So, the Autumnal (I love that word – It makes you feel all cosy and warm) days have crept up upon us and we are now almost in October but before we leave the summer climes behind us a timely reminder of all that September has brought to us.

Our themes this month were: Mexico (a members request) all things J and P (see what we did there?) Cultural celebrations, Strictly and Harvest and farming.

In our virtual spin off to Mexico members helped to create a fact file of all the things they had researched regarding Mexico, from making bright and bold Mexican hats to trying a little Mexican dancing.

J and P, Lunch club was Jacket Potatoes of course, members enjoyed shopping for the ingredients, choosing their own filling and preparing the food. One of the team brought the idea of creating our own Jigsaw puzzles using the photos of the members, some members took their puzzles home to challenge friends and family to see if they could put it together again.

Cultural week: members took a closer look at the cultures within our own diverse James’ Place family, members and team sharing their cultural heritage, there was some very strong Turkish coffee being investigated at one point. Mosques made from beans and lentils provided both a cultural snapshot and a sensory experience.

Strictly: members tried their hands or rather feet trying new dances and teaming up together enough to make Anton proud  we found an interactive dancing card game but the fun came from the word ‘strictly’ needing to be said at the end of each sentence! It took us a while to realise the game had finished – strictly…oops not again!

Finally, and no means least, Farming and Harvest, the week began with a trip to Hiltingbury farm in Otterbourne, so close it would be rude not to. Where members went on a mission to discover a new ingredient for our pop-up Farm Café. Will they come back with cheese, or eggs or just a cheeky milkshake??

We have enjoyed some trips this month alongside our normal shopping trips to both the supermarket and DIY shops to replenish supplies. We have visited our friends in Andover to say hello to the Alpacas. Some members were more impressed with the sensory room but that is ok too.

We took a trip to The Point to watch an inclusive viewing of Moana 2 tying this into our Cultural Week.  We were as impressed with the drinks and biscuits in the interval and one member bumped into their brother making it extra special for them.

We took a walk to our neighbours in the care home to deliver some games the members donated and whilst we were there enquired into meeting up at Christmas, never a missed opportunity. Carrying our walk around the location introducing new team and members to our wildlife walk, seeing the last of the blackberries and listening to the birds and taking the odd rest on the various benches along the way.

Our last main trip of the month was 2 trips to Wet Wheels and a scenic trip on the river Hamble, the crew were fantastic, and the trip was exhilarating, we went fast for a while which really excited the members, they all threw their hands up in the air and mile wide smiles.

Can’t wait to see what October brings…