September Newsletter

 1st of SEPTEMBER 

 Along with the Care Home Highland Games, every year Ardnahein holds our own games. The trophies that will be handed out to the winners during our closing ceremony on Friday sit proudly in our trophy cabinet in the dining room. The events include dominoes, hook the duck, basketball, bowling, fishing, and, to test the mind, a quiz. Today’s first event was dominoes.

We also really enjoyed hearing the Brittany bagpipes from Pierre today. It was fascinating to learn about the unique sound and style they bring compared to the Scottish bagpipes. We were especially interested in the differences between the two traditions—both in their musical range and the cultural roles they play. The Scottish pipes are often associated with powerful, martial tones, while the Brittany bagpipes have a distinctively lighter, melodic quality that reflects the region’s folk traditions.

It was a wonderful experience to discover how two instruments that look similar can carry such different histories, tunings, and expressions of identity. Thank you, Pierre, for giving us such a fascinating insight into your culture.

2nd of September.

🏀 The Dunoon Lions better keep their guard up… because some of our residents hit the court this afternoon for the Basketball event at the Ardnahein Highland Games! 🦁✨

Our team gave it their all, with plenty of cheers, laughs, and competitive spirit to match. A huge well done to everyone who took part – what a fantastic afternoon of games and good fun! 🎉👏

3rd of September.

💪🎈 PT with Dave – Fun Fitness Time! 🎈💪

Our residents had a blast today getting creative with their workouts! 💥
First up, they showed off their strength with bicep curls using foam pool noodles 💪 – proving that fitness can be both gentle and effective.

Then the laughter really kicked in with our balloon bash game 🎈✨, where pool noodles became the perfect bats for keeping balloons flying high.

Lots of smiles, movement, and a great way to keep active while having fun. 💙

#ActiveLiving #FunFitness #SeniorStrong

Grace our Manager set aside some time for a great coffee and chat with a resident session in the morning. Grace was joined for a chat with Mary and then a Family, friends and staff in the afternoon.

4th Of September

Today was the penultimate day before our Closing Ceremony for the Care Home Highland Games, and what a day it was! We had a fantastic time at our Highland Games event at Dunoon Grammar School.

Our residents took part in five different events: bowling, haggis hurling, wellie boot throwing, caber toss, and curling. The scores were recorded by the S6 Sports Leader pupils, who also joined in the fun. Everyone had a brilliant time and showed a very competitive side!

We would love to thank the Pupils, Live Argyll Youth Worker Ann Cld Kennovin, Lindsay from Active Schools, and Dunoon Grammar School’s P.E. teacher, Mr. Duncan.

#carehomehighlandgames2025
#intergenerationalactivities

5th of September 

Today marked the final day of the Care Home Highland Games, and what a fantastic afternoon it was! We enjoyed phenomenal live music from Ian Connor and Ambrose Harper, along with a wonderful Baton-twirling performance from Emma Peden, both of which we would like to thank for coming in to entertain us. Medals and Prize Giving were also presented during our Closing Ceremony by Ann cld Kennovin from Live Argyll. Thank you everyone for such a Memorable Care Home Highland Games.

8th of September.

📰🎉 This afternoon’s game of Newspaper Line Madness was a huge hit! Armed with balls of wool, everyone took turns throwing and trying to knock the newspapers off the net. There was plenty of laughter, friendly competition, and lots of cheering each other on. Such a simple game, but what fun we had!

12th of September 

This morning, we had a lovely visit from the children at Patchwork Nursery. We read a short story together that some of the residents had helped to write last year. After that, we played the parachute game, and then the children enjoyed having a turn on our sensory wall.Then this afternoon, we celebrated Ethiopian New Year with Rahel! 🎉 We enjoyed sweet popcorn, fresh fruit, and traditional Ethiopian coffee. Residents loved listening to Ethiopian music and even had a go at finding Ethiopia on a map of Africa. A wonderful cultural afternoon filled with fun, flavours, and learning

14 of September 

🎈❌⭕ Superb fun this morning as we played Balloon Knots & Crosses!
Lots of laughs, bit of friendly competition, and plenty of cheering as the balloons bounced about

This afternoon Margaret was showing Kath an old newspaper clipping from 1965 

15th of September.

This morning, Jimmy and Kath enjoyed a lovely game of chess 🥰♟️ – a wonderful way to start the day with some fun and friendly competition!

In the afternoon, our residents had a great time looking through a Nestlé reminiscing pack 🍫☕. The familiar packaging, old adverts, and pictures sparked so many memories and lovely stories – from childhood treats to favourite family traditions. A sweet trip down memory lane!

