Belleville Lodge Celebration of Summer

Belleville Lodge residents and staff have been making the most of the lovely late summer weather with a celebration of British summertime in the garden. As Matron Margaret says: “We wanted to make the most of the time outdoors, and make up for residents not being able to go on their usual outings.”

“We decorated the dining room with flags, including lots of Union Jacks, and celebrated a typical British summer at the seaside, which the ladies remembered well. To help with memories, we made place mats showing seaside towns and especially Blackpool, which was a great favourite, as most of the ladies had visited there.”

The residents were treated to traditional fish and chips from paper bags,  and strawberries and ice cream, which they remembered from their seaside visits. “We had a chat about what they did at the seaside, swimsuits, what it felt like to be in the sea. They also remembered donkey rides on the beach, Blackpool Tower and the famous ballroom. With lots of the ladies being fans of Strictly Come Dancing, they were very familiar with it.”

The staff also organised sensory activities with buckets, spades and listening to the sea sound in seashells, as well as a holiday-themed singalong, including Oh I do Like to Be Beside the Seaside. “The residents had a lovely day”, says Margaret, “and it good to have a holiday atmosphere, especially since trips haven’t been possible. With garden centres opening up, we’re looking forward to going out again.”

Many thanks to staff at Belleville Lodge, Edinburgh, for the lovely photos.