Activities at Hickathrift House Care Home

Staff, residents, relatives and the local community came together at Hickathrift House Care Home to enjoy a wonderful Summer Fete held in the home’s grounds on 26th August.  Hickathrift House care home hosted a variety of activities throughout the day, including a book sale, games, a tombola, BBQ, local businesses and craft stalls as well as a local entertainment company KJ Entertainments who did face painting, balloon modelling and singing, which were enjoyed by everyone who came to the event, including the Mayor of Wisbech, Peter Human.

Staff and residents at Hickathrift House made everyone feel welcome and were delighted to see different generations having fun together. Visitors enjoyed plenty of refreshments; a delicious BBQ, and mouth-watering salads all washed down with plenty of tea and coffee prepared by the Head Chef and General Manager, who were hard at work making sure that a great time was had by all – it really was a team effort!

The trip all started when Jean was considering her wish for our 'Post A Wish' initiative. Staff suggested an array of places and ideas around animals as Jean adores all types. When we heard about the baby tigers it confirmed her choice of Banham Zoo! Residents and staff got up close and cuddly with a number of animals including meerkats, zebras, giraffes and baby tigers when they took a trip to Banham Zoo.

The residents particularly liked tigers and thanks to the persistence of Julie, carer, we didn't leave without getting front-row seats to these beautiful animals and the new baby tiger. Jean said with joyful tears, "They're so beautiful."  In between seeing the animals, everyone enjoyed a scrumptious meal of whatever they wanted on the menu from jacket potatoes to handmade sausage rolls.

Jean said, "I had such an amazing day. The best day I could have ever wished for."

Residents had a spectacular time meeting beautiful Daisy, and her fantastic owner, Nicky, from Miniature Dreams! Many were astonished by how well-behaved and majestic Daisy was and loved reminiscing and sharing stories with Nicky. They both brought so much joy to residents and staff in communal areas and rooms at Hickathrift House.

Spending time with animals supports motor skills and dexterity as well as increases happiness. At Hickathrift House we organise a range of animal therapies that appeal to residents from puppy parties to petting zoos. 

Daisy, a new resident said, "Daisy, the pony, was just so beautiful. I loved showing my family the photos and everyone sang the Daisy song to us both. It was such great fun." 

We celebrated National Book Lovers Day with an array of activities throughout the week. Our activities included a book trolley, poetry reading, attending a local book club at Marshland Hall & Tearoom and repurposing our old beloved books in our craft club. Residents have been immersing themselves in books that they've chosen and loved discussing the storylines in one-to-one chats with each other and staff.

We have also launched our community book swap which locals can explore our fabulous trolley outside the entrance of Hickathrift House. Everyone is able to grab a new story and swap their beloved books so residents can enjoy a new book. 

Staff and residents from Hickathrift House care home in Wisbech, had a wonderful time attending many of the events organised by the King’s Lynn Festival, and even created some of their own! The King’s Lynn Festival returned this year with a whole range of classical music stars, TV personalities, folk, jazz, talks, walks and exhibitions from the 16th to 29th of July 2023, and many of these events were attended and recreated by Hickathrift House care home.

Hickathrift House’s program included watching the various classical music videos on the King’s Lynn Festival website, a trip to the ‘Blast to Blitz’ exhibition, a virtual tour of King’s Lynn and a shopping trip in the Vancouver Quarter.  The star event was a visit by staff from the Stories of Lynn Museum. During the event, residents learned about the history of the Mayors and Mayoresses of King’s Lynn and the origins of the King’s Lynn Mart. 

Residents across our services had a fantastic time joining Mandy Morrow for a virtual walking tour to learn about the ‘Herstory’ of Mayfair. The Mayfair of Nightingales may be long gone but it still holds a 20th century charm. Birthplace to the late Queen Elizabeth II, home to one of WWII's most decorated female war heroes and a tale of a wealthy Aristocrat and one of France's favourite designers.

We were delighted to take a walk down memory lane and discover stories from one of London's most iconic areas.  The experience was truly enjoyed by all.