We have all watched with interest as the original stables block (formerly the kitchen) has been transformed into an inspiring new space to enjoy.

Saturday saw the opening of The Art Studio and The Library. Residents and staff came to see the result of the conversion and many stayed to take part in sessions giving a taste of things to come.

The Art Studio can be booked at the Spa Reception by any resident, or member of staff for their residents. Over the coming months we will see just how versatile the room can be – what would YOU like to do here? Make jewellery? Paint or draw? Make pottery? Arrange flowers? There are unlimited possibilities – this is your space.

As a great example, resident Les Simpson will give a talk in the Conservatory at 10.00am on Friday 15th June on ‘An Introduction to Pottery’. He has arranged to lead an 8-week course in the Art Studio (soon to also house a pottery kiln) . If interested, please book a place at the Spa Reception. Great stuff!

The new library is a light and airy room for reading or savouring a quiet moment. As well as books, there are DVDs and a PC to use freely. Thanks to residents Mr and Mrs Mackie for their invaluable help in moving the resources from the previous library room.

So this is exciting news for the whole village! Do ask at the Spa if you would like more information, and keep an eye on posters and the TV screen at Reception. We urge you to pay a visit and open your mind as to what it could mean for YOU.

Happy Birthday to Middleton Oaks! It is one year since the doors opened and what a lovely year it has been!

Residents and staff organised an afternoon that everyone could enjoy. There was a birthday tea, the piñata game and of course cakes and candles.

Now, Catkin House and Acorn House are two happy, settled households. Residents are supported by a strong team of staff in going about their daily lives. The cooking is amazing, there are always some intriguing crafts and decorations to see, and most importantly, there is a sense of something always going on. Along with the birthday party, the latest event has been the arrival of about 20 Pekin chickens in the neighbouring coop and run.

We watch with interest as Middleton Oaks continues to go from strength to strength.

Middleton Oaks happily welcomed some new feathered friends to the chicken coop.

Staff and residents said hello and had a cuddle with 8 Pekin chickens that were kindly donated by a local Middleton St George family. The cosy chicken coop is already home to hens Sage and Little Legs, but there is plenty of room for more inhabitants and it really is a case of the more, the merrier.

The Pekin breed is a distinctly pretty one – hens are as much pets as egg layers. All residents at Middleton Hall are welcome to join in caring for the birds. They are very amusing and get to know those who visit regularly. Come along and check out who becomes top in the pecking order!

It was a right Royal occasion; Middleton Hall certainly did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle proud.

The buzz built up throughout the week leading to the Royal Wedding.  Planning for the big day proved great fun as cakes were baked, decorations created, crowns and tiaras polished and some very professional bunting knitted. The Queen found time in her busy schedule to pop in to approve of the activities.

Saturday dawned bright and clear. There was a party atmosphere as people gathered round TVs to watch the proceedings. A special Royal tea was served and all agreed that it was a day to remember.

Thank you to all those residents and staff who came along to hear Jeremy Walford’s update on Middleton Hall’s journey. As Managing Director, he was keen to give an up do date perspective on progress, and plans moving forwards.

The series of briefing sessions was an opportunity to deliver the results of the surveys undertaken by residents and staff at the close of 2017. This feedback is taken very seriously and forms future planning.

For reference and for those who were unable to attend, please find a summary of the briefings below.

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.