Dear gentle JP Readers, September has been full of fun and variety at James’ Place, with
members tucking into tasty treats on Mexican Monday, enjoying a peaceful stroll around
Cliddesden village, and even meeting some friendly alpacas. We’ve explored our local
garden centre for inspiration, got creative by designing fashion pieces from recyclable
materials, and filled the month with music, from the sparkle of Strictly Week to a rock ’n’ roll
Elvis Day. It’s been a busy and joyful month, and we’re excited to share our highlights with
you!
Let’s Have a Fiesta!
Mexican Monday brought a wonderful burst of colour and celebration to James’ Place, with
the whole day filled with creativity, teamwork, and plenty of laughter. Members began by
working together on a piñata project, starting with the papier-mâché base and then carefully
layering it with bright tissue paper, ribbons, and bold patterns. Everyone added their own
unique flair, and by the time it was finished the piñata looked spectacular, bringing a festive
splash of colour to the room. While some members focused on decorating, others busied
themselves in the kitchen, chopping fresh ingredients, mixing spices, and sizzling fillings for
homemade tacos. hen everything was ready, we gathered to build our own tacos, choosing
from a spread of toppings like salsa, cheese, lettuce, and sour cream, creating delicious
plates to enjoy together. The fiesta spirit carried on after the meal with upbeat Mexican
music, dancing, and plenty of smiles as the piñata finally made its debut. The excitement of
taking turns to break it open added to the fun, and the whole day left us with happy
memories, full bellies, and the feeling of having travelled to Mexico without leaving James’
Place!
Beauty on our Doorstep
Our walks around Cliddesden village give our members a chance to slow down, enjoy the
fresh air, and soak in the beauty of the countryside we have outside our doorstep. The
village itself has plenty of charming features to discover we often stopped by the antiques
shop to peek at its treasures, smile at the sight of ducks paddling happily in the village pond
next door to use and even admire the delightful red telephone box that had been
transformed into a miniature book exchange. Being based in the heart of the countryside is
something we never take for granted, and we’re thankful to be surrounded by nature’s
beauty, which brings so much joy and calm to our days.
Fluffy Friends
One of the most heart-warming moments this month was welcoming the Barefoot Barns
alpacas to James’ Place Andover. Members were thrilled to meet these gentle, curious
animals up close, and the alpacas didn’t disappoint with their soft coats, big eyes, and calm
personalities. Everyone had the chance to stroke and walk alongside them, which brought
plenty of smiles, laughter, and even a few surprised giggles when the alpacas showed off
their cheeky characters. The visit sparked lots of conversation, with members sharing
memories of animals they’d loved and cared for in the past. Spending time with the alpacas
created a wonderfully relaxed and uplifting atmosphere, and it was a real treat to have such
special guests brighten our day.
Plants, Fish, and Friendly Faces
Our visit to the local garden centre was a wonderful outing that combined fresh inspiration
with plenty of fun. Members enjoyed wandering through the colourful displays of plants,
flowers, and seasonal decorations, pausing to admire the vibrant arrangements and share
ideas about their own gardening experiences. A big highlight was the large fish tank, home
to a beautiful collection of koi fish—many of which are charmingly named after the staff at
the garden centre! Watching them glide gracefully through the water was both calming and
fascinating. After exploring the plants, ornaments, and aquatics, we rounded off our trip with
a visit to the café, where we enjoyed warm drinks and tasty treats while chatting and soaking
up the friendly atmosphere. Our local garden centre is a simple but a meaningful trip that
always lifts our spirits and leaves everyone with new ideas and happy memories to bring
back to James’ Place.
Trendy Trash
Creativity was in full swing when members took on the challenge of designing fashion pieces
from recyclable materials. With tables piled high with cardboard, paper, plastic, and fabric creations. Some members made bold accessories like hats and jewellery, while others
worked on full outfits complete with inventive details. The room was filled with laughter as
ideas came to life, and there was a real sense of teamwork as people helped one another with tricky folds or finishing touches. Once the designs were complete, we held a fun mini
catwalk to show off the results, celebrating the originality, resourcefulness, and confidence of everyone who took part. It was a brilliant activity that proved fashion can be fabulous, sustainable, and a whole lot of fun!
Tunes, Twirls, and Toe-Tapping Fun
Music played a big part in our September fun, bringing plenty of sparkle and energy to
James’ Place. Strictly Week had everyone feeling like stars of the dancefloor, as we enjoyed
watching dazzling performances, learning a few simple steps, and twirling around to
favourite tunes. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, clapping, and a touch of glitter as
members cheered each other on and embraced the joy of dance. Later in the month, the
spotlight turned to the King of Rock ’n’ Roll for Elvis Day. From blue suede shoes to classic
ballads, we celebrated with themed decorations, lively singalongs, and even a few hip-
shaking dance moves inspired by Elvis himself. Members baked and decorated delicious
Elvis-themed cupcakes, which disappeared almost as quickly as they appeared, and the
highlight of the afternoon was everyone taking turns to perform their best Elvis
impressions—complete with iconic poses and plenty of laughter. Both events brought smiles
to every face, lifting spirits and proving that music truly has the power to bring us all together.
As we look back on September, it’s clear just how much joy, creativity, and connection has
filled our days at James’ Place. From cooking, crafting, and fashion shows to walks in the
countryside, animal encounters, and dancefloor sparkle, every activity has been a chance to
make memories together. We are so grateful for the laughter we’ve shared, the new
experiences we’ve enjoyed, and the beautiful surroundings that inspire us every day. With
October just around the corner, we can’t wait to see what new adventures lie ahead!
