Across our homes, we marked this historic occasion with traditional cream teas and cakes inspired by WI recipes, street-party lunches, and classic fish and chip suppers. Flags were raised high as we sang along to nostalgic wartime tunes. Entertainment included lively performances from duos George and Ginger and the D-Day Dollies, the White Hall Ukulele Band, and energetic jiving from Surrey Jive. It was a truly memorable day, honouring the past while celebrating together.
On 10th May, staff and families joined forces in Guildford to climb, bounce, and slide through the Inflatable 5K Challenge in support of Parkinson’s UK. Thanks to your generosity, we raised an incredible £1,400!
This inspiring intergenerational initiative, led by the Memory Box Foundation and artist Kym Devine, brought together Queen Mary’s College students and Oak Lodge residents. Weekly sessions explored themes like entertainment, holidays, and life milestones, using multi-sensory items from a reminiscence box. Stories shared during these sessions inspired Kym to create a series of poems, showcased at the Basingstoke Festival on 5th July.
Elm welcomed a stunning display of vintage cars courtesy of the Basingstoke Classic Car Club. Residents enjoyed sunshine, refreshments, and plenty of nostalgia. Cedar Lodge resident John summed it up perfectly: “It has been such a lovely afternoon looking at all these wonderful cars, I really wish I could take the Morgan for a spin!”
Janet, the eldest of six, speaks fluent French and spent 30 years in finance at the World Wide Fund (WWF), traveling to India, Pakistan, Africa, and Borneo. Her adventures included safaris, turtle releases, and even meeting Sir David Attenborough! After retiring, Janet pursued her passion for painting, creating stunning watercolours of landscapes, wildlife, and cultural scenes. Her work includes lions, gorillas, and Petra in Jordan. A highlight? Meeting a Masaai warrior in Borneo, who cheekily told her, “Age is just a number!”
We honoured our incredible nurses with chocolates, flowers, and bubbly, and gifted flowers to residents who once worked in nursing. Cedar Lodge resident Brian expressed it best: “The biggest thanks go to each of you for making Cedar Lodge feel like home.”
