Activities at Hethersett Hall Care Home

Last week we received a lovely treat of cress and grass seeds from Friend in Deed. Our resident Terry who loves gardening has been busy looking after them in his green house. They’ve already started to grow, we look forward to having some delicious egg and cress sandwiches!

Our residents love taking part in Yoga with Bella every Wednesday but due to recent events we have had to find other ways of keeping fit. Bella kindly offered to record a video for us so residents could continue their weekly routine through “virtual yoga” to promote a happy and healthy well-being! Bella’s dogs Christa and Monty like to visit too showing off their yoga stretches - even Mitsy; Bella’s cat joined in!

We have been overwhelmed with “letters of kindness” which we have received from Friend in Deed and other friends from the local community. Residents have been busy sending replies this week to show our appreciation and that we are sending love to our friends within the community too. Staff and residents can see a display of letters, cards and pictures received on a board in our reception as a reminder of great community spirit and to “keep smiling through”.

Our resident Peter thoroughly enjoys spending time at his desk making some fantastic model planes and he would like to share where his love of model making began:

"Years ago when my twin boys were little, I enjoyed helping them to make Plastic "Air Fix" models which they received as Christmas and Birthday presents. My wife and I decided to leave London and retire near our son in Norfolk but sadly after six months my wife passed away. To alleviate the loneliness and boredom my son convinced me to take up modelling again.

On my iPad I found 5-6 companies who make outstanding modelling kits. I chose to specialise in World War 1-2 Aircrafts. Their kits are 2-fold i.e.; one is free flight which contains a special Chinese rubber band and connected to a propeller 75-100 which in turn gives me 12-15 seconds of flight. The alternative is Radio Controlled which I feel I may be too old for!

To date, I have made two WW1 planes and one WW2 plane, both British and I have loved flying them in the garden. My latest project is a Messerscmih -109; a German Fighter plane and the pride of Hitler's air force!  This fighter plane was used to combat the air force "Spitfire" and became second best but sadly does not fly. As my birthday is coming up I have no doubt my family will see I have another plane which will be an American "Cessna" used in the Vietnam War.  My young grandson loves hanging these planes from his ceiling too.

My other company of models is those of the famous painter Leonardo Da Vinci who was not only a painter but was also Italy's most famous engineer who invented the Mathematical Clock which is proudly displayed in my room.

My door is always open should you wish to have a chat and see my creations".

During these difficult times, we have received lots of thoughtful cards, letters and videos from residents of the local community and schools, sending love and well wishes to their elderly friends at Hethersett Hall. Our residents enjoyed reading messages and seeing the bright and colourful drawings the children of Friend in Deed, Hethersett, Catton Grove Primary School and Firside Junior School created. Thank you so much everyone!

We have been busy taking part in the fantastic projects Kelly, the founder of Friend in Deed, has invited us to take part in to keep in touch with Little Visitors. One project has been sending videos to little visitors of our residents singing and dancing to nursery rhymes. We look forward to seeing the finished DVD - Britain's Got Talent here we come!

The 30th of March was a very special day for Iris, who celebrated her 100th Birthday! Staff and other residents gathered in a specially decorated lounge to sing "Happy Birthday" and enjoy a slice of cake and refreshments.  Staff cheered as Iris opened her cards, especially from the Queen!  Congratulations Iris on reaching such an amazing milestone - we think you are wonderful!