Activities at Drummond Grange 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.
Katie Nicolson
Katie Nicolson is our Head of activities here at Drummond since August 2023 beforehand she worked as an activity assistant in the home for two years. Before coming to Drummond Katie has worked in many care roles over the years and studied Psychology and Sociology at Queen Margaret’s University and was awarded a Degree of Bachelor of science in Psychology and Sociology at the start of 2022. Katie loves being part of the Activity department here at Drummond Grange and bringing new and exciting opportunities and experiences to the residents. When she’s not at work Katie is a local Girl Guide leader and youth leader for her churches youth group.
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 Drummond Grange Care Home
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.
Scottish Galleries with V&A Dundee
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.
Virtual trip to Iceland for Sea Life Trust
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.
Top photographer hosts masterclass
To mark World Photography Day, staff and residents 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.
English National Ballet
Staff and residents at Barchester’s Drummond Grange care home 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.
Home receive gift from Pentland Plants
Residents of Drummond Grange Care Home received a donation of plants from Pentland Plants in Loanhead.
Susanne Watson (Home Ambassador) emailed Pentland Plants to ask if they could help us by donating plants to assist them in doing up the Patio Garden. Susanne explained that the Residents had all decided that they would like to brighten up the area by painting fences bright colours and adding flowers. As the pandemic has kept them in for so long they thought this would be a good place to start enriching their lives.
Pentland Plants replied saying they would be delighted to help and if we could come up and collect the plants that would be wonderful.
