The inaugural Tapas Monday was a big success.

Of course, tapas is traditionally a Spanish affair, but why stop at tradition? Every other Monday evening in the Orangery, tapas dishes will feature foods and drinks from around the globe. We are simply combining what we know residents enjoy – good food in smaller portions at a reasonable price, an opportunity to try new wines … and not forgetting some rather excellent company.

Look at the weather! We could almost have been in Spain. The atmosphere was enhanced further by Sam Wilkes, who is usually to be found working in the kitchen but played guitar for us to enjoy. Thanks Sam!

The next Tapas Monday on 21st May will focus on Africa, with 6 new dishes. Can’t wait!

Thank you very much to the lovely ladies from Darlington Flower Club who offered to celebrate National Flower Arranging Day by giving a very interesting demonstration to residents.

Not only did they create some wonderful displays but they very kindly gave them to lucky residents at the end of the session. It was a thoughtful gesture that meant a lot.

” I don’t want to go home!” commented a visitor on Saturday afternoon.

What a day … what a week! This year as always, Middleton Hall took part in the annual Care Home Open Day programme. This is a valued national initiative that lends an opportunity to show others what life here is like.

The theme for all care homes in 2018 was ‘Linking Communities’ and we chose to focus on the topical subject of the Commonwealth. Each of the care services – Middleton Court, Gardens, Oaks and Grove chose a different Commonwealth country to feature in their activities throughout the preceding week. It was busy, busy, busy …

There was … a Commonwealth quiz, some arty-crafty Indian collage and bejazzelling elephant sessions, screenings of The King and I and Slum Dog Millionaire, and an array of tasty goodies such as Sri Lankan curry, Quebecois maple taffy apples, and Australian and French style cupcakes. The decorations were spectacular – in fact it was hard to tell Middleton Oaks from the real Australian outback.

Residents’ families were invited to come and see what we were getting up to. Everyone could enjoy the indoor curling and bowling, and the rousing performance of ‘Songs from the Musicals’ by the Middleton Hall choir.

It was obvious to all our guests that we don’t just have some impressive facilities but a great lifestyle within them.

It was simply a first class evening on RMS Titanic.

Residents who booked ‘tickets’ for their passage were delighted with the three course menu, re-created from the original one aboard the Titanic in 1912. They enjoyed selecting from the sumptuous range of four starters, five mains and some truly authentic desserts. A new wine list was launched, most appropriately for an evening such as this.

Residents dressed for the evening with pizzazz; a bottle of fizz was awarded to the best dressed table of diners. Many stayed on at the Captain’s Table.

There was even a special item on display – an intricate model of the Titanic, constructed over two years by a resident.

The kitchen team gives thanks for the many positive messages received, and adds that they thoroughly enjoyed it too! Unlike the original Titanic, which came to a tragic end, this boat will certainly set sail again.

“Did you ever get the cane?”

This was a very good question, one amongst many posed to residents by pupils from St George’s C of E Academy Primary School at a ‘Back to School’ coffee morning.

It was a lovely opportunity to for children and residents alike to learn a lot in a busy and cheerful hour of questions and games. We played Beetle; a game from our youths that some of today’s young ones were not familiar with. We Spotted the Differences together, and guessed the number of eggs in a jar.

Thank you to the school for making our day. Everyone received top marks for behaviour and there were no detentions!

Staff of Middleton Hall enjoyed a celebration event to recognise their annual successes. This year’s Hawaiian theme was well and truly embraced.  It was a glorious evening of colour, entertainment, fun and above all a sense of togetherness.

The event was held at the Hall Garth Golf and Country Club Hotel. Following tropical cocktails and a lovely two-course dinner, Managing Director Jeremy Walford gave a short speech to outline the many significant highlights of 2017. It was a year of firsts as Middleton Oaks and the temporary Medical Practice opened their doors. It was also a year of anniversaries as Middleton Court, Middleton Woods and The Waterside reached their 10th, 10th and 5th birthdays respectively. The CQC awarded a rating of Outstanding on all counts and the village was shortlisted for Skills for Care and Caring UK awards.

Training and long service achievements were recognised with certificates and gifts. Val Robson deserves particular mention for her magnificent 35 years’ commitment.

The senior management team then surprised everyone else, including Jeremy, with an accomplished (and hilarious) performance of the Haka! This was without doubt a highlight of the evening, especially as the All Blacks have provided inspiration for Middleton Hall’s core values.

After the formalities, such as they were, were over, the games and dancing began. Some talented hula hooping and limbo dancing was seen, and teams from across Middleton Hall generally let their hair down. Staff are even Outstanding in their approach to fun!

This week saw the installation of the first outdoor gym equipment in our grounds.

The initiative combines the popular Woodland Walk and an opportunity to make some interesting stops along the way.

Robust and sustainable, the equipment is designed to be enjoyed by residents and staff of all abilities and mobilities. This particular set of apparatus is a good test for those who fancy a challenge on the bars. During the Spring months, further pieces of equipment will be added to different spots along the route. The range will be a balance of apparatus of all.

Looking forward to Spring!