Another Wonderful Month at James’ Place Basingstoke

Dear gentle JP readers, as the sun sets on another vibrant month at James’ Place, we reflect on the joys of summer that have filled our members’ days with a wide variety of tailored activities. From the golden fields of sunflower picking to the cultural richness found in the heart of each British counties, and the lively spirit of festivals, we have truly embraced the essence of the season and developed our minds and understandings of the world around us.

JP Basingstoke members picking sunflowers at Rotherwick Sunflower Patch

Sunshine, Sunflowers, and Smiles all around

The past month has been a delightful journey through sunflower fields, where the vibrant blooms have brightened our days and lifted our spirits. Engaging in sunflower picking not only brought a sense of tranquillity but also fostered a connection with nature that is truly rejuvenating. We understand the importance of supporting local businesses, which is why we decided to venture to ‘The Rotherwick Patch’ to pick our beautiful sunflowers. Due to the amazing accessibility of this patch, it gave some of our ‘homebird’ members the opportunity to experience such a fun day out!

After experiencing the sunflower patch, one of our lovely team members found a very uplifting quote.

“I don’t think there’s anything on this planet that more trumpets life than the sunflower. That’s because of the reason behind its name. Not because it looks like the sun but because it follows the sun. During the course of the day, the head tracks the journey of the sun across the sky. A satellite dish for sunshine. Wherever light is, no matter how weak, these flowers will find it. And that’s such an admirable thing. And such a lesson in life.” – Helen Mirren

British Adventures

At James’ Place, we believe in bringing learning to life through hands-on experiences. Recently, we embarked on a delightful journey across some of England’s most charming counties — Devon, Kent, Yorkshire, Dorset, and Cornwall. Our exploration wasn’t just about learning facts and figures; we fully immersed ourselves in the unique traditions and flavours of each region. From cooking traditional meals to engaging in creative activities, the experience was both educational and fun for everyone involved. Here’s a recap of our exciting journey through these beautiful counties.

On Monday, our adventure began in the picturesque county of Devon, known for its rolling hills, stunning coastlines, and of course, its famous cream tea. But Devon also has a rich folklore tradition, including tales of mischievous pixies. To capture the magic of Devon, we created our very own pixie gardens. Using natural materials, we built tiny homes and landscapes for the imaginary pixies, sparking creativity and storytelling among our participants. Of course, no trip to Devon would be complete without indulging in some local fare. We enjoyed traditional Devon cream teas, complete with freshly baked scones, clotted cream, and jam. The debate over whether to put the cream or the jam first was a fun (and delicious) part of the experience!

Next, we travelled to Kent, often referred to as the “Garden of England” for its lush countryside and abundance of orchards. Kent is also known for its agriculture, and what better way to connect with this heritage than by milking a cow? Although we didn’t have a real cow on hand, we had a fantastic time practicing with a fake cow model. This hands-on activity gave us a glimpse into the life of a Kentish farmer and sparked conversations about where our food comes from.

Yorkshire is known for many things, but perhaps nothing is more iconic than the traditional Sunday roast dinner. At James’ Place, we rolled up our sleeves and prepared a proper roast, complete with all the trimmings. The scenic county of Dorset, with its Jurassic Coast and charming villages, was next on our itinerary. The members engaged in learning about dinosaur fossils that are discovered there and made their very own dino footprints.

Finally, we made our way to Cornwall, a county famous for its stunning beaches, rich Celtic history, and of course, the iconic Cornish pasty. We donned our aprons and got to work making these delicious hand-held pastries, filled with a hearty mix of beef, potatoes, and vegetables. It was a tasty way to learn about Cornwall’s mining heritage, as pasties were originally made as a convenient meal for tin miners.

Let’s Have a Fiesta

At James’ Place, we love to celebrate the joy and vibrancy that festivals bring to communities around the world. Recently, our members immersed themselves in the spirit of celebration by creating colourful and imaginative crafts that embody the festive energy. From making dazzling masquerade masks to crafting musical instruments out of recycled materials, our members explored the essence of festivals through creativity and music. Here’s a glimpse into our exciting activities!

Our first project was inspired by the enchanting world of masquerade balls and vibrant carnival parades. Masquerade masks are not just accessories; they are works of art that allow people to express their individuality and take part in the magic of the festivities.

Armed with glitter, feathers, sequins, and paint, our members got to work designing their own colourful masquerade masks. Each mask was a unique reflection of its creator, featuring intricate patterns, bold colours, and imaginative designs. Whether inspired by Venetian elegance or the lively atmosphere of Brazilian Carnival, the masks brought a touch of mystery and excitement to James’ Place. The room buzzed with creativity as members carefully crafted their masks, adding personal touches that made each one stand out. Once completed, the masks were worn with pride, and we even held a mini masquerade parade to showcase our creations.

Drawing inspiration from festivals like ‘May Day’ and flower parades, our members created their own flower headbands. Using a variety of materials, including silk flowers, ribbons, and beads, each member crafted a beautiful headpiece that celebrated the beauty of the natural world.

No festival is complete without music, and at James’ Place, we believe that music is something everyone can create —especially when it’s made from recycled materials! In a nod to sustainability and creativity, our members crafted their own musical instruments using everyday items like cardboard, jars, string, and more.

That is all for now gentle JP readers, but we look forward to the new adventures and engaging activities planned for this following month and hope to share these with you in our next blog.

Yours Truly, Team JP

Basingstoke member wearing her fiesta mask finished in blue and pink
a male JP Basingstoke member creating his festa mask