We began April with our much-anticipated annual Easter party, which was filled with fun, games, dancing, and even a special visit from the Easter Bunny. A highlight of the celebration was a wonderful performance by our very own Zarra, who sang a selection of much-loved songs and encouraged everyone to join in for a joyful singalong.
During the Easter period, we were also invited to attend a service at the local church. This is always a meaningful occasion, and our members particularly enjoyed the interactive approach taken by the vicar, who brings the biblical story to life through engaging activities, including dressing up and role play.
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who contributed to our Easter egg foodbank appeal. Supporting community initiatives is something we truly value, and our members always appreciate the opportunity to visit local charities and gain insight into the important work they do.
Throughout the month, we explored a variety of themes including Springtime, Under the Sea, Alice in Wonderland, and Through the Decades. Our new badminton net has been a fantastic addition, providing opportunities for both indoor and outdoor play, and it has been a pleasure to see members developing their skills and confidence in both singles and doubles matches.
Our education sessions have continued to thrive, with a strong focus on numeracy, literacy, and problem-solving.
We are incredibly proud of the progress our members are making, particularly in terms of their growing confidence and independence.
Weekly cooking sessions have also been a great success, with members preparing and enjoying dishes from around the world.
A particular favourite this month was a delicious chocolate trifle, which proved to be a real highlight.
One of the standout events in April was our Decades Party. Members embraced the theme by dressing in styles from their favourite eras, and together we enjoyed an evening of dancing, singing, and celebration alongside our friends from Basingstoke and Eastleigh. The effort that went into creating handmade decorations was remarkable, transforming our hall into a vibrant disco setting.
We are also delighted to share that our sensory garden is nearing completion. Phoebe and Mel have worked closely with members to design and develop this calming and inclusive space, and we look forward to showcasing it at our summer event.
A group of members enjoyed a trip to Winchester this month to take part in a squash session. Physical activity remains a key part of our daily programme, and we are always keen to introduce new opportunities for members to stay active while learning new skills.
With the arrival of the beautiful spring weather, we have been spending more time outdoors, making the most of our open spaces. The blooming bluebell woods have provided a particularly peaceful setting for relaxation and outdoor activities.
This month also saw staff from across all locations come together to complete first aid training. Maintaining these essential skills is incredibly important, ensuring our team can respond quickly and effectively in any situation. We would like to thank Ben from First Aid Hampshire for delivering such an engaging and practical session, leaving the team feeling confident and well-prepared.
Our monthly dance sessions with Sparsholt College have continued to be a great success. It has been wonderful to see members grow in confidence, build friendships, and enjoy learning new routines, guided by the talented students who lead these sessions.
Overall, it has been another busy and exciting month here in Andover. With many more activities and events planned in the coming weeks, we look forward to sharing further updates soon, so please keep an eye out for our upcoming “save the date” announcements.