Activities at Lawton Rise Care Home

Residents made the most of the weather as a heat wave hit Stoke on Trent and people across the region enjoy the warmest weather of the year so far.

A gazebo was put up above the outdoor sitting area for those who enjoy a spot of al fresco dining, and sun hats and high factor sun cream are in abundance. The home has a wonderful garden so Lawton Rise decided to throw a beach themed party with sand, paddling pools, hula girl fancy dress! The “by the seaside fish and chips” was washed down with some lager shandy and an ice lolly! As residents and staff danced to The Beatles, the warm weather brought with it memories of summers gone by, leading residents to reminisce about favourite summer holidays.

Ahead of Armed Forces Day, we were transported back in time for a World War II themed talk and tour of Blenheim Palace, hosted by Antonia Keaney, the Palace’s social historian and author.

Entitled ‘Evacuees and Espionage,’ Antonia’s wartime themed talk focused on how the Marlborough family, estate staff and the Palace itself played a full and energetic part in the war effort.

The talk and tour told the story of how the Palace prepared for the worst, survived the onslaught of 400 boys being evacuated to Blenheim and kept the secrets of MI5.  

It was a lovely experience, enjoyed by all.

Residents enjoyed a visit from Poppy the Cocker Spaniel as she trotted round the home giving out plenty of cuddles!

Frankie, Activities Coordinator and owner of Poppy, said “A lot of our residents had previously kept pets so it’s lovely to see how much comfort Pop gave the residents. Their faces lit up when they saw her, but I’m not sure who was happier to receive the cuddles!”

We had a lovely time joining the team from Hereford Cathedral for an exciting virtual session.

We enjoyed a glimpse of this spectacular building and its treasures in a series of short pre-recorded videos. From the stunning gardens which lead down to the River Wye, to the Mappa Mundi and Chained Library.

It was wonderful to learn more about the history and beauty of Hereford Cathedral.

Here at Lawton Rise were pleased to be able to dive into the wild safari life of Knowsley Safari and to enjoy an amazing live stream tour of the park’s grounds.

Our residents were smiling and laughing as they got up close and personal with some of the safari’s most popular animals, including giraffes and meerkats and much more!

We had a wonderful time learning more about the animals and enjoying some live feeding demonstrations. 

Staff and residents at Barchester’s Lawton Rise were treated to an interactive virtual floristry masterclass courtesy of Master Florist, Michal Kowalski, from Blooming Haus. 

Residents and staff were invited to gather together flowers and foliage chosen by themselves and follow Michal’s demonstration to create their own displays.  Residents’ arrangements will be entered into a Facebook competition judged by Michal and Michael to win Love2Shop vouchers.