Activities at Chacombe Park Care Home
We understand that the people we support have passions and interests that could be difficult to pursue after moving into a care home – but that doesn’t mean we don’t encourage them to try! Some hobbies can define a person, so our Activities Coordinators are dedicated to ensuring that everyone we support is able to do what makes them happy to the best of their abilities. Social events are organised with individual tastes in mind and with the idea that residents have the opportunity to try new and exciting things.
Heather Gooch
My name is Heather and I am the Head of Activities here at Chacombe Park. My role is to ensure that all residents are supported in enjoying hobbies and events that enrich their life.
I have a Bachelors degree in Theatre Performance, as well as a PGCE in Secondary Drama. I have previously worked for another Barchester home back in 2012 before working as a secondary school teacher, teaching Drama at both GCSE and A Level. I have a passion for person centred care, which has come from my love of pastoral work during my time as a teacher. I want each resident to feel appreciated and supported to enjoy the skills/hobbies that they have treasured before their time at Chacombe.
In my spare time I enjoy singing, cross stitch and learning new skills. I endeavour to bring these hobbies and passions into my role here at Chacombe, as well as learn some new skills from the vast range of knowledge that our residents can bring!
Read our brochure 'Life-enriching activities' for more information about life in our care homes.
Read our brochure
Activities and Events Partnerships
As part of our bespoke life-enrichment programmes, we host a number of live virtual events in the home on a regular basis through a number of partnerships with places of interest and world class performance companies
Life at Chacombe Park Care Home
Carers Week
Last week, we honoured our amazing carers with a party! Joined by all the staff, we celebrated carers week. We had a wonderful cake prepared by our Chef. The Home Manager greeted the carers with a box of chocolates, a small plant and a lovely thank you card.
Our carers had a fabulous afternoon, and we felt it was the least we could do to celebrate their hard work and dedication. Thank you, for everything you do!
AG Magicians Visit
AG magicians entertained Chacombe Park residents with interactive magic which they loved. Local sister home, Glebefields residents also joined and were delighted to be part of it. As you can see, there was fun and laughter all around.
D-Day Commemorative Tree Planting
On D-Day, Chacombe School students, residents family and staff joined Chacombe Park Care Home to plant a tree to remember the lives that were lost on D-Day. To commemorate the 80th anniversary, students sang, shared a beloved story and Janet (one of our residents) played piano beautifully and sang a hymn. The youngest child from the local school and Chacombe’s oldest resident planted an oak tree in remembrance.
Trip to Cotefield Nurseries
We enjoyed a trip to Cotefield Nurseries Garden Centre last week. We had a look around at all the colourful plants in the sunshine and Meg told us all about her love for geraniums. We reminisced about our own gardens and what we enjoyed planting in them.
We also enjoyed a spot of tea and a slice of cake - and some surprise visitors! When I mentioned to Angela’s family that we would be taking her to their local garden centre, they were more than happy to join us there. It was so lovely to be able to support them in a family trip that took place in their local community. We are always happy to welcome family!
Garden Day
Chacombe Park staff and residents (plus some family members!) took full advantage of the sunshine recently and as you can see, all really enjoyed each other’s company! Residents helped staff to tidy up the garden, or just enjoyed some rays of sunshine in the comfort of our grounds. We hope you enjoy some of the pictures of our fun adventures!
VE Day Party
What a wonderful day to celebrate VE Day. Kim held a wonderful reminiscence session in the morning which residents enjoyed - some were so keen to start discussing that they started before they got to the lounge!
So many of our residents came to join us out in the glorious sunshine as we held a delicious BBQ lunch outside, accompanied by some Glenn Miller.
It was a pleasure to sit out in our gorgeous grounds as the sun shone down on us. Cyril commented “It’s lovely to see some sunshine and to be able to appreciate it” whilst Joan said “It’s good to hear this music again”.
We were then joined by Vintage Ruby who sang us some classic wartime songs as we danced along. There isn’t a party quite like a Chacombe party!
