Green-fingered residents at Hadrian Healthcare Group homes are helping to develop the gardens for everyone to enjoy.

“The therapeutic benefits of gardens are well known and they are an important feature of the design of each of our homes,” said operations director Penny Macnair.

Residents, family, friends and members of the local community enjoyed the annual Summer Fayre in the gardens at The Manor House, Gosforth on Saturday 5 July.

Local scouts from Brunton Park set up a coconut shy, medieval stocks and hook a duck. Expert face painting delighted younger visitors too.

The lifestyle coordinators at Hadrian Healthcare Group homes are helping residents stay as active as they want to be. From boccia to ballroom, crafts to coffee mornings there’s something to interest everyone.

Residents have taken part in reminiscence sessions at local museums, played golf, gone swimming and to the seaside. Gardening, cake making, exercise classes and music, to list a few, are all on the activities ‘menu’.

Creating a home for people to enjoy which also allows carers and other professionals to work requires particular skill. Each Hadrian Healthcare Group home is designed to be homely, luxurious and accessible throughout.

Rooms and social spaces are large, light and attractive. Colour and pattern are used skilfully in different areas. Varied finishes and fittings help create a domestic style with features such as library areas.

Two of Hadrian Healthcare Group’s chefs have won awards in the regional finals of the Care Cook of the Year competition, organised by the National Association of Care Catering (NACC).

Jennie Smith, a chef at Berkeley House in Hull, won best main course for her smoked mackerel frittata in the midlands regional heat and now goes forward to the national final.