Activities at South Chowdene Care Home

Excitement is still in the air at South Chowdene Care home in low Fell where residents and staff made Coronation-themed decorations and baking up a storm of red, white and blue cakes and pastries with the help of head chef Lynne Parkin in preparation for the King’s Coronation on May 6.

Staff and residents at the home put their heads together and came up with a plan for their celebrations fit for a King.  Over the bank holiday weekend the home held a Coronation Afternoon Tea with coronation themed quiz, a street party and a garden party with live entertainment including balloon modelling and a good sing. The whole home came together to celebrate our new King and talk about the new era the country is entering.

Across our services Residents had a wonderful time participating in an interactive virtual talk with Pippa Catterall, Professor of History and Policy at the University of Westminster, where we delved into the rich history of coronations.

During the talk, we explored fascinating topics such as the coronation chair, the crown, and other significant aspects related to King Charles' upcoming coronation. Our residents were thrilled to have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the memoirs of past coronations from 1937 and 1953, as well as learning about the coronation oath and what to expect from the ceremony, including the music, guests, and pageantry.

Residents very much enjoyed reminiscing around their Doris Day memories, discussing the heart throbs she has played alongside and then watched ‘Calamity Jane’ accompanied by their choice of popcorn – which was a much wider choice than they had at the local cinema on a Saturday morning! Residents discussed Doris’s diverse talents and how she used these to help and make life better for both those she knew and those who just experienced her works. We particularly liked finding out what she did for animal welfare with the Doris Day Animal Foundation and the Doris Day Animal League as well as setting up the Doris Day Horse Rescue and Adoption Centre.

Residents really showed their creative sides with their entries to the traditional ‘Bonnet Parade’. A great deal of thought and perusal of pictures went into the choice of theme as well as design of the hats. It was great to see residents using their interests and loves as part of the hat decorations. We were very lucky to have 3 independent judges in to make the very difficult decision as to who would won the overall first prize. Volunteers Ellen, Jane and Pat came in to cast their eyes over the creations and joined us for afternoon tea and a quiz after the parade which everyone very much enjoyed.

Residents had a good laugh throughout the weekend as staff dressed up (residents had a go too) and chefs made delicious Easter traditional favourites throughout the weekend with special Easter themed snacks on the tea trolley. Residents particularly loved the hot cross buns which now come in many more flavours than they used to (a good excuse to have to try another half!).

This year, residents’ Easter gifts came fully home made with Skye Sharp knitting Chicks which held a chocolate and Pouches which contained a few Easter themed goodies as well as a Chuck on a nest with chocolate eggs made by Louise. A huge thank you to both for all your very hard work. Residents really appreciated all the work that went into these presents, especially those who have knitted in the past. It sparked some great discussions around knitting skills and what used to be routinely knitted as part of everyday life.

Residents very much enjoyed reminiscing around their Elizabeth Taylor memories, discussing the heart throbs she has played alongside and then watched ‘A place in the sun’ accompanied by their choice of popcorn. Residents discussed the picture houses locally & in neighbouring Newcastle, films were such a big part of the week’s events, especially a Saturday morning show. A big discussion focussed on the relationship through marriage between Elizabeth & Doris Day, another famous film star. Residents were then excited to have popcorn, they were offered a choice of popcorn & the sweet all butter was the popular choice more than the toffee popcorn. Then on to drinks, wine, juice, sherry, shandy & of course tea.

After the film there were many smiling faces, not sure how much the alcohol added to their pleasure but staff thought it was a beautiful outcome for all.