Activities at South Chowdene Care Home

Wow! What amazing reminiscence went on today around 15th August 1947. How Indian Independence was reported was quite different from what we experience nowadays and the detail was pretty scant but there was still a lot of gossip, different opinions around what had happened. Residents took the chance to find out more about India, its customs and tastes. We had a virtual trip around this bast country and tasted sone of their favourite street food and our talented chef Lynne made a delicious vegetable balti for lunch followed by a desert based on Kheer.

What a fantastic Geordie day we had finding out about Geordie roots from Linda Davidson who also spoke about the many famous and incredibly significant people the North East has produced. Geordie comedy, songs – and everything Geordie. Residents loved reminiscing and adding their knowledge and experience to the talk. Lynne our fantastic head chef made sure mealtimes continued the Geordie theme with ham and pease pudding stotties and Newcastle Broon to wash it Doon.

Residents’ friends and family came together for an Afternoon tea and chat about their friendships, memories and how we used to keep in touch. There were a lot of stories about friendships made during the War which would never have happened otherwise and some residents who still had friends from when they were at Nursery. Some residents still send cards and letters to their friends and are very excited when a letter arrives for them in the post. Our very own friend of South Chowdene Jane came to help the celebrations along and told us about her friendships and how she became friends with South Chowdene.

Barchester care homes and hospitals nationwide linked together for a fantastic quiz in celebration of Barchester’s 100th live virtual event.

Residents engaged in a variety of questions ranging from historical trivia to visual puzzles and brainteasers.

Everyone who joined had a fantastic time and enjoyed some friendly competition.

Bastille day was celebrated with patisserie, ‘champagne’ and a look around Paris as well as other key and historical places. Some residents had a go at the lingo which got a whole lot better after a delicious lunch of Chicken Chasseur and Tarte Tatin made by our fantastic chef Michelle.

Residents were also very keen to find out what the day is all about and test their knowledge in an ‘all about France’ quiz.

Having found out about Canada on Monday, we moved a little further South for a look at how American Independence came about and what we like to borrow from American culture.

There was a milkshake making masterclass with Betty insisting on quality controlling the ice cream and Kath decided stirring was best done with a teaspoon.

However it was made, we all decided that both Strawberry and Banana milkshakes were more than fit for the tea trolley.

During the afternoon, residents enjoyed a game on’4th July’ bingo and a States of America quiz.