Activities at Dovedale Court 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.
Brian Sandham
My name is Brian, I’m the activities coordinator down here at Dovedale. I’m new to the care sector, I’ve been a photographer and photography tutor since 2004 dealing with different ages groups and abilities. I’m looking forward to putting my people skills to good use down here at Dovedale.
I might be new to the care sector but I’m super looking forward to spreading a bit of extra sunshine and cheer around the home.
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 Dovedale Court Care Home
Cruising with Unilever
We had a lovely time joining Paul Hawkins and Lisa Richards from Unilever for an exciting Virtual Cruise experience.
Our residents were welcomed with mocktails as Lisa and Paul took them on a magical journey to 3 mystery destinations, which were uncovered after a few clues.
Paul demonstrated how to create a few of the local traditional dishes, which our residents had the opportunity to try too.
The event evoked lots of great memories and it was truly enjoyed by all.
Writing with Mike Gayle
We had a great time joining journalist and novelist, Mike Gayle, for an intriguing virtual interview, during which he shared top tips for creative writing with our residents and read passages from his latest book, All the Lonely People.
We were thrilled to find out about Mike’s background, to understand what led him to become a writer and his creative process.
It was a lovely talk, enjoyed by all, especially by our keen writers at the home.
Wine not? Residents join virtual tasting
We had a lovely time joining Hospitality Manager, Christophe Noel and special guests Lee Isaacs DipWSET and Nick Parker from Unity Wines and Spirits – as they introduced us to wine tasting techniques, the history of wine and wine making, as well as consumer attitudes.
Our residents had the opportunity to try a variety of wines from sparkling and white to rose and red, alongside a selection of delicious treats.
It was a wonderful experience, enjoyed by all.
English National Ballet virtual event
We celebrated Last Night of the Proms virtually with members of English National Ballet’s Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Music Director Gavin Sutherland.
We listened and danced along as members of the orchestra took us on a magical, musical journey. English National Ballet Philharmonic is made up of many of the country’s top musicians, and boasts considerable experience in all forms of music-making. With insights and anecdotes into what it takes to conduct an orchestra for a world-class ballet company, this special concert got our feet tapping, arms waving and hearts singing!
It was a wonderful experience, enjoyed by all.
Tour of V&A Dundee exhibition
Staff and residents were treated to a tour of the Scottish Design Galleries by Becca Clark and James Wylie, two members of V&A Dundee’s talented exhibitions team. The presentation forms part of a series of six talks and virtual tours that V&A Dundee is hosting for Barchester Healthcare’s care homes and private hospitals across the UK.
V&A Dundee is Scotland’s design museum, it showcases Scotland’s outstanding design achievements and features world-class exhibitions alongside the permanent Scottish Design Galleries, and a changing programme of commissions, events and activities.
The good life!
Residents of Dovedale Court have been busy growing their own plants and vegetables as part of the homes gardening club and varied life enrichment programme. Residents were delighted with their crop of carrots!
