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‘Gung Hei Fat Choi’ as we celebrate Chinese New Year

Our homes have celebrated Chinese New Year with festivities, lantern making, food, music, talks and language learning
Residents, team members and visitors have all come together for fun activities to mark the start of the Year of the Rabbit.

At The Aldbury, residents were greeted with jasmine tea and fortune cookies with traditional Chinese music playing in the background ahead of an arts and crafts session on making Chinese lanterns.

After much threading and construction, resident Beryl Spaulding said of the completed works when they were held up: “Just beautiful”.

Companionship Team member Cara Duroe said: “Some of the messages in the fortune cookies were very apt. Ronald Woolley’s read, ‘Getting older means getting better. Old is good. Get old. Get happy.’ Another read, ‘Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.’

[caption id="attachment_4568" align="alignnone" width="900"] Kingfishers Companionship Team member Christina Holliday, with residents Terry Vass, Joyce Ponsonby and, seated, Lily Holden.[/caption]

“Residents also learned how to draw their name in Chinese. Gwendolyne Hunte took great care in filling hers out, asking for the finished paper to be put on her bedroom wall. “This was a great celebration overall, promoting awareness of another culture and providing stimulation through our planned activities.”

The fun here at Kingfishers, included a talk by Senior Care Lead Fay Suenfa.

Born in China, Fay shared details of her family traditions and how they celebrate Chinese New Year.

Our other homes celebrating the day included Canford Chase which held a tai chi morning and invited residents to make their own Chinese-themed fans.

At Linden House, residents made Chinese-style hats and decorated a model of a dragon’s head during a craft session.

Each Chinese New Year is linked to an animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle. 2023 is the year of the water rabbit. As this is a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity, the year is predicted to be one of hope.

The traditional New Year greeting ‘Gung Hei Fat Choi’ is translated into English as ‘Congratulations and best wishes for a prosperous New Year’.

Our care homes collect chocolate goodies for children at Christmas

Organisers of a charity that provides gifts of chocolate to less fortunate children at Christmas have thanked residents at five of our homes for their support
The Chocolate Elf praised the efforts of residents, staff and families at Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst, Kingfishers in New Milton and the Lymington homes Belmore Lodge, Linden House and Court Lodge for collecting more than 100 selection boxes and advent calendars.

The voluntary group distributes donations to children across Hampshire through contacts in local councils, children’s homes, charities, youth services, hospices and women’s refuges.
Representative Pete Orme, who visited Woodpeckers to pick up the gifts gathered by Colten Care, said: “Thank you so much to the staff, residents and families. Every single donation is truly going to transform a child’s day and, in some instances, their whole Christmas.”
[caption id="attachment_4541" align="alignnone" width="1024"] SWEET SURPRISE. At Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst with some of the chocolate donations are, from left, Colten Care Customer Advisors Tracy Baker, Tracy McCallum and Deborah Davies, and Chocolate Elf charity representative Pete Orme.[/caption]

Altogether, the five homes gathered 45 selection boxes, 56 advent calendars and other donations of chocolate coins, tubs and bars to help with the charity’s work.
Woodpeckers resident Jean Slater said: “How wonderful it was to help with this. Children will always eat chocolate.”

‘Enchanted forest’ gives our residents an early taste of Christmas magic

Residents from our New Forest care homes took the chance to decorate Christmas trees they contributed to a Lymington church festival
Parties from our three homes in Lymington – Court Lodge, Belmore Lodge and Linden House – were joined by our residents to add colour and sparkle to their trees at St Thomas Church.

They then returned a couple of days later to admire the full community collection of more than 60 trees going on public display in what the church described as an ‘enchanted forest’.

Colten Care was among the businesses, organisations and charities to partner on the Christmas Tree Festival, creating a hands-on opportunity for its residents to support a community cause.

