Activities at South Chowdene Care Home

South Chowdene Care Home recently came together to celebrate Carers Week and recognise the dedication and hard work of its team members.

Colleagues enjoyed a special appreciation event with refreshments and treats, providing an opportunity to thank carers for the compassion and kindness they show every day. The celebrations highlighted the difference staff make to the lives of residents and their families and reinforced the importance of teamwork across the home.

The occasion also provided the perfect opportunity to congratulate the home’s Employee of the Month. Surrounded by colleagues, the deserving winner was presented with flowers and gifts in recognition of their commitment and outstanding contribution to resident care. 

In addition, team members and the community carers were invited to take time out during a relaxing Careers Pamper Day on 09th June, where they could unwind, recharge and enjoy some well-deserved “me time” as a thank you for all their hard work.
General Manager Anca said:
We are incredibly proud of our team and grateful for everything they do. Celebrating Carers Week, recognising individual achievements and providing opportunities for staff wellbeing are all important ways of showing our appreciation for the remarkable people who care for our residents every day.       

Our residents had a wonderful afternoon soaking up the sunshine and enjoying a selection of freshly made cocktails and mocktails. There is nothing quite like relaxing outdoors with good drinks and great company.

Everyone found their perfect summer sip whilst enjoying each others company.

Today we celebrated our amazing nurses and seniors.

A huge THANK YOU to every single one of them for the care, compassion, patience and kindness they show each and every day. The dedication they bring to our residents does not go unnoticed, and we are so proud to have such an incredible team. 

Our manager shared a few heartfelt words during the celebration:
“This is one of the best teams I’ve ever worked with, because the main thing that drives them is the love for care.”

Thank you for all the smiles you bring, the comfort you provide, and the difference you make every day. We appreciate you all more than words can say.              

A huge thank you to Trudi for kindly donating the piano. 

Your generosity has already brought so much joy to our residents, and we are incredibly grateful!    

Residents at South Chowdene Care Home have been embracing community spirit and enjoying a range of meaningful activities designed to promote wellbeing and social connection. With excitement building ahead of Wimbledon, residents took part in a lively balloon tennis rally, bringing plenty of laughter, gentle exercise and friendly competition to the home. The activity encouraged movement and engagement while helping everyone get into the sporting spirit.

Residents also welcomed Father Steve for a special visit, enjoying fellowship, communion and a church service which brought comfort and joy to many. Following the success of the visit, Father Steve will now be joining the home every two weeks, alternating between hosting communion and leading church services for residents.

Adding to the celebrations, residents and staff enjoyed a beautifully presented grazing table featuring fresh fruit, cheeses and a selection of savoury treats, creating another opportunity for everyone to come together and make happy memories.
General Manager Anca Chis, said:

Whether through sport, faith or sharing special moments together, we strive to create experiences that enrich the lives of our residents. It has been wonderful to see so much enthusiasm and community spirit throughout the home, and we look forward to many more memorable occasions in the months ahead.

Healthy can be delicious!   Residents had a wonderful time at our healthy dessert cooking demonstration hosted by our General Manager, Anca.

Anca showed us how to whip up sweet treats using fresh fruits, natural sweeteners and wholesome ingredients.  The best part? the taste test at the end, of course!  

Everyone walked away with fullness and great new recipes to try.

In 1979, a young man packed up his life in Essex and headed north-east. He didn’t know many people—just two friends waiting for him in his new town. Everything felt unfamiliar, the accents, the streets, even the cold air that seemed to settle in his bones. One evening, his friends dragged him out to Chester-le-Street. “You need to get out more,” they said. He wasn’t convinced—but he went anyway.

The place was lively, full of chatter and music. Then, in the corner, he heard it… A piano. Someone was playing a beautiful piece of classical music, the notes dancing through the room. He paused, listening carefully. He hadn’t played in years, but he’d learnt from the age of eight.

“Go on,” his friend nudged him. “Have a go.”

Nervously, he approached the piano. The lady playing looked up and smiled. She slid over slightly, making space.

“Do you play?” she asked.

“A bit,” he replied.

He sat down, took a breath… and began to play.
The music flowed back to him like it had never left. The room seemed to quieten down as his fingers moved across the keys.

When he finished, she looked at him, impressed. “That was lovely,” she said.

They started talking—about music, about life, about how she taught at a primary school in Byker. She had a warmth about her, a kindness that made him feel instantly at ease.  

Before the night ended, they swapped numbers. Days turned into weeks, and weeks into years. They often met—sometimes for music, sometimes just for a walk or a chat. What started as a chance meeting by a piano slowly turned into something deeper. A few years later, that same woman—the music teacher from Byker—became his wife. And it all began with a single night, a piano, and the courage to play.

Daisy was a huge hit with both residents and staff, and everyone really enjoyed meeting her. There were lots of smiles, conversation, and laughter as people had the chance to see such a gentle and fascinating little character up close.

Daisy brought so much joy to the home and made the day extra special. Thank you, Daisy, for brightening our day – we hope to see you again soon!    

Residents at South Chowdene Care Home have been enjoying a month filled with delicious food and meaningful experiences as part of Nutrition and Good Dinning Experience Month.

The home hosted a vibrant International Food Day on 12 /06/26, with the talented catering team preparing an array of dishes from around the globe, including Indian chicken curry with rice(cooked by our manager), Asian noodles, spring rolls, traditional Greek moussak and the ever-popular British fish and chips. The variety of flavours provided plenty of choice for residents, with many empty plates proving to be the greatest compliment to the chefs.

As part of Nutrition and Good Dining Experience month, residents also took part in interactive sessions and discussions highlighting the importance of healthy eating and staying hydrated. Fresh ingredients and colourful fruits were used to demonstrate how nutritious food can be both enjoyable and beneficial.

We had events every Friday in June promoting a healthy diet,
1. Healthy desert demonstration held by the general manager,
2. International Food day, 
3. Garden Picnic and
4. Mocktail afternoon with a special Singer Cowboy theme 
Because great nutrition, choice and enjoyable mealtimes are at the heart of everything they do, the team at South Chowdene continues to create opportunities for residents to share meaningful moments together while promoting health and wellbeing.
General Manager Anca Chis said:

Food is about so much more than nourishment, it creates memories, brings people together and contributes greatly to our residents’ wellbeing. It has been wonderful to see everyone enjoying the activities and sampling dishes from different cultures.

Voices full of emotion, memories, and faith joined together with the worship band, beautiful, heartfelt voices rising together, reaching the heavens. 

It was a moment of pure connection, where time seemed to stand still and hearts spoke louder than words.  

We asked our wonderful residents and dedicated staff: “What advice would you give to the younger generation?” — and their answers were full of heart, honesty, and life experience. 

From generations who have lived through so much, these words remind us that some lessons never go out of style.