Activities at Spen Court Care Home

Residents at Spen Court care home in Heckmondwike, run by Barchester Healthcare, are celebrating Housekeeping Week, which takes place from September 12-18. Residents wanted to thank all the wonderful housekeeping staff at the home, whose hard work and dedication make a real difference to the lives of those living there.

Housekeeping Week is an annual event held every year during the second week in September.  The week is dedicated to recognising the efforts of hard-working housekeeping staff around the world. 

 Residents and staff reminisced about how housekeeping has changed during their lifetime, residents talked about when they first got domestic appliances such as washing machines and vacuum cleaners, and how their lives were changed by advances in technology over the years.

Residents and staff from Spen Court Care Home in Heckmondwike were in for a treat with a visit from travelling theatre production company, North East Producers to see a performance of ‘That’s Life’ in the comfort of their own home (oh no they didn’t- oh yes they did!)

Residents from the home were accompanied by staff from Spen Court as they enjoyed the timeless tale full of magical twists, fun, laughter and adventures of Franking and Doris fall in love with a chance meeting at a bus stop.  The performance was filled with songs such as ‘That’s Life’, ‘Que Sera Sera’, ‘Strangers in the Night’ and ‘Knees up Mother Brown’.

One resident commented; “it was the best production I have seen in years, the actors really made me laugh and had me singing along to those popular songs I enjoy”

We had a lovely time joining Hospitality Manager, Christophe Noel and special guests Lee Isaacs DipWSET and Nick Parker from Unity Wines and Spirits – as they introduced us to wine tasting techniques, the history of wine and wine making, as well as consumer attitudes.

Our residents had the opportunity to try a variety of wines from sparkling and white to rose and red, alongside a selection of delicious treats. 

It was a wonderful experience, enjoyed by all.   

We celebrated Last Night of the Proms virtually with members of English National Ballet’s Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Music Director Gavin Sutherland.

We listened and danced along as members of the orchestra took us on a magical, musical journey. English National Ballet Philharmonic is made up of many of the country’s top musicians, and boasts considerable experience in all forms of music-making. With insights and anecdotes into what it takes to conduct an orchestra for a world-class ballet company, this special concert got our feet tapping, arms waving and hearts singing!

It was a wonderful experience, enjoyed by all.

We had a lovely time joining Becca Clark and James Wylie – members of V&A Dundee’s exhibitions team – as they took us on a virtual tour of the museum’s incredible Scottish Design Galleries.

We were introduced to the wide range of unique objects at the galleries from architecture and engineering, jewellery and textiles to theatre and their fascinating stories.

And we were able to learn more about the importance of all objects in telling the rich and varied history of Scottish design.

It was a lovely talk, enjoyed by all.

We took a wonderful virtual trip to Iceland and visited the SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary to have an inside look into the daily care of their two resident beluga whales: Little White and Little Grey.

Our residents were introduced to the history of the Beluga Whale Sanctuary and learnt more about its mission to provide a more natural home for belugas in human care with a first-hand look at how the dedicated team are not only caring for the whales, but preparing for their future in the sea sanctuary!

It was an enjoyable event for everyone, learning more about the amazing beluga whales and how they are cared for at the sanctuary.