Activities at St Thomas Care Home

The festive season truly came alive recently as we had the absolute pleasure of taking our wonderful residents out for a bit of Christmas shopping!  

From the moment we stepped out, the air was filled with the sparkle of twinkling lights, the sound of cheerful music, and the warmth of the holiday spirit. It was the perfect day to embrace the joy and magic of the season.

The shops were beautifully decorated, each window showcasing something new and exciting—glistening tinsel, vibrant wreaths, and gifts that promised to bring smiles. Our residents were absolutely enchanted as they wandered through the festive displays, taking in all the sights and sounds of Christmas. Whether it was finding the perfect present for a loved one or simply soaking in the joyful atmosphere, their faces lit up with delight at every turn. 

It’s always such a heart-warming sight to see the joy in their eyes, whether they’re selecting something special or simply enjoying the moments of festive cheer that fill the air. There’s something truly magical about this time of year, and it was wonderful to witness that sense of wonder shared amongst everyone. 
A big thank you to all who made this day so special, your warmth and kindness truly helped make it an unforgettable outing. 

Here’s to many more moments of joy as we continue to celebrate the season together!

The festive cheer has truly begun to take hold here, and what better way to kick off the season than by diving headfirst into the much-anticipated Christmas cake decorating competition! 

Our dining room was buzzing with excitement as we gathered around to work on our masterpiece. Under the watchful eye of our talented chef, we were guided through the intricate art of cake decoration.

Together, we rolled out icing, made delicate patterns, and added festive touches, glittering snowflakes, handmade snowmen, and of course, a cheeky chocolate reindeer! As the hours passed, it became clear that the cake wasn’t just about decoration; it was about the joy of working together, sharing ideas, and celebrating the season. Each person brought their own unique touch, and the cake truly started to take on a life of its own.

The final result was nothing short of spectacular. Proud smiles spread across our faces as we stepped back to admire our work. The rich, spiced aroma of the cake blended perfectly with the twinkling decorations and the warmth of the season. We couldn't be more pleased with how it turned out and now, with fingers crossed, we’re eager to see how it measures up in the competition! 

It’s moments like these that remind us how wonderful it is to come together, share in the spirit of Christmas, and create something truly special. No matter the outcome, we’re all feeling a little more festive, a little more connected, and a lot more proud of our cake!

Yesterday was one of those rare days when the chapel seemed to hum with a special kind of energy. It was as if Christmas itself had slipped into every corner, filling the space with a warmth that was as tangible as the scent of pine and mulled wine. The occasion? A festive pop-up Christmas Gospel Choir, led by Charlotte from the local duo Soul Thirst Music.

As soon as Charlotte arrived, there was an unmistakable buzz of excitement. She’d brought with her not only the gift of music but also a genuine enthusiasm that was infectious. Our chapel, usually a peaceful sanctuary, transformed into something extraordinary. People of all ages, from long-time residents to volunteers, gathered in the pews, their faces lighting up with the anticipation of the workshop that was about to unfold.

Charlotte, with her soothing yet uplifting presence, gently guided us into the rhythm of the music. The room filled with the sound of harmonies rising and falling as we practised song after song. There was something truly magical about hearing voices coming together in such a simple, yet powerful way. It wasn’t just the music; it was the connection, the shared experience of singing with one another, that seemed to stir something deep in everyone’s hearts.

As the afternoon wore on, the chapel began to feel more like a community of old friends. Residents who hadn’t spoken much before found themselves joining in, sharing smiles, and even swapping stories about their favourite Christmas traditions. Laughter echoed as some of us tried to keep up with the rhythm, and others, with their voices a little wobbly, laughed too, embracing the joy of the moment rather than worrying about perfection.

Finally, the time came for us to perform. With Charlotte at the front, we filled the chapel with our voices, harmonising together in a joyful chorus of Christmas songs. The power of music was undeniable, bringing us all closer, weaving a thread of warmth and love that seemed to reach far beyond the chapel walls.
We all left the chapel that day with hearts a little fuller, minds a little lighter, and spirits a little brighter. A huge thank you goes out to Charlotte and everyone who joined in to make it such a special occasion. It was a moment in time we’ll all carry with us, a reminder that no matter the season, the joy of sharing music, laughter, and love will always light the way.

At St. Thomas’s Care Home, we’re always looking for ways to promote well-being and create moments of relaxation and joy for our residents. Today, we hosted a calming and rejuvenating armchair yoga session that was the perfect way to stay active, improve flexibility, and, of course, share some smiles.

