Activities at Rivermead Care Home

we were privileged to make our annual journey to the magnificent York Minster for the Christmas Carol Service. A tradition that means so much to us all. The beauty of the Minster, with its towering arches and peaceful glow, was breath-taking as always. As we walked through the charming streets of York, the Christmas lights shimmered brightly, reflecting off the rain-soaked cobblestones. Even though it was pouring with rain, nothing could dampen our spirits; in fact, the contrast between the wild weather outside and the warm welcome inside made the experience feel even more magical.

Together, we soaked up every moment: the stunning music, the outstanding choir, and the chance to join in with so many cherished carols. Hearing our residents’ voices blend with the choir and the congregation felt truly heartwarming.

For us, this isn’t just an outing, it’s a moment of connection, reflection, and festive joy. We are genuinely privileged to be able to share experiences like this, to witness the happiness on our residents’ faces, and to help them continue traditions that matter deeply.

We had a truly lovely time celebrating Christmas together at Rivermead. The home was full of festive cheer, laughter, and smiles as residents and staff came together for a wonderful afternoon.

A huge thank you to our amazing kitchen team who put on a delicious festive spread that was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, the food really added to the celebrations and was beautifully prepared.

The afternoon was packed with fun, including a lively game of pass the parcel which brought lots of excitement and laughter. We also enjoyed a joyful Christmas sing-along, filling the room with familiar songs and festive spirit.

Our amazing team joined by our lovely residents took part in a memory walk for Alzheimer’s UK.  

We enjoyed every moment, chatting to so many new people as the sun shone down on us as we shared stories, made new friends, and remembered loved ones who continue to inspire us every single day. The atmosphere was filled with smiles, laughter and a real sense of togetherness!      

Last week, we enjoyed another fabulous visit from one of our residents' favourite performers.  Martin popped in for his regular session, singing songs which the residents enjoyed and engaged with. 

They look forward to his visits and enjoy singing and dancing along. He always draws in a big crowd! 

Craig recently shared with us that he would really love to have a friend to play chess with. Knowing how meaningful it is to continue enjoying hobbies and interests, we were delighted to help make this wish come true.

We were honoured to welcome Ramek, who kindly came along to spend time with Craig and enjoy a game of chess together. From the moment the game began, it was clear there was some strong competition at the table! 
Both players were fully engaged, focused, and clearly enjoying the challenge.

It was truly heart-warming to watch two people connect over a shared interest, exchanging smiles, conversation, and a few thoughtful moves along the way.

Moments like these remind us how important companionship, meaningful activities, and social connections are within our home.

We are so pleased to see Craig enjoying his passion for chess and forming new friendships, and we would like to thank Ramek for giving his time and making this such a special experience. These are the moments that make our care home feel like a community.

We have been celebrating an incredible milestone, 64 years of love, laughter, and devotion between our lovely resident Pam and her wonderful husband John. 

John surprised Pam with the most beautiful flowers, a small gesture that speaks volumes about their lifelong bond.  They truly are the epitome of love, showing us all that real love only grows stronger with time.

From all of us here at Rivermead, we wish you both a very Happy Anniversary. Thank you for sharing your beautiful love story with us.

We had a lovely afternoon at our local pub, The Derwent Arms. Our residents had a truly enjoyable afternoon. The outing was filled with delicious food, great company and lots of laughter. 

From classic pub favourites to tasty desserts, there was something for everyone to enjoy. It's outings like these help create lasting memories and bring a sense of joy and normalcy to daily life.   

On Sunday 12th October, our wonderful residents, staff, and family members will be coming together to take part in the Alzheimer’s UK Memory Walk in Leeds. 

This event is especially close to our hearts, and we’re proud to walk side by side in support of such an amazing charity that does so much to help those living with dementia, as well as their loved ones.

Our lovely residents Glenda and Heather had a truly wonderful day out, the kind that perfectly captures that between Christmas and New Year feeling, when every day feels like a Saturday and no one’s quite sure what date it is! 
The day began in the best possible way with a proper seaside classic, fish and chips.

Golden batter, fluffy chips, garden peas and curry sauce… absolute perfection! After enjoying every bite, it was time to head over to Scarborough Spa for some festive fun at the pantomime.

Glenda and Heather had a fantastic time watching Beauty and the Beast, with plenty of laughs, music, and that special pantomime magic that makes everyone feel young at heart. A delicious meal, great company, and a show full of smiles what more could you ask for?

To round off the day, they enjoyed a relaxing scenic drive, including a visit to Rillington to admire the beautiful Christmas lights.

 Residents from Rivermead enjoyed a festive outing to Castle Howard. June, Jean, Heather and Audrey were accompanied by Mandy, Karlen, Layla and Bernie for a really enjoyable Christmas day out.

Castle Howard was decorated with a Wizard of Oz Christmas theme giving everyone plenty to see and talk about as we walked around together. The fresh air and festive atmosphere made it a lovely experience.

We also spent time browsing the gift shop, where residents enjoyed looking at the Christmas items and choosing gifts. This encouraged independence and personal choice and led to lots of conversation.

Afterwards, we stopped for lunch in the café, giving everyone time to relax, chat and enjoy being out in a different setting.

Our residents were delighted by a special visit from a family’s friendly poodle! With a wagging tail and gentle nature, this lovable pup brought big smiles, warm hugs, and lots of joy for everyone. 

Moments like these remind us how powerful companionship of animals can be – lifting spirits, sparking conversations, and creating beautiful memories for all.    

Our lovely ladies enjoyed their day out at The Derwent Arms for a spot of lunch and good conversation. 

Everyone enjoyed each other's company, laughter and smiles as we tucked into some delicious food. Then we finished off by having some desserts before heading home.