The event was held at St Crispin Village, Lark Hill Village, Reeve Court Village and New Oscott Village over several weeks in September. Residents brought along things they had made to be judged by staff from ExtraCare's central office in Coventry.

The categories included art on the subject of holiday memories, knitted novelty doorstops, scones and Victoria sponges, and "models of motion" made out of wood. There were also two special categories: Wellington wonder, where residents could choose to create anything as long as they used a Wellington boot, and Guy Fawkes, only one entry allowed per village or scheme.

TV chef Rustie Lee came along to host a few cooking masterclasses and teach residents and staff how to make a particularly potent cocktail, containing two cans of Guinness and an entire bottle of rum!

Other expert teachers showed residents how to make cards, paint ceramics, arrange flowers and wrap presents.

St Crispin Village in Northampton hosted the first event, and Village Activity Facilitator (VAF) Elaine Henley said that the day was brilliant, with all the staff coming together to help residents have a fantastic time.

"We are a team here at St Crispin and that really shows at events like this," Elaine said. "A colleague VAF said to a member of staff how lucky I was to have so many waitresses to hand. She had to point out to him, see her, she is the receptionist, that lady there is the well-being advisor, that lady there is the PA, that lady there is a resident, that lady there is the Locksmith, and so on."

Lark Hill Village was the next to host Residents in Bloom, and they received positive feedback from everyone who attended. VAF Steve Britton said he added a jazz band to the programme to make the day more enjoyable for everyone. "The entries were unbelievable," he added. "I can't believe the effort that they put in to it."

Josh Boardman, of Reeve Court Village, who hosted the third event, said it also went extremely well, with residents having a great time. ExtraCare's Chief Executive Nick Abbey attended the day and talked with residents.

The fourth and final Residents in Bloom was held at New Oscott Village and introduced by VAF Paul Knight, ably assisted by Scott Reed-King of St Oswald's. Residents there particularly enjoyed Rustie Lee's cookery class, and staff members at several villages and schemes are considering inviting her back soon.

Pictures (clockwise from top):

New Oscott-based Housing Related Support Worker Sharon Robinson with resident Gerald Ashwood and Rustie Lee.

ExtraCare's Chief Executive Nick Abbey with residents at Reeve Court Village

St Oswald's resident Rex Blatchly enjoying Rustie Lee's punch

See more pictures on Flickr.

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For further information, please contact:

Lucy Henson, PR officer
0789 105 3062
lucy.henson@extracare.org.uk