Baby Basics Charity Fundraiser
Founded in 2009, Baby Basics UK set out with a heartfelt mission, to provide vulnerable families with newborns some of life’s most essential items. In 2020, Baby Basics Guildford was established, collaborating with midwives, health visitors, and local organisations to deliver vital starter packs to families in need.
When we sought a charity to support, one of our dedicated volunteers, Heather Acheson, introduced us to Baby Basics. Heather regularly buys items from our stall to donate to this cause, and through her, we connected with the Guildford Baby Basics Centre.
With this inspiration, our residents, staff, and volunteers came together for a Knitathon. The event was filled with warmth and determination, as a wide variety of knitted items were lovingly crafted and proudly presented to the charity. Some residents, despite struggling with knitting, persisted, while others learned to knit for the first time, all to contribute to this meaningful cause. The spirit of community and compassion was truly remarkable.
In addition to the beautifully crafted items, we also collected lots of new and preloved baby clothes and equipment. The Knitathon raised £1,000 through sponsorship, which we were honoured to donate. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated, sponsored or contributed to making this fundraiser a success.
Aida’s 100th Birthday Celebration
It was a true pleasure to host the celebration for Aida’s 100th birthday on 10th January 2024. The entire team worked tirelessly to ensure the event remained a surprise, and their dedication truly paid off. Coordinating the setup of the room while keeping Aida preoccupied required considerable teamwork, but with Knellwood’s exceptional staff, we managed it seamlessly. The moment of surprise on Aida’s face was absolutely priceless and made all the effort worthwhile.
We were also thrilled to welcome Aida’s relatives, who travelled from across the UK, Canada, and Australia to be part of this momentous occasion. Their presence added an extra layer of joy to the celebration, making it all the more special. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the festivities, and it was heartwarming to see the family come together for such a significant milestone in Aida’s life.
At Knellwood, we pride ourselves on creating memorable moments for our residents, and Aida’s 100th birthday celebration was certainly one to remember. The event was a great success, leaving everyone with cherished memories of this wonderful day.
Berkshire Birds of Prey
Each year, Knellwood welcomes a visit from Berkshire Birds of Prey, providing our residents with an extraordinary opportunity to connect with these magnificent creatures. Understanding the significance of offering meaningful and stimulating activities, we strive to cater to the diverse needs and interests of every resident. These sessions allow our residents to experience close encounters with a variety of birds, fostering engagement and creating cherished memories.
During the recent visit, residents were introduced to between four and eight different species of birds, each bringing its unique charm and character. The session lasted approximately two to three hours, offering ample time for our residents to observe, learn, and interact with these birds in a safe and enriching environment. At Knellwood, we remain committed to providing activities that not only entertain but also bring a sense of joy and wonder, enhancing the overall well-being of those in our care. The annual visit from Berkshire Birds of Prey continues to be a highlight for our residents, contributing to the vibrant community life we cherish here.
Family Day
Knellwood Care Home once again successfully organized its annual Family Day on August 18, despite a morning rain shower.
As the clouds parted, families arrived with smiles and anticipation. The team at Knellwood ensured every detail was executed flawlessly, from the delightful decorations to the delectable spread of food.
The aroma of a sizzling BBQ and the lively music from the Sundaes and D-Day Dollies combined to create a fun atmosphere. A bouncy castle and exciting games for the kids were very popular. Laughter filled the air and the children revelled in the festivities.
A big thank you goes to the Activity Coordinators (Tracey & Lin), our maintenance team, the housekeeping and the entire care directorate, as well as our dedicated volunteers for orchestrating this annual Family Day. Your hard work and dedication brought smiles, laughter and cherished memories to our residents and their families.
Knellwood once again showed its commitment to not only providing exceptional care but also nurturing a community where the spirit of family thrives, and the joy of togetherness is celebrated year after year.
Cove Brass Band
Cove Brass started life in September 2015 when a group of like-minded musicians organised weekly rehearsals in Cove, Farnborough intending to provide quality Brass Band musical entertainment for the local community and beyond. They currently have around 20 members meeting weekly in Cove, Farnborough. They provide music for a variety of events from full band concerts to small ensembles playing for Fetes, Fayres or accompanying carol singing in and around the area local to Farnborough.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Rob Coles and Cove Brass for their exceptional and heartwarming performances that have brought immense joy to our residents.
Your dedication to spreading happiness and creating memorable moments is truly appreciated, and we are grateful for the time and effort you’ve invested in bringing smiles to our residents’ faces. Your visits have made a significant positive impact, and we cannot thank you enough for your kindness and generosity.
Cove Brass’s commitment to making a difference through music is truly inspiring. We all spent a lovely afternoon in the garden listening to the talented musicians, and we eagerly look forward to more wonderful performances in the future. Thank you for brightening our days and being a source of happiness for our Knellwood family.
Residents, relatives & volunteers
Summer get-together
On June 16, Knellwood’s residents had a wonderful afternoon with a delightful combination of live music, a barbeque and refreshing cool drinks. Residents and staff sat together in the relaxing atmosphere of Knellwood’s garden and were serenaded by the talented musician Rodney Dell. The aroma of mouth-watering food filled the air, and the live music enhanced the pleasant summer atmosphere. The music was a backdrop for conversations, laughter and even a bit of dancing. It was organized and led by our activities team and supported by our staff and volunteers. Our residents truly had an enjoyable afternoon.
Fleet U3a Ukulele Group
On behalf of Knellwood Care Home, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible Ukulele performance on June 14. The residents and staff were absolutely delighted by the songs. Your music brought smiles to our faces and lifted our spirits, creating a truly joyful and memorable experience for everyone present. We appreciate the time and effort you put into preparing for the performance, and your talent on the ukulele was much enjoyed. Your songs have brought comfort and happiness to our residents, making a positive impact on their well-being. Thank you for sharing your gift with us and for making our day brighter. We sincerely hope to have the privilege of welcoming you back in the future for more magical performances.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
On behalf of Knellwood, we would like to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to all the remarkable staff and dedicated volunteers who played an invaluable role in successfully organising the Horse Drawn Carriage event. Your hard work, meticulous planning, and unwavering commitment have resulted in a truly unforgettable experience for the Residents and their families. Thank you for your invaluable support and for going the extra mile to make this event truly special.
We have captured some beautiful moments of residents with their families, and have curated a collection of wonderful photographs of this event which you can see by clicking the link below. We encourage you to browse through the gallery to relive the excitement and joy of the occasion. Please feel free to download and share your favourite snapshots with friends and family. We hope these pictures serve as a wonderful memory.