16th of September 

Chrissie had a lovely walk along the front today and treated herself to a hot chocolate fudge cake with a hot chocolate at the Boathouse. 🍰☕

Then this afternoon, we enjoyed two fun games – first a lively round of bingo, followed by a cheerful game of I Spy. What a wonderful day! 🌟

17th of September.

This afternoon was full of fun and laughter! We played some different games together — from parachute activities to a giant floor version of Snakes & Ladders and even Ludo. Lots of smiles, and teamwork

19th of September.

We had a lovely morning with our first visit to Patchwork Nursery ELC of the new term Mhairi and Mary both enjoyed the flower arranging and getting to play with the kids.

🎧✨ it was a fantastic afternoon as we turned the volume up on the fun with our very own Ardnahein-fest Silent Disco! 🕺💃
Headphones were on, plus glow in the dark bangles and glow sticks. We had some different glow in the dark graffiti signage up on the window to black out the room and uv lamps on as well, it was great to see so many smiles all round, with plenty of dancing, singing and some great music to what a brilliant wee party we had to ourselves! 🥳💜

21st of September 

💆‍♀️✨ This afternoon, some of our residents enjoyed a wonderfully relaxing head massage from Margaret. A little pampering goes a long way, and everyone left feeling calm, refreshed, and cared for. 💜

22nd of September 

🐰🐥What a fantastic afternoon! 🐰🐥
Bunny and co came to visit, and we all absolutely loved meeting the different animals. From soft cuddles to gentle pats, everyone enjoyed spending time with our furry and feathered visitors. 💕✨

A huge thank you to Bunny & Co for bringing so much joy and smiles today – what a treat it was! 🌸😊

24th of September 
 PT session done and dusted with Dave this morning! Great way to start the day and keep the momentum going.

What a treat! as we were given a selection of yummy donuts and cookies from marjorys family thank you so much.

25th of September 

Dorrie enjoyed a wrapped out walk along the West Bay this afternoon meeting a familiar friend along the way 🍂

26th of September 

🎉🎂 Today we celebrated Anne’s special day here at Ardnahein!

Wishing you the happiest of birthdays, Anne – from all of us. 💐❤️

27th of September 

🎨👒 This morning we got creative with some colouring fun – designing our very own hats! Residents loved adding their personal touch with bright colours and patterns, and there were plenty of laughs along the way. 🌈✨

It was a lovely way to spend the morning together, and the finished hats looked fantastic! 🥰👏

#CreativeMinds #CareHomeActivities #MakingMemories

Today we also celebrated John’s birthday John had a couple of games of dominoes while we waited on the taxi before going out for a beautiful lunch out at the 51st state which he really enjoyed happy Birthday John.

This afternoon we played the price is right we were shocked by the price increase and it sparked quite the debate between everyone.

29th of September 

🍂✨ This morning we gathered together to talk about all the little things that remind us of autumn. From the crunch of leaves underfoot and the smell of woodsmoke, to cosy jumpers, harvest time, and the joy of warm drinks on chilly days – our residents shared so many lovely thoughts and memories. ☕🍁

It was a wonderful way to celebrate the season and remind ourselves of all the comforts autumn brings

🎈💨 Balloon Blowout Fun! 💨🎈
This afternoon we tried out a brand-new game — Balloon Blowout! Using a fan, a balloon, and some balls, we had to try and knock the balloon away from the fan. a bit of friendly competition, and plenty of cheering along the way!

💃🕺 Ardnahein Dance in the Square Challenge! 🕺💃
Today we joined in the Dance in the Square challenge — every time a foot landed in the square, it was time to dance! The music, the laughter, and the moves had everyone smiling and joining in. Such a joyful way to spend the day together! 🎶✨
#ArdnaheindanceintheSquareChallenge

30th of September 

Today we launched our Halloween Colouring Competition and delivered sheets to local primary schools. 🎃✏️ If your child would like to take part, you can pick up an entry from Ardnahein Care Home or print one from here. All entries will be judged at our Halloween Party on the 31st – with prizes to be won. Good luck! 👻🍬

This afternoon, Demilynn opened the Heidi Tuck Shop, and some of our residents stopped by to stock up on their favourite sweeties. A lovely treat to end the day! 🍭😊

Weekend Coffee Afternoons

Our weekend coffee afternoons have continued to be very popular thank you to everyone who has attended throughout the month of September here are some photos from throughout the month 

Moment of the Month

5th of September 

We were invited along to Dunoon Grammar School for an afternoon Highland Games competition, as part of this years Argyll and Bute Highland Games. This picture was taken at the end of the afternoon by Ann Cld Kennovin of Live Argyll.