This year's New year party theme was 'The Mad Hatters Tea Party' and The Old Vicarage residents partied with Alice, Tweedle Dum & Tweedle Dee, a rabbit, a pack of cards, a doormouse and of course the Mad Hatter herself!
Thanks to our wonderful (award winning!) catering team for a delicious afternoon tea to keep our tummies full while we listened to live piano (thanks to Bruce!), took part in a themed quizes and played some very entertaining games. A fun-filled afternoon of friendship and humour - what better way to welcome in the new year?! Happy New Year to everyone!

We always knew they were brilliant but now we have the proof! Our amazing Catering Manager Sue and her hardworking team have been awarded first place in 'Caring UKs' annual awards ceremony, for 'The Best Catering Team in the UK'. We are pleased as punch for Sue and her team who are tirelessly dedicated to providing us with delicious, healthy, home-cooked and fresh meals. Thats not even mentioning all the scrumptious cakes and biscuits, alongside all those special menus, wonderful parties, birthdays and events catered for. The cake stall at our annual coffee morning alone makes your mouth water! Although Sue and the team were up against tough competition, the judges said they were in no doubt about the winner and mentioned 'real home cooking' with 'nothing from a packet' and how much the residents have a say in planning menu choices. We've included pictures of the awards ceremony as well as Sue and her team being congratulated by us all on their acheivements - well done Sue and the team, you really are the heart of the home!

Sue and the team receiving a big Thank-you and congratulations from all of us.

All dressed up for the award ceremony, with entertainment before the awards begin!

Back in the comfort of their kitchen, with just a few examples of why they are now a national award winning catering team - worth all that hard work and dedication!

Christmas season is offically here. We've held our annual 'Glitter and Glue' making Christmas cards, gift tags and some very glittery fingers along the way! All topped off with the first home-made mince pies of the season - who could ask for more?

Our Catering team have been visiting all the residents for our annual 'Stir Up (and make a wish!)' - just the way to start our festive fun!

Our carved pumpkins ready to light the way for the local trick or treaters - if they dare approach! (We've seen that great big spider waiting!)

Plenty of hocus pocus going on at The Old Vicarage this week! Carving pumpkins to light the way for our visiting trick or treaters.... Look away now if you are of a nervous disposition or scared of spiders!!

Our Care Quality Commission Inspector came to pay their regular visit to see how we are getting along at The Old Vicarage. We are regulated and inspected by the CQC who also regulate Hospitals, Nursing Homes and GP surgeries. They look at five particular areas and ask the following of us:
Are we Safe?
Are we Effective?
Are we Caring?
Are we Responsive?
Are we Well-Led?
Our inspector really enjoyed meeting our residents, families and staff and thanked us for the warm welcome they received. 
We will keep you updated on the progress and publish our inspection results when we have them!

We were celebrating apple day in our usual delicious way. Freshly pressed apple juice, followed by Normandy meatballs with cider and apple sauce, with all the accompaniments. Followed up with a delicious apple cake and custard. For those that had any room left there was an applewood cheese board to finish. Absolutely scrumptious!