Activities at Henford House Care Home

What a fabulous September day we've had here at Henford House! On this Autumn Equinox, while the seasons began to shift, our wonderful residents made the most of the glorious sunshine with a cheerful games afternoon on the patio.

From laughter-filled rounds of Jenga to some competitive Connect4, the air was full of joy, smiles, and plenty of vitamin D!
It might be the first day of autumn, but today felt like a warm hug from summer.

Thank you to our lovely team for making it such a special afternoon. 
 

It was one of those unforgettable days where joy filled every hallway and room. We had the absolute pleasure of welcoming two very special guests—Daisy and Sugar, the amazing Therapy Shetland Ponies from A Million Memories Pony Parties and Therapy!

At Henford House, it’s so important to us that every resident gets to experience joy, connection, and moments that enrich their lives. When our residents can’t get out to explore the world, we bring the world to them—and Daisy and Sugar were more than happy to trot right in (yes, they even took the lift upstairs like true professionals).

For our lovely resident Carol, this was a dream come true—she’d never touched a horse before and said it was something she had always wished for. Another resident was so touched by the visit that it brought back cherished memories and even a few tears. It was truly heartwarming to witness how much joy and emotion these gentle ponies brought with them.

Of course, our staff made sure Daisy and Sugar were properly thanked—with lots of cuddles and a well-deserved crunchy carrot from Chef Nathan!

A huge thank you to Daisy, Sugar and their fabulous keepers for making this day so special for everyone.
 

It has been the time of year when our residents put their green fingers to work.
With some assistance from our amazing Gardener Katharine, residents have been busy in gardening club, putting together pots and hanging baskets to add colour and beauty to Henford House.
Several residents have spoken in the past about the joy and peace which they have found in gardening, and how difficult they have found it that they cannot physically get out to do the sort of gardening which they enjoyed. But, where there is a will there is a way! So the pots and hanging baskets can come in to our residents, and be at whatever height is needed to be accessible. And for those that want to be doing even more, there are plenty of raised beds to fill.
You can see that this brings true joy to many of our residents, and when you visit you will see the wonderful work they have done.

Getting moving is important for staying strong and healthy, and doing it to music just makes it fun. 
Thanks to Jess for a wonderful session at the Senior Games this morning.

Then it was time to get the creative juices flowing with some pottery. All sorts of wonderful pieces are being created, and samples of glazes and finishes have been trialled. We can't wait to see the finished products!

And all of this before lunchtime on a Wednesday.

Later in the day, we had a marvellous musical performance from Mike and Muriel, a visit from Denzel the therapy dog, and our friendly pupils visiting from Warminster School.

It was a busy day, which several residents reflected on as being “Just Wonderful”.

What a fantastic day we had celebrating Easter with our wonderful residents and the local community!
We were joined by lots of smiling faces for an exciting Easter Egg Hunt with a special visit from the Easter Bunny! The garden was full of laughter and little footsteps searching for chocolatey treasures.

Our Children's Colouring Contest was a huge hit—judged by four of our lovely residents, who had the tough task of picking just three amazing winners. Every entry was full of creativity and colour!

There was fun, smiles, dancing, and chocolate all around—a true celebration of joy, community, and the Easter spirit.

At Henford House, we often say that every gathering has the potential to create something meaningful—but this time, something truly magical happened. What began as a gentle afternoon activity dedicated to childhood memories and conversation around the table became a powerful, soul-stirring experience that none of us will soon forget.

Residents were so delighted and proud of the magical Mamacha. Guided by the compassionate and creative Marta Pereira, author of Mamachas Magical Dolls – An Ancestral Art of Healing, our residents were invited into a world where crafting meets connection, and where every thread has a story to tell. Together, we created a Mamacha—a traditional healing doll rooted in ancestral wisdom, where every knot, every fabric choice, and every detail is infused with memory, intention, and love. But this was more than a craft session—it was a ritual of remembrance. A circle of healing. As the residents shared stories of their childhoods, their loved ones, and the lives they'd led, something profound began to unfold. Laughter mixed with quiet reflection. Hands moved with care. Hearts opened.

