Christmas is always an exciting time of year atHarper Fields, with many festive activities happeningevery day throughout December. Everyday activitiesincluded arts and crafts, jewellery-making, makingindividualised Christmas wreaths and singing classicChristmas carols throughout the home. We had avisit from Father Christmas and his sleigh fromBalsall Common Lions charity; the residents wereover the moon to see Father Christmas approachHarper Fields with Christmas classics playing fromthe sleigh as they sipped on mulled wine and atehome-made Christmas cookies.

The Christmas fayre was a huge success with over£300 raised for the residents’ fund. The atmospherewas electric throughout the home as the guestsplayed on the games and ate home-made cakesbefore coming up to the function room to see thewonderful Lula May perform to end a wonderful day.

Christmas day is always magical at Harper Fields, the staff and volunteers dressed in fantastic outfitswhilst handing out the residents’ presents. The characters included Father Christmas, Mrs Christmas, elves, a Christmas pudding and, last but not least, Hannah the activity coordinators’little dog "Lilly" was dressed in reindeer antlers much to the residents’ amusement.

Christmas celebrations

Winter

NewsletterHarper Fields

News in and aroundHarper Fields

Diwali celebrationsHere at Harper Fields we like to celebrate a variety ofevents, including this year’s Diwali. This year Rani Nisarand the Bollywood Dance Company came to brighten upHarper Fields. Rani came dressed in a traditional sareeand the residents were wrapped in colourful scarves andsparking jewellery. The chefs prepared delicious home-made curry to complement the afternoon.

We would love to thank everyone whomade our Harper Fields bonfire night agreat success. Residents, families, friendsand people from the local communityenjoyed our explosive bonfire nightcelebrations. We chose a selection offireworks from A1 Motor Store in BalsallCommon and enjoyed performances fromKeith, a fantastic fire breather and Tomour juggler, stilt-walker andchildren’s entertainer.

The grounds were filled with a number ofstations including a snuggle marquee, drinkstent, BBQ and hot chocolate and s’moresstall which were all decorated with prettystring lights. Everyone enjoyed traditionalbonfire night treats, including toffee apples,hot dogs, jacket potatoes and toastedmarshmallows dipped in chocolate,beautifully prepared by our chefs.

Everyone pulled together to ensure theresidents had a great time! We cannot waitfor our next community event!

Bonfire nightExplosive bonfire night celebrations!

We love visiting the theatre and it’s even more magical atChristmas time. The Birmingham Royal Ballet production ofthe 'Nutcracker' was mesmerising. One of our residents,Hillary Jones, said: "The outfits are absolutely stunning".As always we took the residents to see this year’s pantomime'Aladdin' on Christmas Eve, the residents’ favourite part of the day was seeing the children interacting with those on thestage. The children's laughter made our residents giggleuncontrollably; it was a really lovely afternoon.

Harvey comes to visit

Christmas theatre visitsLindsay Speed has been with usfor the last three years, and hascontinued to go above andbeyond in her duties at HarperFields. Lindsay always has a bigsmile on her face and nothing istoo much to ask!

Debbie, our General Manager,awarded Lindsay with flowers,chocolates and a certificate andshe was over the moon. One ofthe residents Margaret said: “Lindsay is an amazing memberof the housekeeping team. Youalways know when Lindsay is on duty as my room is sparklingmore than usual!”

Lindsay was awarded staffmember of the quarter (October–December 2015).

Well done, Lindsay!

Star staffmemberof thequarter!As a special treat, Harvey the

boxer dog came to visit thehome. One resident (Fred) tooka particular liking to Harvey ashe used to breed boxers himself.In the words of Fred: “Now thisis a proper dog, best dogs in theworld these are!” Fred’s face litup as soon as he saw Harvey,he keeps asking for him to visitagain, this is perfect forHarvey as he loves lots offuss and attention!

Happy New Year from all at Harper Fields!

Dates for your

4th King and Rackham Duo, violin and piano concert, 2.30pm7th Minibus trip – Brueton Park in Solihull8th Methodist church service at 11am 14th Minibus trip – Melbicks Garden Centre15th Chris Cook and his music workshop, 3.15pm18th Greek celebration day, fun day full of Greek-themed activities21st Minibus trip – Blooms Garden Centre 22nd Church of England church service, 11am 25th Beccie Marshall ‘Old time singer’, 3pm28th Minibus trip – Coventry Memorial Park29th Wild Bill here for armchair line dancing, 3pm

January

4th Minibus trip – Lavender Hall Park5th Linda William’s concert, 3pm8th Adrian Wylde concert, 2.45pm11th Minibus trip – Solihull shopping trip 12th Methodist church service, 11am 13th Paulo Pinto valentine’s concert, 2pm18th Minibus trip – Abbey Fields22nd Simon Watts wildlife presentation ‘Cornish Pastures’, 3pm25th Minibus trip – ‘Romeo & Juliet ballet’ – The Hippodrome26th Church of England service, 11am

Weekly activitiesPet therapy Skittles challenge Tai Chi Movie afternoonsMinibus trips Seasonal arts and craftsSilver surfers’ computer clubQuizzes and sensory games

Church servicesMassage therapySharing memorabilia Professional manicures Walks around ourbeautiful groundsMusic therapyVarious concerts

March1st St David’s day celebrations3rd Minibus trip – Coombe Abbey4th David Knowles concert, 3pm6th Mothering Sunday celebrations7th David Mcfegan accordionist concert, 3pm10th Minibus trip – Jepheson Gardens 11th Methodist church service, 11am11th Chris Cook and his music workshop, 3.15pm17th St Patrick’s day celebrations with David Mcfegan on the accordion, 3pm21st Wild Bill here for armchair line dancing, 3pm24th Minibus trip – St Nicholas Park, Warwick 25th Church of England church service, 11am27th Easter Sunday celebrations

February

Harper Fields Care Home724 Kenilworth Road, Balsall Common, CV7 7HDTel: 01676 531 800 • www.barchester.com