Activities at Balclutha Court Care Home

We had a lovely time joining Becca Clark and James Wylie – members of V&A Dundee’s exhibitions team – as they took us on a virtual tour of the museum’s incredible Scottish Design Galleries.

We were introduced to the wide range of unique objects at the galleries from architecture and engineering, jewellery and textiles to theatre and their fascinating stories.

And we were able to learn more about the importance of all objects in telling the rich and varied history of Scottish design.

It was a lovely talk, enjoyed by all.

We took a wonderful virtual trip to Iceland and visited the SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary to have an inside look into the daily care of their two resident beluga whales: Little White and Little Grey.

Our residents were introduced to the history of the Beluga Whale Sanctuary and learnt more about its mission to provide a more natural home for belugas in human care with a first-hand look at how the dedicated team are not only caring for the whales, but preparing for their future in the sea sanctuary!

It was an enjoyable event for everyone, learning more about the amazing beluga whales and how they are cared for at the sanctuary.

To mark World Photography Day, staff and residents at Barchester’s Balclutha were treated to a live streaming photography masterclass courtesy of top professional photographer, Damian Bailey.

A professional photographer since 2003, Damian has won Wedding Photographer of the Year and is listed as one of London’s top wedding photographers, having photographed over 700 weddings.  Damian travels all over the country shooting weddings, events and families and loves to help people create memories by capturing wonderful images that will be passed on from generation to generation.

Damian’s talk explained how he goes about capturing special moments and what makes a great photo in terms of technique and composition.  From landscapes to portrait photos, Damian shared his hints and tips for getting the best shots whatever the subject matter.

Encourages us to slow down and unwind. It’s a day to focus on taking care of ourselves and take a moment to relax.

National Relaxation Day is an important day as we all need a break from the fast-paced and often hectic lifestyles we live.

Taking time to recuperate and rejuvenate our tired minds and bodies may help prevent many health risks, too.

Residents at Balclutha Court took this opportunity to unwind and relax by having a wee pamper afternoon. Natural face masks and manicures were fashioned while listening to some relaxing music which helped everyone feel good.

Well it has be fun but it’s time to pack away our torch and hang up our medals until next time.

Here at Balclutha Court have been having our own Olympic games. So what if we can’t do the pole vault or the long jump. Instead we tried our hands at some old favourites like badminton and basketball but also some new like the slipper toss and archery. It has been great fun and kept us limber over the last couple of weeks.

Staff and residents at Barchester’s Balclutha Court care home in Greenock were treated to a unique performance from English National Ballet to celebrate International Youth Day on August 12.

Prior to the day itself, members of English National Ballet’s youth dance company, ENBYouthCo, and their Creative Director, Richard Bermange, asked residents to submit their memories of going to see films over the years.  The cast then used these evocative descriptions, along with Arielle Smith’s digital production of Jolly Folly, as inspiration for their performance.  

On the day, residents were able to watch a performance of A Comedy in Long-shot, a dance film performed by ENBYouthCo, participate in a chair-based, creative dance workshop along with the cast and observe an open rehearsal where Richard and the young dancers created a performance inspired by the residents’ childhood memories.