The result? A new guardian spirit was born—Beatrice —a name chosen with joy and consensus, symbolising unity, care, and creativity. Beatrice is not just a handmade doll; she is a vessel of everything beautiful we witnessed that day: protection, love, happiness, health, closeness, and joy. She now lives at Henford House, not just as a keepsake, but as a tangible reminder of the strength, wisdom, and deep humanity within our community.

This extraordinary experience reminded us that the ancient arts have a timeless gift: the power to bring people together, to heal old wounds, and to spark new connections. Through Beatrice, we hold a piece of each other—and proof that even the simplest stitches can carry the weight of a lifetime. At Henford House, magic truly lives in the moments we share.

This week, our residents beat the heat with a fun and refreshing hydration tasting session! From tangy fruit juices to vibrant green smoothies, we sampled a rainbow of flavours — and had plenty of laughs along the way!

A group of our lovely residents were invited to be part of something truly special — the creation and burial of a Time Capsule at the magnificent Longleat Estate!
In the lead-up to the big day, our residents lovingly contributed personal notes, thumbprints, and even included a snippet about life at Henford House — including this week's delicious menu.
We set off on our adventure in our trusty minibus and car, full of excitement. Upon arrival, we were welcomed like royalty by the fabulous Longleat team with a surprise — a TV documentary crew was filming the whole thing.

We had the honour of meeting the mayor and several distinguished guests, and then came an exciting trip on the brand-new Longleat bus, driven by none other than Dave the Legend. Imagine our delight when we found out Dave was once the maintenance man right here at Henford House — what a reunion!
After a scenic ride and a smooth car escort, we arrived at the brand-new Hippo House where we were greeted by none other than Lord and Lady Bath themselves. The hippos were breath taking — currently just four, with hopes for a growing family through Longleat's brilliant conservation work.

We then gathered to witness the symbolic burying of the Time Capsule, filled with heartfelt messages and treasures from all attendees. 
To top it all off, we were treated to a delicious supper and a glass of bubbly to celebrate an unforgettable day.

This was a very special occasion for several of our residents who have long and personal connections with Longleat, and provided some wonderful new memories to share.

This week marked 80 years since Victory in Europe Day, and here at Henford House, we honoured this momentous occasion with a day full of memories, music, and community spirit.

The morning was spent sharing powerful stories and reflections from 80 years ago—personal memories, family tales, and tributes to the resilience of a remarkable generation. It was a truly special time for connection and remembrance.

In the afternoon, we turned up the music with a wonderful performance from the lovely Sophie Eden. Flags were flying, voices were raised in song, and there was a real sense of joy and unity as everyone came together to celebrate.

And of course, it had to be followed by a scrumptious high tea!

Living in a community like ours means we get to share these meaningful moments and create new memories—side by side.

We were absolutely delighted to welcome a group of wonderful children from Horningsham Primary School, who paid a special Easter visit to our home.

Each resident was gifted a chocolate Easter egg, kindly delivered by the children with big smiles and warm hearts. As if that wasn’t lovely enough, they also brought along beautifully handmade Easter cards, filled with colourful drawings and thoughtful messages that truly touched us all.

The children took time to chat with our residents, talking about their hobbies and interests, which sparked lively conversations throughout the home. Topics ranged from horse riding to their school projects on the Titanic and World War II—subjects that our residents had plenty of memories and thoughts to share about too!

One very talented pupil even treated us to a delightful piano performance, which added a musical sparkle to the day. It was a moment of pure joy, and many of our residents couldn’t help but hum along.

Visits like these bring generations together in the most amazing way. Seeing our residents light up with smiles, laughter, and meaningful interaction reminded us all of the simple power of kindness and connection.

At Henford House, we believe that every day holds the potential for something extraordinary—and today was no exception. Residents were treated to a thrilling visit from Kris of Tropical Discovery Workshops, who brought an awe-inspiring collection of exotic creatures right into our home. From the gentle plod of Taco the tortoise to the unexpected charm of a giant millipede and even a graceful tarantula, the experience sparked wonder, curiosity, and joy in equal measure. It was a heartwarming reminder that it’s never too late to discover something new.

