challenge of keeping it from falling apart. Laughter and jokes filled the room as they decorated the gingerbread house with an assortment of sweets. To top it off, they enjoyed a piece of the gingerbread with a cup of tea, savouring the fruits of their labour.

Day 5 of the Christmas Countdown at Upton Bay, the HOBOS Morris Dancers and Band visited and delighted everyone with their incredible dance moves. The residents were thoroughly entertained with the singing of fabulous Christmas songs and enjoyed participating in the sing along. The lively performances brought much joy, and the residents showed their appreciation by clapping and cheering. The dancers' colourful costumes added to the festive ambiance of the event. The residents are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to see them again in the Spring/Summer. A big thank you to HOBOS for providing a fantastic afternoon of entertainment.

On Day 4 of the Christmas countdown at Upton Bay, we had a special wish edition that brought joy and warmth to our hearts. Back in August, Audrey's daughter, Linda, and I started organising a very special wish for Audrey. We wanted to give her something that meant the world to her. Audrey has always loved listening to her granddaughter, Nicky, sing, but due to the pandemic, they haven't been able to be together for a performance. That's when the idea struck us. Why not grant Audrey her special wish during the Christmas season, right by the magnificent tree in reception.

Today was the day we made Audrey's wish come true. As Audrey walked into Reception, she was greeted by her daughter, Linda, her son-in-law, and her other granddaughter. The look on Audrey's face was priceless. It was a mixture of surprise, joy, and overwhelming happiness. Audrey exclaimed, "What a lovely surprise!" Her Christmas wish had been granted, and she couldn't have been happier.

Day 3 of the Christmas countdown at Upton Bay was filled with joy and excitement. We were fortunate to have the incredibly talented entertainer, Vici, join us for the day. Vici serenaded us with soulful Motown songs, including classics like "Dancing in the Street" by Diana Ross and the Supremes, as well as hits by Elton John and many others. The atmosphere was electric as everyone danced, clapped, and even waved their arms in the air. The room was filled with singing, laughter, and pure enjoyment. It was a truly memorable day for all who attended.Vici Jo

Day 2 of our Christmas Countdown at Upton Bay. Yesterday, we held our highly anticipated Christmas Fayre, which turned out to be a delightful experience for all the families in attendance and friends from our local community.

The event was a resounding success, with a variety of stalls that were beautifully organised by Sarah Tarrant, Holly Keizer and The Men’s Shed. Their attention to detail and dedication to creating a festive atmosphere truly shone through. From handmade crafts and unique gifts to mouthwatering treats, the stalls offered something for everyone.

A highlight of the fayre was the enchanting Santa's Grotto, where Ross from the Men Shed community played a wonderful Santa Claus. The children were thrilled to meet Santa, and the magical moments created will surely be cherished for years to come.

We would like to recognise and appreciate the incredible efforts of Jean, our dedicated postal service provider at Upton Bay. Jean's commitment to delivering cards with a warm smile has not only brought joy to people's faces but has also created a ripple effect of happiness within our community.

During this festive season, Jean has been even more instrumental in spreading Christmas cheer. She has been delivering stationary for the Upton Bay community, ensuring that everyone has the resources they need to create personalized Christmas cards.