As well as viewing the display, our residents enjoyed tea and cake and live music performed by Milford West Gallery Quire and the Forestina Concertina Group.
Court Lodge resident Joy Blackmore said: “It was so lovely to be a part of something so traditional and like old times. I had such a wonderful afternoon.”
Our Chief Operating Officer, Elaine Farrer, said: “Our residents have had a magical time being involved in the festival, preparing their trees in advance and visiting again for the opening.

“They had great fun looking through the collection knowing that hidden amid the sea of tinsel, lights and baubles they would find a tree of their very own.”

Our homes spread the love with Random Acts of Kindness

From makeovers and foot spas to gifts for children in hospital, Colten Care homes across the south have been enjoying giving and receiving Random Acts of Kindness
Random Acts of Kindness Week takes place in February every year and urges people to ‘make someone’s day’ with a kind gesture.

Rose Arcellana our Companion Team Leader explained: “We discovered the Random Acts of Kindness campaign at the start of the pandemic and have found it to be a lovely way to make an extra fuss of our residents while they have been apart from their families. “We really enjoy figuring out ways to make each other smile with lovely treats.

[caption id="attachment_4552" align="alignnone" width="768"] With shortbread gifts are resident Terry Vass and Companionship Team member Christina Holliday.[/caption]

“Among those enjoyed by our residents this year were a hair makeover for Betty Kilford and a relaxing foot spa for Pat Dartnell.
“Our special and very popular ‘shop trolley’ was a result of one of our residents’ meetings and has been a great way of helping our residents access their favourite treats such as chocolates, biscuits and toiletries while they haven’t been able to go out to the shops.”
Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst, got ‘crafty’ for Random Acts of Kindness Week, with residents making flower-festooned hearts and greeting cards which they filled with kind messages and handed out to staff, visitors and family members.

The home also approached its local Tesco and Co-op supermarkets and florist Corbin’s for donations, so it could place small floral posies wrapped by the residents on benches throughout the village.

At Abbotts Barton residents and staff made up small care packages for children being treated in the city’s hospital, to cheer them up and let them know all at the home were thinking of them.

And at Wellington Grange residents enjoyed decorating jam jars, which they filled with tea light candles and placed on the doorsteps of their neighbours in the local community around the home.

Abbey View  also took its Random Acts of Kindness ‘on the road’, using the home minibus to place small clay hearts with a kind message on them at different locations around the town. Notes attached asked people finding them to take a photo of themselves with the hearts and email them back to the home, saying what the gift had meant to them. Abbey View intends to make a special display of photographs they receive.

Colten Care totaliser tops hundreds for Children in Need 

Residents and team members across our homes have done their bit for Children in Need by raising more than £400.
The total was totted up from various events held during and since the BBC’s annual fundraising appeal.

Here at Kingfishers in New Milton, Hampshire, residents had fun at a singalong with visiting pianist Mark Busell who played tunes from the 40s, 50s and 60s.
Resident Terry Darrell said: “Everyone had a great time. We had many people really engaged with it. There was a lot of foot tapping and dancing. It felt like New Year’s Eve.”
As well as the live music, we held a cake sale at reception while staff wore Pudsey-style T-shirts and onesies.

Court Lodge in Lymington celebrated Children in Need with an afternoon tea and raffle featuring prizes such as hairdos, freshly baked cakes and chocolates.

The fun at Avon Cliff in Bournemouth included a duvet and pamper morning while at Bourne View in Poole there was bingo and a cheese and wine party.

Our dedicated dementia care homes also took part in activities for the appeal.

At Fernhill in Longham, Dorset, staff and residents held a pyjama day and an afternoon of baking cupcakes to sell.

At St Catherines View in Winchester, residents decorated cupcakes for children at the nearby school and enjoyed a visit by balloon artist Chris Kimber who made some very clever balloon creations in front of their eyes.

The home’s Customer Advisor Vanessa Hall did her bit for Children in Need by walking ten miles to work specially in aid of the appeal.
“We greeted her with a banner we had made the day before,” said Companionship Team Leader Laura Sheldrake. “Welcoming Vanessa, getting involved with the cupcakes and watching the balloon artistry of Chris gave everyone a great opportunity to come together and have fun while supporting such a worthy cause.”