The room was filled with tranquillity as our residents settled into their chairs, ready to begin the session. Everyone took part in a series of gentle stretches, focusing on slow and steady movements that could be done from the comfort of their armchairs. Whether it was a deep breath to centre the mind or a simple stretch to release tension, every participant was able to go at their own pace, feeling empowered and supported throughout.

One of the highlights of the session was the emphasis on deep breathing techniques—taking slow, deep breaths not only helped relax the body, but also gave everyone a moment to reconnect with the present and let go of any stress. The smiles, shared laughter, and the soothing atmosphere filled the room with a sense of calm and positivity.

Armchair yoga is not just about physical movement—it’s about nurturing the mind, body, and spirit in a way that’s accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Today’s session was a wonderful reminder of how important it is to stay active, even in small, mindful ways, and how much fun it can be when we do it together as a community.

A heartfelt thank you to our residents for their enthusiasm and the entire team for creating an environment of support and care. We look forward to more armchair yoga sessions and other activities that help keep our residents feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready to take on the world.

At St. Thomas’s, every day is an opportunity to nurture our bodies and minds in new ways.

At St. Thomas’s Care Home, we love embracing the seasons and celebrating every opportunity to create joyful moments. This afternoon, we got into the Halloween spirit with a fun-filled pumpkin carving event that brought out the artist in all of us!

Our residents eagerly gathered in the dining room, each with a pumpkin in front of them, ready to transform their blank canvases into spooky masterpieces. The atmosphere was full of excitement and laughter as the creative juices flowed. Some chose to carve classic jack-o’-lantern faces with mischievous grins and glowing eyes, while others let their imaginations run wild with intricate designs—ghosts, bats, witches, and even cats made appearances in pumpkin form.

It was more than just carving; it was about coming together as a community to share a creative experience and celebrate the festive season. Staff members and residents worked side by side, offering tips, sharing stories of past Halloweens, and most importantly, enjoying each other’s company.

As the pumpkins took shape, the room filled with smiles, pride, and plenty of playful banter. The final results were a delightful display of spooky, whimsical, and creative designs that brightened up the room and added to the festive atmosphere.

We can’t wait to see these pumpkins glowing on Halloween night, adding a little extra magic to the season. A huge thank you to all our residents for their creativity and enthusiasm, and to our wonderful staff for making the day even more special.

At St. Thomas’s Care Home, we believe in making the most of every season, and today was a perfect example of how celebrating together can bring so much joy. Here’s to more fun, more creativity, and more reasons to smile this Halloween!

At St. Thomas's Care Home, we believe in creating moments of joy, excitement, and learning for our residents, and last week, we had the perfect opportunity to do just that. Our care home was buzzing with anticipation as we welcomed the incredible team from Zoolab for a truly special visit.

The day was filled with excitement and wonder as our residents were introduced to a range of fascinating exotic creatures. From the moment the doors opened, everyone’s eyes lit up as they encountered these incredible animals up close. A gentle African land snail, with its slow and deliberate movements, captured hearts with its surprisingly delicate presence. Residents marvelled at its size and unique texture, learning all about its habitat and habits.

Then came the mesmerizing corn snake, its beautiful patterns and calm demeanour sparking curiosity in everyone. Many residents had the chance to hold the snake, feeling the smooth scales as they listened to Zoolab’s experts explain the fascinating world of reptiles. The room was filled with awe as they learned about the corn snake’s diet, behaviour, and role in the ecosystem.

Next up was the giant millipede, a creature so large that its many legs seemed to move in perfect harmony as it scurried across the hands of our residents. Its fascinating appearance and the way it moved in fluid motion left everyone in awe. Zoolab’s team made sure each resident had the opportunity to touch, learn, and ask questions about these fascinating creatures, and the smiles and laughter were contagious.

It was a day filled with not only new discoveries but also plenty of shared moments of joy. Our residents, staff, and even family members who joined in the fun, enjoyed the experience of learning together and connecting with these extraordinary animals. The event not only brought us closer to nature but also brought our community closer together, as we shared in the magic of the animal kingdom.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Zoolab team for their wonderful visit. Their expertise, enthusiasm, and care brought a spark of excitement to our home, and we can’t wait to welcome them back for more adventures like this one.

At St. Thomas's, every day is an opportunity for something new—and with Zoolab’s visit, we were reminded of just how much joy and learning can come from simply opening our hearts to the world around us.