Activities at Atfield House Care Home

Atfield House Residents enjoyed an outing to the Hindu Temple, Jalaram Jupadi Temple in Hounslow. We arranged this especially on the request of one of our Residents, who used to work there. He and another Resident, who are from an Hindu background and Residents , who were generally interested to experience an Hindu Temple joined the outing. We were also glad for family members to join and support their loved ones on the outing It was only a short journey from Atfield House and we were glad to reach in time to experience the Temple and join the Prasad, meaning food, that was offered to the gods before-hand. On entering the Temple, we all had to remove our shoes, before entering the Temple room. It was a truly emotional experience for Krishnakant, who had not been to the Temple for over 3 years! He was deeply moved, when he entered the temple and was assisted with the food by a friend from the Temple later on. We all  enjoyed the trip and kind gesture offered to us, by inviting us for the Prasad, the Temple experience and the peace, that comes with the devotional atmosphere!

As we welcome the year of dragon, we are filled with hope, positivity and the promise of new beginnings. We at Atfield house are always delighted to share the festivities that brought our community together in a spirit of joy, unity, and cultural appreciation. In this year’s Chinese new year amidst colourful decorations and aroma of traditional delicacies, home was transformed into a hub of celebration during our events. Residents engaged in learning to craft intricate paper lanterns and beautiful Chinese calligraphy connecting with the artistic heritage of china. The air was filled with the aroma of delectable dishes as everyone savoured authentic Chinese cuisine symbolising luck, prosperity, and happiness. Residents were excited after seeing the special Geisha costume of our staff in our dining area. Mabel, one of our residents, was very happy to see the decorations around the corridor, commented that it takes her back to old Singapore days where she worked as a nurse and enjoyed a lot during Chinese New Year.

Our first Poetry club meeting this year was called Winter poetry writing. We started the session by reading a winter poem. To be correct, we started with offering a glass of white or red wine, which was welcomed by everybody. Then we took a walk into our memories of best winters, and already we had a starting point of joyful winter memories, ice- skating on a village pond with borrowed skates from Mrs. ......the teacher. We carried on walking down memory lane and memories of winters with rushened coals emerged, when people had to keep the curtains closed and huddle up, wearing  their warmest winter clothes and  lighting  indoor candles . Soon everybody had contributed a bit from their special winter memories and our winter  poem was completed. Some of our Residents then started reciting poems, they knew by heart and every Resident felt that they could be a poet too!

On international Flower Day, we awaited in anticipation to unwrap the flowers, that we wanted to use to decorate our pine arch, which leads into the main dining room. Residents enjoyed posing with the flowers and helped to reshape the individual buds! We tried to name the flowers too and Kathleen knew them so well and told us how she used to grow peonies in her garden. We all gathered in the hallway to decorate the arch. With help of Sylvia, Kathleen, Gillian and Beryl and Jean, and visitors and pliers, we were able to get a very pleasing result. The Arch looks colourful, uplifting and welcoming the spring season. We are now awaiting some birds to inhabit our lovely flower arch to greet our Residents on their daily visit to the dining room.

As we gathered around the table with a glass of sherry, we begun listening to film music and  name the films they belonged to.

Soon Residents started to remember the names of their films, they loved and had seen in cinemas. Peter mentioned the magnificent 7 and we delved into the music of the wild west with gun shots and the sound of galloping horses! Seven brides for seven brothers brought back memories for many and the cheerful sounds of singing filled our ears. The west side story music also much loved and remembered brought us into a romantic and serene atmosphere, and then we  were transported into the bliss-full heights from the sounds of music. Sybil said this were the good old days! She and others sang along to the sound tracks as we enjoyed the peacefulness of a January day and the sun rays peeping through the window at Atfield House.

Residents and family members enjoyed the new year`s eve party at Atfield House. Staff members were excited to put on a special celebration as the final Party of 2023 for our Residents and family members. The dining room was specially prepared for the event, with a long festive table, decorated with colourful balloon displays. Our chef took special time to make the salads and cheese board look attractive. There were Christmas cakes, baklava and cream cakes to enjoy. A selection of hot and cold drinks could supply every ones taste and needs. Crackers, humus and cheese was very welcome spread to some of our visitors too! But before everyone started feasting, we watched a slide show, put together by the activities team, showing snap shots of all the special moments our Residents enjoyed in 2023! This was followed by the performance of Christmas tunes, performed by a Violinist. Peter was impressed and  remarked, how well in tune she played! Her tonal quality was lovely and our Residents were well pleased with her performance. After everyone had some savoury and sweet treats with some drinks and opened their fortune cookies, we gathered at the garden door. When we opened it , the fireworks sparkled and crackled outside to the delight of our Residents and family members. With some blankets to keep warm, Gillian, Isabella, Peter and other Residents watched the fireworks. Laurence was excited to see the final display of sparklers and came with staff assistants to the garden, to hold a sparkler in his own hands! As everyone went back to their room, Residents remarked what a lovely party it was, and said, everything was good! the food, the music and the fireworks was a lovely surprise!