August Newsletter
Welcome to the August Newsletter!
It’s been a jam-packed month, filled with adventure to canada. Ian Newlands enjoyed a wonderful trip to the Transport Museum, and we also took part in the Care Home Highland Games. Residents were treated to fantastic music from Jason Zuccarini and Kenny Wilson, along with stirring performances from the pipers and drummers of Dunoon’s local pipe bands — Liam Kennedy, Nathan Paul, and Chris English. We were also delighted by the very talented Highland dancers from the Tina Cairns School of Highland Dancing.
August also brought the start of a new term of our Intergenerational Connections with Patchwork Early Learning Centre, with plenty of games, fun, and laughter shared by all.
1st of August
πΊ Happy International Beer Day! πΊ
This morning we got creative and designed our very own bottles of craft beer – complete with the label Ardnahein Ale! Afterwards, we chatted about all the different things you’d find in a traditional pub.
This afternoon, things got competitive with a game of “beer” pong (don’t worry, we used orange juice instead π). Kath was on top form – every time she landed a shot in the cup she burst out laughing, and we couldn’t help but laugh along with her!
#InternationalBeerDay #BeerGames #CheersToThat
4th of August
π¨π¦βοΈ Canada Day: Up, Up, and Away! βοΈπ¨π¦
Today we packed our bags and “jetted off” to Canada for a fun-filled themed day here at the care home! From boarding passes to an in-flight safety announcement, our residents enjoyed a first-class travel experience — all without leaving their seats! π§³π
We explored Canadian culture, enjoyed themed snacks, and had plenty of laughs along the way. It was a truly joyful journey full of smiles. π¨π¦
#ThemeDayFun #CanadaDay2025 #CareHomeLife #ArmchairAdventures #FlyingHigh
πΎπ There was a moose loose in the hoose… and Hugh found all six! ππΎ
Our Canada Day celebration had lots of laughs, games, and surprises — including a tricky moose hunt that kept everyone on their toes! Huge well done to Hugh for spotting every single one.
#MooseLooseInTheHoose #CanadaDayFun #CareHomeGames #MapleLeafMagic
5th of August
Lots of fun this afternoon with a bit of bowling! π³π
Plenty of laughs, a few strikes (and maybe a few gutter balls!), but all in great fun. Always good to spend time like this! ππ³
βΈ»
What a fantastic day at the Transport Museum in Glasgow! πππ’
Ian had the most wonderful time—he even spotted two of the cars he used to drive! It brought back so many memories for him. He was amazed by the steam trains and boats, and absolutely loved walking through the old street exhibition.
On the drive up, he was reminiscing about his time living in New Zealand for 10 years—sharing stories and memories from those days. Then, walking into one of the recreated cafés at the museum, he was blown away—it looked exactly like the ones he remembered visiting in Glasgow all those years ago.
He also talked about pram competitions they used to have, and all the places he used to go. Such a special day filled with nostalgia, stories, and lots of smiles.
7th of August
Today we enjoyed playing with the dance ribbons! ππ
Our residents had a wonderful time moving to music and expressing themselves with colourful dance ribbons. It brought lots of smiles, laughter, and gentle exercise – a lovely way to lift the spirits and keep active! ππΆYesterday Jessica and Hugh got busy building a rickshaw bike out of Lego. Jessica had got this when on her holidays and couldn’t wait to build it with Hugh. Didn’t they do well? π₯°π²
8th of August
Today we said a heartfelt goodbye and good luck to Emma, our wonderful Activities Coordinator. πβ¨
Emma, you will be truly missed by everyone here at Ardnahein – we wish you all the very best in your new job and the exciting journey ahead! ππ
10th of August
πΎ Special Visitor at Ardnahein Today! πΎ
We had the fluffiest guest join us today — and tails were wagging all around! πΆπ Our four-legged friend brought smiles, cuddles, and a lot of joy to residents and staff alike.
Pet visits are always a highlight here, and today was no exception. It’s amazing how a wagging tail and gentle paws can lift the heart. π₯°
Thank you to our lovely visitor for making our day extra special. πβ¨
#ArdnaheinCareHome #PetTherapy #FurryFriends #HappinessInPaws
16th of August
This morning, some of our residents enjoyed a Back to School word search, with Hugh and Betty managing to find all the hidden words – well done to both! βοΈπ
In the afternoon, we gathered for our weekend coffee afternoon, which was very well attended. βπ° There were plenty of delicious cakes to enjoy
17th of August
Out in the garden this morning, we admired the planters before enjoying a wonderful performance from the very talented Jason Zuccarini – a huge thank you to him for joining us, everyone had such a great time! πΆ
We also celebrated a very special milestone today – one of our residents’ 70th birthday! π₯³ She was truly overwhelmed by the thoughtful gifts, the visits from friends and family, and of course, the music from Jason and a fantastic cake from Pardon My Pudding. ππ
18th of August
This afternoon Allan showed us how to make Homemade Bubble Waffles from scratch then we all got a tasty treat at the end bubble waffle bowl with ice cream and fruit yummy. Boxercise with Dave this morning! A wonderful session full of gentle movements, laughter, and lots of smiles. Everyone joined in at their own pace and had a great time keeping active. Well done to all who took part – you were fantastic!
