Grand Opening of Peggy’s Cafe

In July 2014 Peggy Stephens chose Birchy Hill to become her new home. She loved the Staff and the Staff loved her. She was telling us all sorts of stories from her life and everybody enjoyed listening to Peggy.

Her early years spent in the Army, being an entertainer for the young and old, whilst dancing, singing and playing the piano. Peggy was also a proud owner of a pig farm, these were just a few of her stepping stones.

Sadly Peggy passed away just before her 94th Birthday in November 2016. Her family and the Staff at Birchy Hill miss her very much.

So today Tuesday 29th November 2016 we opened “Peggy’s Cafe” as a tribute to “Poplars Queen of our Hearts”

All of Peggy’s Family, Friends, Residents and Staff at Birchy Hill listened to Ian Stephens and our Home Manager Mark Yon said some nice words and we all enjoyed a cup of coffee and a lovely slice of cake, after the new signage was revealed for our Cafe.

Pet Therapy at Mabbs Hall

Mabbs Hall provides regular Pet Therapy Sessions and the Residents really enjoy it

We Will Remember Them!!

From the beginning of November, Residents and Staff here at Birchy Hill Care Home purchased Poppies from the Royal British Legion and wore them to show their respect for all those killed in the Two World Wars and for more than 12,000 Servicemen and Servicewomen killed or injured ever since 1945.

On Armistice Day, on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we were following the British Tradition to pause for a two minute silence.

Afterwards Reverend John, the Vicar from St Luke’s Church in Sway held a short remembrance service and found the right words for everyone who has lost a loved one in the conflicts. He also gave his blessing to everybody.

Our Home made a poppy wreath (as pictured below)

At 21:00pm we watched the televised programme from the Royal Albert Hall

For Remembrance Sunday or Veteran’s Day, we had special Sunday lunch after seeing the Queen and Senior members of the Royal Family at the Cenotaph, in Whitehall, London on television.

Later we then watched an episode of Dad’s Army which put the Residents in a lighter mood.

We then finished the day off with a small tea party.

Mabbs Hall Remembering the fallen

The Residents from Mabbs Hall joined in the local Community on Remembrance Sunday in the town of Mildenhall and submitted a wreath

Orchid Care Home in the local Swindon Advertiser

Care home residents craft poppies to remember fallen soldiers (From Swindon Advertiser)

Care home residents craft poppies to remember fallen soldiers

Care home residents craft poppies to remember fallen soldiers (From Swindon Advertiser)

RESIDENTS of Orchid Care Home saw Armistice Day celebrations come to them with a day full of poignant tributes.

The elderly folk crafted poppies and crosses with the names of loved ones who they lost in the wars, before placing them in their garden of remembrance which was later illuminated by dozens of lanterns also bearing poppies.

Manager Dawn Drew said: “We have got residents here who are of an age that they are able to tell stories of the war days.

“Last year we held a smaller version of today and residents really enjoyed it, although it was a sad time, so we thought we would do it a second time. It’s also about remembering people they lost”.

Care home residents craft poppies to remember fallen soldiers (From Swindon Advertiser)

The care home in Haydon organised a service at 11am and a large handmade poppy was donated by the Beaver section of the 7th Swindon Scout group.

Pupils from Even Swindon paid a visit as well dressed in clothing that would have been worn during the war, before joining in with singing which Dawn described as heart-warming.

She added: “A lot of our residents couldn’t get out to go to services and the cenotaph so we decided to bring it to them.

“Our residents were able to share their experiences and one brought medals from her grandson who is serving in Afghanistan.

“It was a really lovely action-packed day.”

bugle-player

Meg Bundock wrote to Dawn Drew the Home Manager via Facebook:-

On behalf of all residents and families who attended any of the numerous events of the day, a massive ‘thank you’. What you do at Orchid is simply amazing. The last post, the lanterns made by the residents, the signing of the crosses, the children from Rodbourne School, to the Scouts presentation of the poppy memorial. Like many other such days at Orchid ‘ it was special’. I really do think you sre the best in the country for the love and care you and your staff give to the residents. As an afv I salute you! xxx Meg