Activities at Hickathrift House Care Home

We've been busy celebrating Pancake Day, known as Shrove Tuesday, with a variety of delicious pancakes, themed games and a meaningful church service. Residents had a wonderful day starting off with the amazing Church Service from the local Methodist Church. We always have an incredible time, full of hymns, singing and prayers. A huge thank you to the fantastic volunteers who visit. At lunchtime, our bellies were filled with delicious pancakes by our Head Chef, Andy. The pancake games then began with a pancake memory game and a pancake flipping competition. Everyone was laughing and cheering each other on. There were several hilarious moments throughout but one that had the whole room laughing was the competition between Joan and her daughter Viv. Thankfully Violet ended the tense competition by "accidentally" knocking Viv's pancake out of the race. It was a flipping fun day, and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Across our homes we had a fantastic time joining, Kathryn Delve, Master Florist, for a Valentine’s-inspired live virtual flower arranging demonstration. Kathryn shared brilliant and creative ways to decorate our tables with beautiful flowers that are sure to make your heart swoon!

Those participating in this virtual event put their skills to the test and followed along with some amazing creations of their own.  Residents truly enjoyed the experience.

Gill Repper, local artist, and retired teacher has donated over a dozen spectacular paintings to Hickathrift House Care Home in Wisbech. Gill was warmly invited to come and talk about her artwork at Hickathrift House on the 9th of February for the opening of Hickathrift House’s first coffee morning. Gill then donated 18 pieces to those who attended, which will be displayed around the home and in residents’ rooms.

Gill Repper, who taught at St Audrey’s Convent and Wisbech Grammar School for 40 years, retired from teaching and has donated around 75 of her paintings to local care homes in Wisbech. Hickathrift House’s Head of Activities, Kat Colangelo, invited Gill to discuss her passion and artwork with residents and share tips as she saw her artwork at a local Farmers Market in December.

Hickathrift House care home, in Marshland St James, was filled with tiaras, wedding dresses and veils in celebration of St Valentine’s Day.  Staff and residents celebrated the day of love by hosting a beautiful wedding dress show in collaboration with Bargain Bridal Boutique. 8 lovely staff members dressed up in stunning gowns and accessories and put on a show to remember.

General Manager, Paula Colman said: “We’ve all had a lovely day, reminiscing about each resident’s big day and all of our loved ones. We’ve had a whole range of beautiful items provided by Bargain Bridal Boutique which meant there was something for everyone to spark those special memories. We have enjoyed every moment of it!”

In our monthly residents meeting, residents suggested regular trips to the local shops. A few weeks later we organised our first monthly shopping trip to their favourite supermarket Morrisons. Meaningful trips like this help to encourage independence and are so much fun. After a whole morning of shopping, they enjoyed a well-deserved cup of tea at the café before heading home to show off their latest purchases. 

A member of the public praised our staff as they could hear residents laughing and singing down the aisles with staff. Once they saw the residents, they noticed them dancing and gleaming smiles. They said they knew it was the Hickathrift House team we are just as jolly in person as we are on our Facebook page. 

At the beginning of 2024, we were thrilled to be contacted by a local lady, Pauline who follows life at Hickathrift House through our Facebook Page. Pauline noticed the residents adore animals, especially dogs, and offered to bring in her puppies before they go off to their forever home. 

Everyone had an incredible morning meeting two of the sweetest and cutest dachshund puppies, and their owner Pauline. It was also lovely talking to Pauline and reminiscing about life in Marshland St James and how it’s changed over the years as well as past pet stories. Pet therapy is an amazing time for the residents as it sparks some incredible memories and brings so much joy that is enjoyed by everyone. 

Elsie, a resident at Hickathrift said, "I could sit here all day with them, just stroking and watching them nap. They're beautiful!".