20th of August
This afternoon we pulled out the Boccia set π― What a blast! Lots of laughs and some serious concentration trying to get as close as possible to that little white ball. Who knew friendly competition could be this much fun? ππ
20th of August
π²π Floor Snakes & Ladders Fun! πͺβ¨
Who says board games are just for the table? Today we went BIG with a life-sized Floor Snakes & Ladders game right here in the lounge! Residents took turns rolling the giant dice, moving across the colourful board, and of course climbing those ladders (or sliding down a sneaky snake or two!).
The laughter was contagious, and everyone loved the mix of movement, teamwork, and a little friendly competition. Games like this are a brilliant way to bring people together, encourage gentle exercise, and spark plenty of smiles.It’s the little touches that bring the biggest smiles, like breakfast in bed on request, with a thoughtful note tucked on the tray. We’ve done this for years, but today one of our ladies reminded us just how much it brightens her morning, so I thought I would share. #carehomesuk #kindness #ardnaheincarehome #smile
22nd of August
Today we Officially opened our Care Home Highland Games for 2025 it was a fantastic afternoon with speeches music entertainment team drafts and highland dancing and pyrotechnics. We would like to thank everyone who made today possible from dunoon grammar school arts department For our amazing t shirts , Duncan from the trishaw with the befrienders for allowing us to film our torch on the way back home, David gillan Highland Dancing for us, Chris English who was our live piper all the staff who dressed up in tartan for the day and the friends and family who watched along on the live stream and in the home it was a real community effort
Let the games begin
#carehomehighlandgames2025
#fromourhometoyours
#CommunityEffort
26th of August
A massive thank you to all the highland dancers from the Tina Cairns school of highland dancing who came to entertain us tonight the residents loved it
27th of August
πΈ Wishing Kamilla Every Success πΈ
As Kamilla moves on to the next stage of her career within the NHS, we would like to take a moment to thank her for her time, commitment, and the positive contribution she has made here at Ardnahein.
She will be greatly missed by the Ardnahein family, but we are also immensely proud of her achievements and excited to see all that she will accomplish in her new role.
On behalf of everyone at Ardnahein, we extend our very best wishes for the future and look forward to seeing her succeed. Keep in contact. Grace
29th of August
This morning we had a lovely visit from the children at Patchwork Nursery as we continue building our intergenerational links into the new term. We played a fun “get to know you” game with an inflatable pig, sharing our names and our favourite farm animals – we all thoroughly enjoyed the animal sounds! After that, we had a great time playing toss the foam caber.
This afternoon we held our Cowal Games party, and we would like to thank Kenny Wilson for entertaining us with his wonderful Scottish songs and fantastic humour. Everyone loved it, and we look forward to welcoming him back again soon!
30th of August
This morning, the Cowal Games came to Ardnahein as we welcomed Dunoon Grammar School band members Liam Kennedy (piper and 1st and 2nd place winner yesterday) and Nathan Paul (drummer). Thank you both so much for coming in to entertain us!
In the afternoon, staff and residents had a go at some of the Care Home Highland Games events. We tried the foam caber toss and continued with the wellie toss as well. To finish off the day, we enjoyed shortbread and Irn-Bru for our afternoon snack.
Sunday 31st August
This afternoon we gathered together after lunch to watch the Old Firm Derby – always a lively highlight! β½
Later, our Sunday Coffee Afternoon was filled with delicious cakes and plenty of friendly visitors, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. π°β
The day finished with our very own Care Home Highland Games 2025 event! Brian faced Hugh and Liz took on Dorrie in the wheelchair tug of war – complete with a foam pool noodle. πͺπ Everyone showed amazing strength, laughter, and competitive spirit.
A truly fantastic Sunday full of sport, fun, and community spirit! β€οΈ
#CareHomeHighlandGames2025 #Community #SundayFun
On the weekend of the 3rd and 4th of August our coffee afternoons changed to every weekend Saturday and Sunday from 2pm till 4pm here is some pictures from August
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