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
Signs of Spring
Residents have been enjoying spotting the signs of spring coming to life around the garden. Snowdrops blooming and daffodil bulbs showing signs of opening, whilst listening to the sounds of the birds chirping, watching the rabbits scurrying around and enjoying the peacefulness of being outdoors.
Snow Day
Residents enjoyed a tranquil walk in the garden, listening to the crunch of the snow beneath their feet and the feel of the cold soft, powdery snow between their fingers, watching and listening for wildlife and birds chirping away. After enjoying the quiet of the garden, residents had great fun building a snowman to sit at the front of the home.
Vaccination Day
Residents and team members were delighted to have been invited by Banbury Cross Health Centre to have their vaccines. This has brought great joy and relief to residents and team members after what has been a difficult period.
Virtual Poetry Reading
Residents have been enjoying bi-weekly poetry sessions with our volunteer, Jon, through Zoom. Jon has been sharing some much-loved poetry with residents, who in return have been sharing their favourites poems and thoughts on how they interrupt the poems read.
International Flower Day
Residents celebrated International Flower Day by making their own flower arrangements, as well as making arrangements for other residents in the home. Residents also learnt about different cultures and their ways of flower arranging, including the Japanese art of Ikebana.
A Christmas Carol
Residents thoroughly enjoyed an afternoon matinee performance from The Old Vic Theatre, watching A Christmas Carol. Residents enjoyed pre-theatre drinks before the show, sharing stories of old Christmas traditions and, during the interval, residents indulged in a selection of delicious snacks from the bar, including mince pies and mulled wine!