Pat stays positive as she reaches 100

“Optimism, exercise, holidays abroad and a daily glass of white wine” are the secrets of a long life according to Pat
Pat Dartnell revealed her recipe for longevity as the celebrated her centenary among family and friends.

Born in South Wales in 1922 just four years after the end of the First World War, Pat grew up as the middle one of three sisters, Joan being the eldest and Sheila the youngest.

Pat’s earliest childhood memories are of the trio cycling to school and going for lots of healthy walks together.

She was still a teenager when World War Two broke out and, like many others of her generation, took part in community volunteering during the war years.

In 1952 she married Les Dartnell. The couple were happily married for more than half a century and enjoyed holidays and travel in Europe, with Italy holding especially fond memories for Pat.

Les had a brother who lived in Brockenhurst and visiting him over the years eventually led to Pat and Les retiring to the New Forest and realising their wish to be near the south coast.

[caption id="attachment_4580" align="alignnone" width="743"] POSITIVITY. Smiling Pat Dartnell enjoys herself on her 100th birthday [/caption]

On her landmark birthday, Pat had a family get-together here at Kingfishers, welcoming a niece who was over from the United States.

And amid cards, flowers and cake, Pat was also the centre of attention at a celebratory afternoon tea party with fellow residents.

Rose Arcellana, Companionship Team Leader, said: “When we asked Pat for any tips on living to a great age she was quick to say you should always try to enjoy life, stay active and be optimistic. She said how much she enjoyed a social life, her holidays abroad and keeping fit through swimming and athletics. A daily glass of white wine, usually before lunch, was another of her recommendations. She’s also from a family with a history of long living so that has helped too.”

Rose added: “Pat is such a lovely lady with a highly positive attitude to life. Even at 100 years old, she enjoys being active and taking part in gentle exercise. She is a regular at our seated aerobics and yoga and when we do our armchair travel and history sessions. It was a tremendous privilege to help her celebrate and have fun on her centenary.”

Although she has now reached the great age of 100, Pat is not our oldest resident, as fellow centenarian Marjorie Nutton turned 101 in March this year.

‘Remarkable’ BSO French Horn player leaves our care home residents astounded 

We welcomed guests from our sister home, Court Lodge in Lymington, for a special performance by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s (BSO’s) new Artist in Residence, Felix Klieser.
Residents enjoyed a stunning performance from Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s (BSO’s) new Artist in Residence, the professional musician Felix Klieser, who plays the French Horn with his feet.

Felix was accompanied on the piano by his BSO colleague Kevin Pritchard and the musicians led the audience through a stunning one-hour set which included concertos by Beethoven, Mozart and Strauss.

Felix, who began a two-year tenure as the Artist in Residence at BSO in November 2021, said it was good to play for such an intimate audience.
He also paused to take questions from the audience about his extraordinary life.

Felix explained how he first expressed an interest in playing the French Horn as a four-year-old but was told it was unlikely he would have the lung capacity to start lessons until much later.

Despite this he excelled and at 17, enrolled at the prestigious Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Hannover.
Following the performance resident Bunty Patrick said: “I cannot describe what I have just seen. What a talent! It’s something I’ll never forget.”
Terry Brown agreed: “Felix is remarkable. I enjoyed his playing very much and feel honoured to have seen him.”

Alan Havelock added: “I was extremely lucky to have been a trustee of BSO when I was younger and with my wife saw many of their performances and met many musicians. I have never seen anything quite like I did today. It was astounding. I’d like to thank Colten Care for bringing Felix and his amazing talent to us all.”
Fiona Pritchard, our Music and Arts Partner said: “Most of the people in the audience today from Kingfishers and Court Lodge are classical music fans who, before coming to live at their Colten Care homes were regular concert-goers.”

“Most are no longer able to attend concerts easily, so Colten works hard to bring the music directly to them.”

