Activites at Hickathrift House Care Home

A Laundry Assistant and Head Housekeeper have received a prestigious combined 25-Year Service Award in celebration of working at Barchester Healthcare for 10 years and 15 years respectively.

Peggy, now a laundry assistant, started at Barchester in June 2000 and has worked with residents and their relatives to ensure that their needs have been met over the years. Whilst her daughter, Chantelle, started her career in June 2015 and was quickly raised to Head Housekeeper, ensure that every room and living space is maintained to the highest standards. 
 

Residents set off on an exciting adventure with a singular mission in mind - to cheer on Wisbech Town in the highly tense but friendly under 11s match. 

There we were cheering on the red team and reminiscing about playing football in our younger years. We were ever so excited to see these young talents play on such an impressive pitch. All the children did an amazing job, and we were blown away by their skill and passion.

Kath said, "I know we're supporting the red team, but how amazing it is to see all their dedication at such a young age. It was a brilliant evening. Thank you".   

We celebrated National Garden Week with an assortment of activities to interest everyone. We loved testing our minds in a Spring flower picture quiz, reminiscing with our garden sensory trolley, getting out in the garden for our gardening club, decoupaging flower pots with Debbie from Gratitude 43 in our craft club and enjoying floral aromatherapy in the home.

We were also thrilled to visit a garden centre in Downham Market, recommended to us by our respite resident Myrtle. Myrtle said, “I remember coming here when it first opened, and it’s just continued to expand. I’m thrilled to be back here again!” 

We have had a splendid time celebrating World Cocktail Day. At our most recent Residents meeting we discovered the residents' top three favourite cocktails; a gin and tonic, bloody mary and a classic 1960s snowball. Our tipsy trolley was dressed to impress with martini glasses, these delicious drinks and the artwork made by residents earlier in the day. We also had various non-alcoholic cocktails, such as no-ijto, for everyone to join in the fun.

Betty said, "I haven't had a snowball in years. It was my go-to drink that we'd have on special occasions like birthdays and promotions at work. Some good memories attached to this drink". 

Residents and staff explored 500 years of Postal History during a Live Virtual Event with The Postal Museum alongside the General Manager, Paula Melerski. 

From the early days of Henry VIII’s couriers to the modern postal network, we learnt about the incredible innovations that kept Britain connected through the centuries. It was a fascinating talk by Sharon and made even more special thanks to Paula who was an avid stamp collector and showcased her incredible collection. 

Everyone enjoyed seeing the different stamps and reminiscing about their own collections when they were little. There were collections that matched residents’ interests, from Nobel Prize winners to horse racing, and sparked wonderful conversations. Residents also loved reading Oomph Wellness' fun facts about the penny black stamp and wrote back to some wonderful pen pals too. It was a fantastic afternoon together! 

Is there anything better than listening to amazing live music and enjoying a cold brew on a warm day? We don't think so at Hickathrift House.

Residents enjoyed a fabulous afternoon with The Rummuns with a delicious beer tasting trolley. The music, beer and conversation were flowing all afternoon and many arms waving in the air and songs being sung. 

Residents all have fond memories of the old pubs in Wisbech and Kings Lynn and shared memories of their days spent in them. We talked about the music they played in the pubs, the bar singers they saw, the friendships they made and for some when they worked as a bar lady and pub owner. The afternoon was truly enjoyed by all.

We’ve had an egg-citing time at Hickathrift during this year’s Easter celebrations. The Easter bunny hopped around the home, bringing laughter and delicious chocolate treats to everyone. Everyone loved the bunny hugs and singing the Easter bunny song together. The residents could pick between white, milk and dark chocolate as well as sweet baskets to ensure there was something sweet for everyone. 

Marjorie said, “Oh how sweet it is that you’ve come to visit us. I’ll make sure to share this with my friends and family”. 

Staff and residents welcomed Andrew Callaghan, Community Development Worker of the Fenland Orchards Project for an educational talk on the history of the project, their current workshops and future plans for the orchard.

Residents and staff all gathered for Andrew to share his passion for the project and learn all about the current work they do for the community. The residents were captivated by the design and the traction the project has received since starting 4 years ago. The detailed informative talk sparked memories and conversations between the attendees and brought back fond experiences of growing fruit. 
 

Residents have been taking a moment to appreciate the stunning nature that surrounds our home. We’re so lucky to have such beautiful grounds at our home and be so close to the WWT Welney Wetlands, where wildlife thrives.

Residents, their loved ones, staff and our Duke of Edinburgh volunteer Olly had a wonderful afternoon in nature. At Welney Wetlands, we saw whooper and bewick swans begin migrating back to their breeding grounds, while residents at the home captured our wildlife visitors in the garden during a photography class and enjoyed a wildlife picture quiz. 

Nature brings so much joy to the residents, and we’re always grateful for the peaceful moments spent outdoors.