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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’.
NOW FOR OUR
FORTHCOMING EVENTS -
ALL FAMILY AND
FRIENDS ARE VERY WELCOME TO ATTEND
Friday the 12th February
Valentine’s
Day Lunch, followed by entertainment by ‘Kiddley Divey’ at 2.00 p.m.
We will also be
organising outings for the summer, plus our Annual Garden Party during June –
dates will be announced a.s.a.p.
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