July has been another busy month, here’s a rundown of some of things our residents have enjoyed throughout the month:
Em, one of our carer’s came in for the 3rd year running to discuss the history of pride.
An instrumental afternoon with two of our former trustees. Jim played an assortment of recorders and Ann played her violin. It’s interesting to hear a piece of music played and then discuss the composers, a good way to understand a piece of music.
We would like to thank one of our regular volunteers Erica, who reads poetry to our residents weekly. This is something our residents look forward to each week. We value the time that our volunteers give, it really makes a difference.
Three of our staff have had special birthday celebrations this week. Residents and staff celebrated together and enjoyed lots of cake this week.
Our gentlemen enjoyed watching the football together. A great way to spend time together.
Tea & Memories with our friends hosted at Windsor Lodge. The discussion was about the Great British Seaside. Lots of reminiscing, laughter and discussions were held. Here’s a little history around the subject:
History of the Great British Seaside – did you know that holidays by the sea became popular in the mid-18th century?
Doctors began recommending sea bathing as a cure for health concerns. As we know, the practice for bathing in mineral-rich waters was seen as a cure for disease. This started in what we know as spa towns. At the time the sea was seen as treatment for gout, rabies and tuberculosis and even depression. Only the elite visited the seaside as luxury escape.
Developments in public transport and the introduction of paid annual leave transformed this into holidays for everyone.
Beach huts were first used as private changing rooms for the upper classes. However, they became more commonly used as holiday homes for the working classes during the early 20th century.
After World War Two, there was a huge resurgence in popularity for the Great British seaside holiday and, as demand increased, beach huts became purposely built. In 1909, Bournemouth Council’s borough engineer designed and built 160 new beach huts. Today, there are now 520 council-owned huts and a further 1,200 privately owned at this site. As seaside trips grew, piers were constructed.
Piers were intended to attract wealthy holidaymakers from across the country, bringing tourism to boost local economies. As more and more people flocked to the coast for their holidays during the late 19th century and 20th century, piers developed to become complex entertainment venues – offering everything from shops and kiosks to bandstands and musical performers.
In particular, the arrival of railways in the 1830s and 1840s made travel to seaside resorts much quicker and more accessible. Quiet, unassuming fishing villages were transformed into must-visit tourist attractions as families, keen to escape their industrial cities, ventured to their closest seaside resorts for a break.
Popular beachside entertainment included donkey rides, Punch and Judy shows, penny machines, and visits to the pier.
The need for new forms of mass accommodation led to the birth of Holiday Camps – of which Butlin’s was the pioneer in 1936. These camps, which offered basic accommodation and catering for a fixed price, along with activities and amusements, were revolutionary for their time.
In 1979, for the first time in history, Britons spent more money on overseas holidays than on holidays at home. Nevertheless, the Great British seaside remained popular – particularly as cars became even more relied on for travel – with 40 million Brits heading to the seaside in 1975.
Colour therapy also known as chromotherapy uses the power of colour supporting emotional, physical and emotional well-being. The effects of therapy can help reduce anxiety which helps people feel relaxed. Colouring engages the mind to focus which can reduce stress levels. This impacts the way we lead our lives, helps our sleep pattern, stops one feeling anxious or depressed. It doesn’t matter how young or old someone the effects are the same. It’s something you can do with someone too, a way to enjoy time together with a friend or family member.
Our Summer gathering was a success, families and friends came together and enjoyed a strawberry afternoon tea. The weather was on our side so we could make use of the wonderful garden and patio. Thank you to everyone that was able to attend.
Henley Boat Trip – The Annual river cruise was another success, thanks to Lucy the skipper from Rivertime boat trust. Blessed with glorious weather and a smooth journey. A picnic lunch was enjoyed by everyone whilst enjoying the views up and down the river.