Presenting The Orchard’s Summer Barbecue – A Joyful Community Event!
The sun shone brightly last Saturday as residents, families, friends and The Orchard team were joined by a wonderful group of local businesses for an unforgettable Summer Barbecue.
The event at The Orchard Nursing Home in St Albans had been meticulously organised by the home’s Wellbeing team - Gami, Julie, Cynthia, and Sarah – and there was a flurry of activity in the morning as the home’s beautiful garden began to come alive. Stalls with colourful tent tops were erected, pretty bunting was hung and there was a sense of excitement in the air. Meanwhile, Chef Rodney and his team were busy preparing the barbecue and cake stalls so that visitors could enjoy some tasty treats as part of a fun afternoon.
Celebrating Local Talent and Businesses
A fantastic array of produce, arts and crafts was soon on display, thanks to the care home’s supporters and a group of local business whose enthusiasm brought a real buzz to the event!
As guests arrived, they browsed the stalls and displays, which included Enid’s Collection – offering everything from needlework, diamond painting kits and her her own ethically sourced yarn brand; a costume jewellery stall; delicious food from 71 St Albans – a restaurant specialising in modern Bangladeshi cuisine, and a display of artwork by The Orchard’s talented resident, John Horrobin. The ‘adopt-a-teddy’ stall, featuring an assorted group of bears looking for new homes, also attracted plenty of attention.
Special Guests Make it an Afternoon to Remember
The Orchard team were delighted to welcome the Mayor and Councillor of the City and District of St Albans, Theresa Heritage, who spent time chatting with residents and their families and meeting the team. Of course, no summer party is complete without a raffle and tombola and the Mayor helped to draw the lucky raffle winners.
The convivial spirit of the afternoon was completed by Frank the Entertainer, whose guitar playing created the perfect soundtrack to the sociable mingling. As guests relaxed in the sunshine, browsed the stalls and returned to the barbecue for second helpings, there was a real sense of community as everyone played their part in creating a joyful afternoon.
Summer Barbecue Raises Funds for Alzheimer's Research UK
Thanks to everyone's generosity through the raffle, tombola, adopt-a-teddy, BBQ stall, and direct donations, The Orchard proudly raised over £600 in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK. Senior Wellbeing coordinator Gami Jinadasa summed up the day perfectly, reflecting, “It was a wonderful afternoon! It was so lovely to see residents, their families, and our staff with their loved ones all enjoying such a great time together”.
Discover The Orchard Nursing Home in St Albans
The Orchard Nursing Home, a modern and comfortable care home based in St Albans is beautifully furnished and offers residential, nursing and dementia care. Our location makes us convenient for family and friends who are visiting the home, and we’re perfectly located for a host of different outings across Hertfordshire.
For more information about The Orchard Nursing Home, please visit our dedicated page for more information. You can also find information on our other care homes by exploring our site. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out more.
