In October, we took a day trip to Tiptree Jam Factory. We were given a tour of the factory, which was really interesting. And after a look around the museum, we had lunch in the tea room. A very interesting and very delicious day. Yummy. As we said goodbye to the summer, our residents have [...]

The Octagon residents took part in a wonderful music session the other week. A guitarist and a singer came in to entertain us. However, this duo weren’t the only ones performing. They brought in a selection of instruments so the residents could join in. They played a lot of 60s music so it really hit [...]

We’ve been enjoying the garden, when the weather has been kind. Our May Bank Holiday was jam packed with activities, including prize bingo, and arts and crafts. We also watched the film We Bought a Zoo, complete with choc ices during the interval. On 16th June we had our strawberry cream tea garden party, which [...]

Here at the house, our Easter preparations began early with a very therapeutic craft session. Some of the residents spent an afternoon decorating polystyrene eggs and bunnies, which was a real success. They really enjoyed it and it’s something we’re going to do again (although we’ll need to find something less seasonal to paint). Beryl [...]

Despite the plummeting temperatures outside, we’ve kept ourselves warm and snug here at Octagon. Kitty, our eldest resident, celebrated her 105th birthday this month. We all had a lovely afternoon tea, with buffet, cakes and prosecco. Kitty's family, including her granddaughters and great grandchildren, spent the afternoon with her and all the residents. Her family [...]

We held a Christmas party for the residents and families, and everyone had a great time. We had some party food, mulled wine and a raffle finished off the afternoon. Some local preschool children came to visit us and sing carols. After they had sung, they sat and chatted to the residents. It was really [...]

Building work continues at Octagon House so we planned a trip to Buckhatch garden centre in Rettendon Common. The five residents had a chance to look at the vast array of trees and plants, gifts for the home and garden, and all of the Christmas decorations that had recently gone on display. While we were [...]

As work started at Octagon House this month, we’ve been getting out for a bit of peace and quiet when we can. We went to the Shepherd and Dog pub and enjoyed a lovely lunch there. The staff really looked after us. Sadly, one of our residents was in hospital so wasn’t able to join [...]

In September, some of our residents went on our annual canal trip, travelling from Harlow to Sawbridgeworth by canal boat. It was a fantastic day and everyone really enjoyed themselves. Our fish and chip lunch was brought to us on the boat and the weather was kind which was the icing on the cake. At [...]

August was a big month for one of us. Karen, our House Manager, celebrated 30 years working at Octagon. She started as a cook here and over the last 30 years has been an integral part of the team. She brought in cake to celebrate and the residents presented her with a card. Thank you [...]