Mansfield Care annual garden parties

Many of the Mansfield care homes have lovely gardens and the annual garden party is one of the favourite events on the calendar for residents, families and friends.

Each home is different, and might organise a barbecue or a summer buffet with strawberries and cream, or a house concert – and you can never tell what the Scottish weather will do! But it’s always a great time to welcome friends, family and neighbours and enjoy summer party food, music and each other’s company.

For example, at St John’s Care Home in Melrose this year, as well as friends and family, the visitors included two lovely prize-winning Crufts dogs from Bowden! Dog owner April brought along Ben and Ace and put them through their paces with a display of obedience, including fetching and jumping in the lounge, as it was too damp to go outside. Luckily, they were wonderfully well-trained show dogs and took it in their stride.

Many of our residents have been dog owners and love dogs, so canine companions are always a great hit, and especially cheering for residents with dementia. It was also a social occasion for Ben and Ace, who got to meet our resident dog, Lily, and her owner, Mrs Gibson.

Another highlight was local singer Julia, who did a sing-along for everyone to join in, with the words and musical accompaniment playing on the TV screen. Residents enjoyed the old popular songs and visiting family members got involved, too! Julia made everyone want to get up and dance with her tremendous sparkle.

Music was also a theme at Galahill, where everyone enjoyed a singalong by the summery pond outside, and at Peebles Care Home, where residents were treated to a mesmerising performance by Heather Yule on the clarsach. At Peebles, Music in Hospitals provided a wonderful concert, and food, wine and song were enjoyed by all.  A shoutout to our lovely chefs and staff for making these occasions such fun for everyone.

Here’s a snapshot of some of this year’s garden parties at Belleville Lodge, St Johns Melrose, Peebles Care Home and Galahill House.

Find out more about Mansfield Care Homes.