November seems to have flown by.
Busy
again at the Manor, our third Poem, put together by some of our ladies and
gentlemen is finally finished. We enjoyed a ‘reading’ of it together to
check the details that were included and to make sure that everyone was happy
for it to go to print. You'll see a copy soon at the Manor. 
Amongst
our physical Activities we have had Throwing Rings, Target Toss, The Parachute
Game and Giant Dice. Our usual exercise from our chairs had a couple of
twists...one week including Musical Instruments and on Curry Week
Movement to authentic Indian Music and a demonstration of Indian Dance.
We enjoyed Poppadoms with our coffee and dear Chris cooked up a wonderful
Indian Meal for those who wanted it.We celebrated St. Andrews Day with a decorated Dining Room, themed food, Quiz and a DVD of ‘Scotland from the Air’.
Singing along to The Batchelors brought back many memories as did watching D-Day ...The Atlantic Invasion.
We were very lucky to receive visits from the Steyning Girl Guides who gave a Remembrance Day Service, a beautiful singer called Sophie and the Table Tennis team.
Alan was in his element running around the grounds wearing his head light and setting off the firework display which was really great. Thank you Alan.
Pudsey Bear had his annual airing and monies were raised once again. The cakes were fantastic and the staff were delighted to dress up in their Pudsey Spots !
Our ‘Mind benders’ included Triads, Famous Couples and Closure Phrases. As Christmas is drawing closer we enjoyed a Reminiscence Session talking about Gifts and Christmas food from years gone by. One gentleman remembered receiving a lead toy horse and a wooden aeroplane in the RAF colours, one of our ladies remembered receiving a China Doll and that her two brothers squabbled and broke off the doll’s head ! Another cherished memory was of a doll called Suzie and wax crayons. Another doll was called Elizabeth after our Queen who was at that time a Princess.
Moving onto the festive food everyone seemed to remember having silver three penny piece coins in the Christmas Pudding always served with homemade custard (I can hear Zoe now reading about the coins and shaking thinking ‘Health and Safety...Health and Safety !) Individual Yorkshire Puddings and homemade horseradish sauce with sprouts, cauliflower and roast potatoes were on the menu with the turkey and pork.
One gentleman even remembered attending a Christmas Midnight Service, taken by the Reverend Tarrant, at Southwick.
A big Congratulation to Zoe on reaching the final of the Regional Care Home Manager Award. You will see the photos on a seperate link. A lovely time was had by all ! Sally-Ann joined us on this occasion which was great.
Finally I’d like to report on our BBC Children in Need Sponsored Tap Sessions at Let’s Dance ! (Hassocks). We had a one hour Children’s Fancy Dress Session in the afternoon and a two hour Adult one in the evening. Our pupils and their families pledged in excess of £1,400 for the cause...lots of sore feet but happy faces ! Please see photos below.
Here is the count down to Christmas I hope to see you on the Families Day on 22nd.
John and I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Robin
