Activities at Sherwood Lodge Care Home

Residents of Sherwood Lodge decided to make its garden more attractive to birds by planting shrubs and flowers that will benefit wildlife throughout the year, and has introduced nesting boxes.

As part of National Nest Box Week, residents Bob and Lily were very busy making tasty treats for the birds that visit our bird feeding stations around the homes' gardens. They hope to attract birds to the nesting boxes, which were replaced last year.  

It has been a privilege to see Nuthatches for the first time amongst the regular visitors making the most of seed and meal worms on the fat balls and coconut shells. Lily and Bob, along with other residents, will take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch to help calculate the numbers of garden species as it aims to attract insects birds like to eat, and provide good nesting material.

Resident, Ray Halliwell shared a little of his past and present with activities coordinator, Rob during one of their many conversations, giving a peak in to his love of steam trains, wild life, astronomy and model making with matchsticks. Both Ray and Rob share a passion of amazing paintings of wild life and trains by artist, David Shepard whose works have been popular since the 1960s.

Resident, Ray also related the demise of the star Betelgeuse (in Orion) and how it was fading in brightness, he has a remarkable knowledge of astronomy and is a clever clogs in general. We are looking forward to building some models together though probably not as complex as his previous constructions thanks Ray.

Our local library run a memory box and melodies afternoon which very well attended by the local community. It is an opportunity to see new faces, enjoy poetry readings and relate their own work and social stories. Lilian related her home front memories of living on a Lancashire farm during the war years while Brenda spoke of living with rationing and 'make do and mend'.

The group shared famous songs from the war years and a truly wonderful afternoon was had by all.

A recent visit from Al and Ian of Music in Mind inspired our residents to talk about their favourite songs and wonderful memories that accompany the songs. How in time honoured tradition they crept out without their parents knowledge to go to a local dance.

With plenty of clapping and song requests the afternoon was thoroughly entertaining the final encore (of many) was led by Miriam in good style. Miriam discovered a snare drum beside her and took great joy in accompanying Ian and Al in the most memorable version of Sweet Caroline.

Veronica needed some items from our local supermarket, and we were delighted to join her for what proved to be challenging trip.

After a few pointers, Veronica started very carefully but soon gained confidence, resulting in the marvellous ‘look no hands‘ photo.

On an autumn afternoon residents settled down to enjoy a game of bingo hosted by activities coordinator, Rob Fraser in the home's conservatory. Residents enjoy playing bingo as it’s a familiar game to everyone and creates lots of excitement around the home. To add some friendly competition between the group, prizes are occasionally added to the game, giving residents the opportunity to win something special.

Bingo sessions are usually hosted weekly as it’s a fun way for the residents to come together as a group as it’s so popular, Rob tries to fit in games in between other activities. Everyone who wishes to take part gathers in the conservatory and Rob begins reading out numbers as they are selected.