Activities at Lochduhar Care Home

On 8th of May, staff members and residents at Lochduhar in Dumfries marked the anniversary of VE Day, also known as Victory in Europe Day, by organising a variety of special activities.

The home was specially decorated with flags and banners for the occasion, and at 11am everyone gathered together for a two minute silence as token of appreciation to the heroes of World War II.

In the afternoon, the residents got involved in a sing-along, themed talks and quizzes, and raised a glass to the nation, showing gratitude to “those who gave so much”.

Victory in Europe Day is the day celebrating the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces on Tuesday, 8 May 1945, marking the end of World War II in Europe.

Residents at Lochduhar Care Home in Dumfries got together yesterday to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. They handmade decorations, watched a video to celebrate the importance of the day and were treated to a mix of Mexican snacks and cocktails. Everyone appeared to enjoy the day!

Cinco de Mayo, (or the fifth of May) is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s May the 5th 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. The day is also known as Battle of Puebla Day. Although a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States it has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American population.

International Mother Earth Day is a day set aside by the UN for raising awareness on climate change.

At Lochduhar Care Home, we chose to mark the day by planting trees in the grounds. We now have a new Kilmarnock Willow at the front of the building, and a Braeburn apple tree in the back garden- we're looking forward to being able to pick the fruit!

Staff and residents at Barchester’s Lochduhar care home in Dumfries were treated to a virtual tour of the wonderful underwater world of SEA LIFE London Aquarium, hosted by Senior Curator, James Wright and his expert team.

SEA LIFE London Aquarium is home to more than 300 species and 4,000 creatures, including Gentoo Penguins, Sea Turtles and Seahorses, which are cared for by its dedicated team of 15 Aquarists. The shark tank alone is one million litres in volume and six metres deep and is home to five species of sharks – Sand Tigers called Bungle and Zippy, a Grey Reef Shark, Nurse Sharks, Tawny Nurse Shark and a shiver of Black Tip Reef Sharks as well as a Bowmouth Guitarfish called Betty.

Residents at Lochduhar enjoyed an eggs-tensive range of Easter activities, from an Easter Egg Hunt, Easter cake-making, an Easter Bonnet Competition and rolling the chocolate Easter egg. Residents also tucked in to a delicious Easter meal of roast lamb followed by a chocolate and mint gateaux which was prepared by the home’s head cook Evelyn Paterson and her team. Our local Tesco Extra store at Cuckoo Bridge Retail Park, kindly donated Easter Eggs for all our residents and a supply of fresh vegetables which were enjoyed by our residents during the Easter weekend.

General Manager, Gillian Ward said: “As always, we’ve all been looking forward to Easter. It’s such a nice time of the year – the residents love all the colourful Easter eggs and enjoyed making their Easter bonnets. It’s really been an eggs-cellent few days!”

Residents enjoying their regular baking masterclasses and this time it was no different as they came together to prepare their entry to Barchester’s annual Easter Cake Competition.   Enid was delighted to be able to help decorate the cake and was all smiles at keeping busy before sitting back to be able to enjoy some of the delicious chocolate which had covered the cake. Everyone is looking forward to enjoying a slice over the Easter weekend.