As we come to the end of 2022, we look back on what has been a fun-filled, memorable time at Avonbourne Care Centre.  It’s been full of smiles and music, laughter and dancing, and all sorts in between.  We’ve cast our minds back to recall some of our highlights.

January

We played our cards right with our version of the classic game show, and enjoyed getting out and about in the neighbourhood to make the most of the glorious blue skies that became so familiar throughout the year.

January also saw the launch of The Castle pub, which has become a firm favourite with the residents.  Every Friday and Saturday evenings, our coffee shop is transformed into a traditional pub, with thanks to Wadworth brewery for the accessories.

February

As February started, we celebrated Chinese New Year. We welcomed Moonraker & Rose Florist for their first of many visits for the year, filling our home with beautiful blooms.

There are some keen bakers amongst our residents and we entered the Fortnum & Mason Jubilee Pudding competition with our delicious lemon, lavender and honey cheesecake.  It was also a sporty month for us, watching rugby and football on the television, and playing skittles in our coffee shop.

March

March took on a green-fingered theme as we looked forward to spring.  We planted up some pots for our balconies, and made pretty cards with the flowers we pressed last summer.   The weather was so lovely that some of our residents got out in the garden to weed and plant our raised beds ahead of the summer season.

April

We hatched some chicks for Easter and enjoyed lots of chocolate.  The lovely weather continued and we bought some new patio furniture to enjoy our outside.

May

By May, our thoughts had turned towards the Jubilee and we started to plan for that party.  We had musical performances from Dave Dawson and Mike and Muriel, through Imperial Charity.

June

The Jubilee was a big highlight for us all; the food, the company, the weather, the memories! We tried our hand at line-dancing, and Brian Slade had us all dancing in the garden for Pride Month.

July

It was all about the animals in July.  Chloe’s Mobile Farm came to visit us in July.  We loved all the animals, but the donkey and the pony held a particular affection for us. Kelly’s Donkeys also visited us at the home, and they were so gentle.  We also had a chance to see some less furry creatures with ZooLab and their snakes and spiders (among others!).

August

We took the chance to celebrate the commitment and dedication of some our team this month, as Bourne House Home Manager, Amy Thorne, and Care Leader, Julie Gibson, celebrated ten years with the Trust.  We also marked Ukraine Independence Day with some themed crafts.

September

September was tinged with sadness as we learned of the passing of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II.  Many of our residents held a great affection for the Royal Family and for the Queen in particular, and we took comfort from sharing stories and memories.

We took a trip to the bowling alley, and the work started on redecorating our coffee shop.

October

We welcomed curate, Mary, to hold our harvest festival service, and took a trip to the airfield.

There was success for our team at the Wiltshire Trust Recognition Awards.

November

Welcoming members of 19th Regiment RA was a big highlight for lots of residents, many of whom have ties with the Armed Forces.  We loved to see the photos families shared of our residents in their uniforms and of their medals.  Daisy Chain gave us a wonderful performance of all our old favourite songs.

December

Christmas always comes to Avonbourne early as we love the festive spirit!  We decorated and put up trees around the home, and got involved with lots of traditional activities, including seeing Cinderella at the pantomime and a trip to Salisbury Cathedral.

These are just some of our highlights and we look forward to making lots more memories in 2023.  Wishing you all a wonderful festive season and a fabulous new year!