“Today they enjoyed their own personal recital from some amazing musicians. Everyone agreed it was a treat to behold.”
The BSO’s popular care home concerts returned to homes across the BCP region earlier this year, following the pandemic. The performances marked a decade of ongoing support for the BSO’s music in care homes programme by Tapper Funeral Service and were expanded with thanks to support by Rawlins Davy Solicitors.

Our Hawaiian fete helps children with special needs

We hosted a Hawaiian-themed summer fete to benefit a New Forest children’s charity.
Residents, families and staff, wore leis and enjoyed an afternoon of island-inspired raffles, a tombola and games, including guessing the number of sweets in a jar.

The event raised £408 for our chosen charity Scarf (Supporting Children with Additional Needs, Relatives and Friends).

Scarf is a parent-led charity based in the New Forest which organises regular term-time and holiday activities for children and young people (up to 25 years) with special needs and their families.

The children have a broad range of additional needs including autistic spectrum conditions, Down’s Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and learning difficulties.
Companionship Team Leader Rose Arcellana said: “Everyone here at Kingfishers is proud to be a sponsor of the Scarf charity and as we love to hold events and get together and have fun, the Fete presented an ideal fundraising opportunity.”
Resident Audrey Stokes said: “I thought it was a tremendous effort from the staff and a really jolly happy atmosphere which was enjoyed by myself and my friend. Well done!”
Terry Brown agreed: “I would like to congratulate the staff especially Companionship Team Leader Rose and her team for all their hard work to make this event a huge success which everyone enjoyed.”
[caption id="attachment_3434" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Companion Team Leader Rose Arcellana (left) enjoys the Hawaiian theme at the summer fete with resident Joyce Russell.[/caption]

Residents celebrate Her Majesty’s 70-year reign

Residents at our New Forest care homes went all out to enjoy themselves for the Queen’s historic Platinum Jubilee.
There were union Jacks, dancing, singing and ‘street parties’ in honour of the occasion.

Residents Terry Brown and Polly Walker spoke of the fun they had.
Terry said: “Thank you all for a memorable afternoon. Everyone enjoyed the special occasion, great weather too!”, while Polly commented: “I had an amazing time, lots of singing and dancing. I enjoyed the cake too, so yummy!”.
Our sister home, Woodpeckers welcomed a visit by a shire horse called Guinness sporting a patriotic red, white and blue mane braiding and ear bonnet.

The Jubilee buzz began weeks before the extended Bank Holiday weekend with residents making themed artworks and decorations.

And in the gardens of all our 21 homes across the south, commemorative Jubilee trees were planted as a lasting tribute to Her Majesty.

Birthday celebrations delight Irene, 105, and Marjorie, 101

Two of the South’s oldest residents celebrated birthdays within a week of each other at our home.
Staff made sure great grandmothers Irene Harris, 105, and Marjorie Nutton, 101, both had special wishes granted.

Rose Arcellana, Companionship Team leader, said: “When we asked Irene what she wanted to do, she said she would love to be treated like a Queen for the day.
“Her wish was our command. We dressed her with a crown and a gown and laid out a red carpet so she could arrive at her very own royal afternoon tea party in style.
“For her part, Marjorie was able to welcome her three sons, daughter, son-in-law and grandson for a wonderful family get-together.
“She also received lots of beautiful flowers and Postcards of Kindness from well-wishers across the UK.”
Home Manager, said: “When you consider that Irene was born during the First World War, and Marjorie just three years after, it shows how remarkable these ladies’ lifetimes have been.
“It was truly an honour and a privilege to help them celebrate their happy birthdays.”
Irene’s earliest memories are of walking in her home city of Birmingham at a time when horse and carts were still a common sight in the streets.

During the Second World War she served in a munitions factory while Lancashire-born Marjorie was a member of the Auxiliary Territorial Service.
Reflecting on her ‘regal birthday’ at Kingfishers, Irene said: “I am delighted and I thank everyone for making my wishes come true.”
[caption id="attachment_3443" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Irene Harris enjoys her 105th birthday celebrations at Colten Care’s Kingfishers care home in New Milton, Hampshire.[/caption]

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