Activities at St Thomas Care Home

It was a day filled with smiles, laughter, and the sweetest sounds of play here at St Thomas Care Home, as we had the absolute pleasure of welcoming a lively group of children from St Bernard’s Nursery for a special intergenerational visit. From the moment they arrived, the energy in the room was electric! The children and residents spent the afternoon building colourful block towers, creating imaginative games, and singing along to much-loved nursery rhymes. There was plenty of chatter, giggling, and gentle guidance as our residents joined in with the fun. 

One of the highlights of the afternoon was exploring our new activity tablet, which offered interactive games and songs for everyone to enjoy together. It was lovely to see how naturally the generations connected, sharing curiosity, laughter, and learning from one another. 

Our residents’ faces lit up with joy as they played alongside the little ones, and the feeling was clearly mutual. These intergenerational activities create a sense of connection that goes far beyond the day itself, helping to boost mood, improve memory, reduce loneliness, and bring a real sense of purpose and belonging to both young and old alike. A huge thank you to the wonderful children and staff from St Bernard’s Nursery for bringing so much happiness and warmth to our home. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another visit soon! 

Despite the wet and windy weather, some of our lovely residents at St Thomas enjoyed a truly wonderful afternoon out, proving that a little rain doesn’t dampen our spirits!

We took a cosy trip to Capital Gardens in Sherfield-on-Loddon, where we strolled through the garden centre admiring the wide variety of beautiful plants and blooms. From vibrant flowers to lush greenery, there was plenty to see and enjoy, even with umbrellas in hand!

After our garden wander, we headed into the tearoom to warm up with some well-deserved hot drinks and a slice (or two!) of delicious cake. The perfect setting for a good chat, a few laughs, and a lovely end to the day. Outings like these are such a special part of life at St Thomas, a reminder that with great company, even the greyest days can be brightened!    

What a day to remember at our home! With sunshine in the sky and tropical vibes all around, our summer fête brought pure joy to residents, families, friends, and staff alike.

The garden was transformed into a paradise of palm trees and party spirit, complete with lively stalls, classic games, a sizzling BBQ, and ice-cold drinks to keep everyone refreshed. The sounds of live music filled the air, getting toes tapping and hearts smiling all afternoon long. 

Every corner of the garden buzzed with laughter, chatter, and celebration. It was truly uplifting to see our whole community come together, sharing in fun, making memories, and simply enjoying each other’s company.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped bring the magic to life. Here's to many more days like this one!  

What a lovely afternoon out it was! Recently, we took a delightful trip to Eastrop Park in Basingstoke, and it turned out to be an absolute treat for everyone.

Our residents enjoyed the simple pleasures of watching ducks waddling by the water’s edge, basking in the warm sunshine. The gentle sounds of nature and the peaceful surroundings made it a truly relaxing escape.

To top off the day, everyone savoured a fruity ice lolly and a refreshing cold drink, just the perfect way to cool down on such a warm afternoon. With smiles all around and happy memories made, it was a beautiful reminder of how the little moments can bring the greatest joy.

We recently enjoyed a lovely outing to Oliver’s Fish and Chip Shop in Basingstoke, and what a treat it was! The sun was shining, the company was warm, and the delicious aroma of freshly cooked fish and chips filled the air.

One of our residents shared that she hadn’t been to Oliver’s in years, and it was heart-warming to hear her reflect on how much the place has changed over time. It sparked memories, stories, and plenty of smiles all around.

There’s something special about sharing a traditional meal together, and this outing reminded us just how meaningful the simple pleasures in life can be. From golden chips to good conversation, it was a truly enjoyable day. to more little adventures and shared moments that make lasting memories!

There was plenty of colour, creativity, and laughter at St Thomas Care Home this week as residents enjoyed a fun-filled day of arts and crafts. Our activities team organised a wonderful autumn-themed creative session, where everyone had the chance to get hands-on and express their artistic side. Residents took part in leaf printing, decorative bag making, and added the finishing touches to their pumpkin trinket boxes, complete with a splash of vibrant paint to celebrate the season. 

The room was filled with smiles and conversation as everyone shared ideas, helped one another, and admired each other’s creations. It was truly heart-warming to see residents take pride in their work and enjoy the social side of crafting together. For some, it sparked fond memories of autumn walks, collecting leaves, and making seasonal decorations with family. Our dedicated activities team always strive to offer a wide variety of meaningful sessions that bring joy, connection, and a sense of achievement to those living at St Thomas. Days like this not only encourage creativity and fine motor skills but also promote friendship and fun, something we value deeply within our home.

A big thank you to everyone who took part and helped make the day so special. We’re already looking forward to our next crafty session and can’t wait to see what wonderful creations our residents come up with next!     

What a deliciously fun day we’ve had here at St Thomas! Our residents rolled up their sleeves and got creative in the kitchen as they made their very own homemade pizzas, and what a tasty success it was!

With a tempting selection of toppings including salami, chorizo, ham, peppers, pineapple, mushrooms, and tomatoes, everyone had the chance to design their perfect pizza creation. From classic combos to adventurous flavour mixes, each pizza was as unique as its chef!

