Abbeyfield Buckinghamshire Society

Leonard Pulham Nursing Home

February 2010

First and foremost - rather belatedly - a very Happy and Healthy New Year to all our residents, families, sponsors and friends.

The first event for this Newsletter was another film show by Mr. Banfield on the 10th November.  One of the films was on travel around Ireland from the 1960s, which everyone found really interesting.  Mr. Banfield will be returning to L.P.H. during 2010.

On the 11th November we held a ‘Music for Health’ workshop.  This was provided free on a trial basis.  Many of the residents enjoyed this experience, which included exercise and classical music.

The Germains Male Voice Choir came in to entertain us again on Sunday 15th November.  We had a lovely afternoon and a ‘full house’, as nearly all the residents attended this event.  We will be welcoming back the Germains Male Voice Choir during this year.  On the 27th November Banjovi Revival returned to L.P.H.  We had a fabulous afternoon again - Banjovi had an extra banjo player this time, so the group has risen to six!

We had our first Christmas outing to Milton Keynes on 2nd December.  We took six residents and had a very good day out shopping.  Thank you to all the helpers on the day.

We held our first stall on the Wendover Christmas Market on the 5th December  Thanks to all the wonderful contributions for this stall and to Sylvia’s hard work organising this event, we raised £150.  A very big ‘Thank You’ to all the helpers on the day who braved the cold and the early start and a big ‘Thank You’ also to Parvin, who helped and provided us all with much-needed refreshments!

On the 7th December the Ivinghoe Bell Ringers came back to L.P.H. to play some Christmas carols for us.  This was a lovely afternoon and the perfect start to the run-up to Christmas.

The children from Halton Combined School very kindly came to L.P.H. to sing carols for us on the 11th December.  The residents loved this, as it was so nice to see the children again.  Thank you to Sharon and Jo, who provided drinks and cakes, which all the children really enjoyed.

We had our second outing to Milton Keynes on the 16th December taking six residents.  This was again a very successful day and not too busy, considering how close it was to Christmas. 

Colin and Phillipa came to L.P.H. to entertain us with a Carol Concert on the 18th December.  Phillipa very kindly played our new baby Grand Piano - its first ‘proper’ concert!  We had mince pies and sherry and a lovely afternoon.

Our Residents Christmas Party was on the 22nd December -

By one of our residents, Mr. Harry Purver:

“Once again I approached an L.P.H. party – this time the Christmas Party - with some trepidation.  This time everyone seemed to be having a new dress as well as a haircut !

However, my anxiety was lessened by the appearance of many decorations and pretty baubles during the week before the Big Day!  Also, two large Christmas trees, complete with flashing lights – one in the foyer for Betty’s delight and one in the Dining Room for the squirrels’ delight (yes, I’ve seen them in there!) Malcolm and Stefan, aided by the other staff, decorated the Lounge and Dining Room.  Kathy decorated the trees and a Yule log type fireplace.

My eldest daughter – Caroline - was delighted to accompany her sister’s children, Tom and Hannah (on school holidays) to the party.  As we approached the Dining Room from the Lounge, we were bedazzled by the brilliant decorations and the sumptuous tables laid with glasses, cutlery, crackers and trumpets!  We saw a Christmas Raffle and a well-stocked bar!  Lovely!

We were delighted to find Ruth at our designated table near the buffet (which resulted in copious supplies of food!)  Grandson Tom provoked envy as he comfortably demolished two helpings of everything – and even taught Ruth how to do the Chinese Hoop Puzzle from her cracker (or was it vice versa?)

I had to concentrate on my Christmas fare, but I do remember a sobering flash as Sharon took a photo, which turned out to be Liz, Caroline and what looked like a ghost (me!) clutching a chicken leg!

The Raffle ensued with goodwill and I know Mary was delighted to have won a prize.

Afterwards we were entertained by Kaleidoscope, two ladies who sang Christmas songs in the first half and Songs from the Shows during the second, including ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ and ‘Paint Your Wagon’.  I know Betty’s son-in-law Brian enjoyed his time singing with them!

All in all, a good time was had by all!

‘And so to bed’ … until next year’s party!’

Glynis Newman very kindly conducted a Christmas Communion Service on the 23rd December.  We would like to express our sincere condolences to Martin (who has accompanied Glynis to L.P.H. with this wife for each service) on the sad loss of his wife Jennifer just after Christmas.  We will miss Jennifer at L.P.H. very much; she used to talk to all the residents and welcome them to the service.

On the 27th December the Staff v. Residents Quiz was this year won by the staff !!  They did have a ‘secret weapon’ – Mrs. Jan French – who helped them.  So this year the residents are determined to get the title back – watch this space!

Now into 2010 –

We held our New Year Entertainment on the 15th January (mainly due to the bad weather).  Sara came in to play the piano and have a sing a long with residents – plus a glass of bubbly to welcome in the New Year!  Most of the residents attended and we finished off the afternoon with ‘Auld Lang Syne’. 

Finally, would anyone who would like to join our League of Friends please contact Kim, Debbie, Liz or Marianne.  We meet up every couple of months to arrange events/outings etc. for our residents.  If you could spare any time, your help would be very much appreciated indeed.

With best wishes,

L I Z