The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as residents gathered in anticipation, some a little nervous, others simply intrigued. But as Kris introduced each animal with fascinating facts and gentle encouragement, the room quickly filled with smiles, laughter, and even a few surprised gasps. One resident exclaimed, “I never imagined I’d be holding a snake at my age!”—a sentiment that was echoed by many throughout the day.

There was something truly special about the way Kris engaged with everyone, taking time to ensure each resident felt comfortable and involved. He shared stories about the animals' natural habitats, diets, and unique personalities, transforming the session into an immersive, educational experience. The hands-on element made it all the more memorable. Some residents were even brave enough to let the tarantula gently crawl across their hands, while others found joy simply watching from their seats, eyes wide with fascination.

These moments of connection—between people, animals, and nature—are what make life at Henford House so vibrant. Events like these aren’t just entertainment; they’re opportunities for growth, laughter, and shared memories. They spark conversations long after the day is done and help strengthen the sense of community that defines our home. A huge thank you to Kris and his amazing animal ambassadors for reminding us that a sense of wonder doesn’t fade with age—it only grows stronger when nurtured. Here's to many more wild and wonderful adventures to come at Henford House! 

Henford was filled with extra joy (and a lot more giggles!) this week as our wonderful toddler group returned — officially lowering the average age in the best way possible!

From musical instruments to toys and tiny high-fives, the room was bursting with smiles, laughter, and heartwarming connections. These little visitors brought pure sunshine to our residents’ day, and it’s safe to say the feeling was mutual. Thank you to everyone who came along — you’ve truly warmed our hearts. Until next time, little ones!

While the crowds danced in muddy fields, we brought the festival magic right here to our own beautiful gardens this weekend!

Residents and team members alike enjoyed a day full of music, memories, and sunshine — and it was truly something special. We kicked things off by sharing our all-time favourite tunes (some serious classics in the mix!), before taking to the great outdoors for our very own Henford Fest.

From tambourines to maracas, everyone had a go at making music — we even had a visiting drummer who brought the rhythm alive, and a miniature Worthy Farm Tractor rolled in to make it official!

Of course, no festival is complete without a bit of indulgence — afternoon tea, a cheeky glass of wine, and plenty of laughter made it a day to remember.

Music has such a magical way of bringing back memories and creating new ones — and this weekend, Henford House was absolutely buzzing with both.

We’ve had a fantastic day filled with music, laughter, and a real sense of community spirit. Residents were treated to a lively performance by the brilliant Sloejam, who had everyone clapping and smiling – even Denzel the delightful therapy dog couldn’t resist tapping his paw to the beat.

Our Head Chef prepared a fabulous, traditionally English meal, and received particular praise for his incredible Roast Beef!

St George’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate English heritage. Did you know? Although St George is England’s patron saint, he wasn’t actually English – he was born in what is now modern-day Turkey!

Wishing everyone a joyful and proud St George’s Day – from our Henford House Care Home - Barchester Healthcare family to yours.

We had some very special visitors at the care home this week—beautiful owls from a local birds of prey sanctuary came to spend time with our residents, and what a magical experience it was!

Residents gathered in excitement as the handlers introduced each owl, sharing interesting facts about their species, habits, and personalities. From the majestic barn owl to the tiny, wide-eyed screech owl, everyone was captivated by their presence.

What made the visit even more special was the opportunity for residents to get up close, gently stroke the owls, and even hold one under the careful guidance of the handlers. It was a calm, sensory-rich experience that brought smiles, sparked conversation, and created moments of quiet wonder.

Animal visits like this are known to have a therapeutic effect, offering comfort, stimulation, and joy—especially for those living with dementia. The gentle nature of the owls and the peaceful atmosphere made it a truly memorable day for everyone involved.

A huge thank you to Bird of Prey company for creating such a memorable day. It was so lovely to see the residents’ faces light up!