If you want to know what summer in a care home really looks like, August 2026 at Redlands House in Hellesdon is a good place to start: our annual Summer Fayre with families, friends and neighbours filling the garden, a seaside day at Cromer with fish and chips and ice cream, the men’s club at the pub, and a birthday celebration with the Duncan Club. Here are the month’s highlights, as shared on our Facebook page, with no brochure gloss.
The Summer Fayre, 15 August
What a turnout. On Saturday 15 August the garden filled with residents, families, friends and people from across Hellesdon for our annual Summer Fayre, with a tropical theme, flower garlands all round, stalls and plenty of chatter. Huge thanks to everyone who came, and a special well done to Mary, Helene and Tracey for all the planning that pulled the day together. The home’s own thank-you summed it up: we are privileged to have such wonderful families, friends and a supportive local community around us.
The celebrations carried on the next day too, with more photos shared and a promise that we look forward to seeing everyone again at our Christmas Fayre. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for the date.
Fish and chips by the sea
On 26 August a group of residents had what the team called a glorious day: a trip to Cromer for fish and chips on the front, followed by ice creams in the sunshine. Everyone came back full of smiles, laughter and banter. A big thank you to East of England Co-op Funeral Services for the loan of their limousines, so residents could travel to the coast in style.
Days out like this are a treasured part of summer in a care home. The sea air, a bench with a view and an ice cream that needs eating quickly do more for mood and appetite than any activity programme on paper.
The men’s club: a pint, a game of pool and some banter
Our men’s club had a good month. On 24 August the gentlemen headed to the local pub for an afternoon of male camaraderie, a drink of their choice, a game of pool and some proper banter. And the Duncan Club, the men’s group whose visits our male residents look forward to, celebrated its fourth birthday with us this month, with time spent remembering and sharing stories together.
Having something that is just for the men matters. For a lot of our gentlemen, a trip to the pub with the lads is exactly the ordinary pleasure they were worried a care home would take away.
What does summer in a care home look like day to day?
The big days are the ones that make Facebook, but a summer month at Redlands is shaped by smaller things too: time in the garden when the weather allows, cold drinks and ice lollies on hot afternoons, trips to the shops across the road, music in the lounges and visits from families who find the lighter evenings easier for calling in. Staying active and connected is at the heart of the NHS guidance for older adults, and it is these everyday moments, as much as the fayres and outings, that keep people confident and content.
If you would like to see what the start of summer looked like, our June 2026 round-up has the Father’s Day breakfasts, the Norwich Castle Museum trip and the Community Kindness Award milestone.
Come and see for yourself
Reading about a fayre is one thing; being in the garden for one is another. Families and friends are always welcome, whether for an event or an ordinary afternoon. If you are exploring care for a parent or loved one, you can read about residential care at Redlands House, or call us on 01603 427337 and come for a cuppa and a look round.
FAQs about summer in a care home at Redlands House
Can families come to the Summer Fayre and other events?
Yes, and they are the heart of it. Families, friends and neighbours filled the garden for the Summer Fayre, and the Christmas Fayre will be the same. Dates are shared on our Facebook page and around the home.
Do residents go on trips out?
Regularly. August alone included the Cromer seaside trip and the men’s club’s pub afternoon, and smaller outings to the shops and cafes happen most weeks. Residents choose what they want to join.
What is the men’s club?
A group for our gentlemen, with outings and visits chosen around what they enjoy, from the pub and a game of pool to time with the Duncan Club, a visiting men’s group that has become part of life at Redlands.
Is there anything for residents who prefer quieter days?
Always. Alongside the fayres and trips there is garden time, music, one-to-one company and plenty of quiet corners. Nobody is ever made to join in.
How can I arrange a visit?
Call us on 01603 427337 or get in touch online. Come and look round, meet the team and see an ordinary afternoon at Redlands House for yourself.