The home was filled with the mouth-watering aroma of fresh pizza, along with lots of laughter, chatter, and happy faces. It’s clear we’ve got some seriously talented chefs among us, and even more enthusiastic taste testers! A huge well done to everyone who took part, Pizza Day was a hit from start to finish!    

There was no holding back the joy recently at St Thomas as music filled every room and spirit. Our residents took to the mic for an unforgettable karaoke afternoon, and what a show they put on!

From timeless golden oldies to crowd-favourite singalongs, voices soared and toes tapped as everyone joined in the fun. The energy was electric, whether it was a heartfelt solo or a rousing group number, the smiles were constant and the laughter was contagious.

And it wasn’t just our residents stealing the spotlight, our brilliant staff joined in too! A special shoutout to our multi-talented maintenance man, whose rendition of Release Me by Engelbert Humperdinck was nothing short of sensational. A real crowd-pleaser and a highlight of the day! 

Music has a powerful way of lifting spirits, sparking cherished memories, and bringing people together, and this was the perfect example of that. It was more than just a karaoke session; it was a celebration of community, connection, and joy. 

Recently, the residents of St Thomas tumbled down the rabbit hole and stepped into a world of whimsy for an unforgettable Alice in Wonderland Day. The highlight? A Mad Hatter’s Tea Party that was truly one of a kind!

The afternoon was filled with scrumptious sweet and savoury treats that delighted every palate. Whimsical Wonderland-themed decorations transformed the space into a magical scene straight out of the storybook. Fancy hats perched atop heads added a splash of fun and plenty of giggles echoed throughout the room. 

From the Queen of Hearts to the Cheshire Cat, everyone embraced the spirit of the day, joining in with laughter and joy. It was a lovely occasion that brought the community together, creating memories as enchanting as Wonderland itself.

Recently, we marked National Cheese Day in the best way possible, with a delightful cheese and wine afternoon that had everyone smiling!

Our residents enjoyed a mouth-watering selection of cheeses, ranging from soft and creamy to bold and beautifully smelly, something for every palate! Paired with a little glass of wine, it made for a truly special treat and a lovely way to indulge in good flavours and great company.

The room was filled with laughter, chatter, and the joyful clinking of glasses as everyone relaxed and savoured the experience. It was a brilliant afternoon, full of fun and flavour, and a lovely chance to come together and celebrate the simple pleasures in life. Here’s to more delicious days like this!

Helen Austen, one of our much-loved residents, has always had a deep passion for horses. Over the years, she spent countless happy hours helping her daughter Jenny care for her beautiful horse, Fudge. From grooming and feeding to simply being by his side, those moments brought Helen so much joy and peace. However, as Helen’s health began to decline, she was no longer able to visit Fudge, something that was deeply missed by them both. So, with Jenny’s thoughtful planning and the support of our team, we were able to make a very special reunion happen right here at St Thomas. 

When Fudge arrived, there was an instant spark of recognition between him and Helen. He approached her gently, nuzzling her hand as if to say hello after all this time. Helen’s face lit up with joy and emotion, and there wasn’t a dry eye among us. Jenny shared some heartfelt words with us afterwards: “Thank you so much for letting me bring Fudge and make memories with Mum. I am utterly touched by how much sharing my wonderful horse helped everyone come together. Horses have helped heal me from so much, and to be able to share a moment of that with you all was absolutely wonderful. Mum definitely enjoyed it too and the way Fudge responded to her made me cry.”

It was a day filled with love, connection, and memory; a beautiful reminder of the healing power animals bring to our lives.
Thank you, Jenny and Fudge, for sharing this special moment with us all, and for reminding us just how strong the bonds of love and companionship can be.    

What a fantastic afternoon we had here at St Thomas. The home was absolutely buzzing with music, laughter, and joyful energy during our lively karaoke session!

From golden oldies to timeless singalongs, our residents filled every corner with smiles and song. Whether it was a heartfelt solo or a cheerful group number, the enthusiasm was contagious, and the fun was non-stop!

It wasn’t just our residents showing off their singing talents, our brilliant staff got involved too! A special shout-out to our wonderful maintenance man, whose rendition of Release Me by Engelbert Humperdinck had everyone clapping and cheering, a true highlight of the day!

Music has a magical way of bringing people together, sparking memories, and lifting spirits, and today, we saw that magic in full swing. Thank you to everyone who made it such a memorable day!   

At our care home, every day is about making memories, but this was something truly special. We had the absolute pleasure of welcoming the dazzling Sadie from Strictly Entertainment for her spectacular All Aboard show, and what a journey it was!

With a suitcase full of sparkle and a heart full of joy, Sadie whisked us away on a musical voyage around the world, from the golden beaches of Copacabana to the electric skyline of New York City. Each stop brought a new rhythm, a new story, and a wave of nostalgia that filled the room with smiles, laughter, and even a few happy tears.

Her energy lit up the home, her vibrant costumes turned heads, and her voice brought back cherished memories from years gone by. Residents sang along, clapped to the beat, and even shared stories of their own travels and favourite tunes.

It was more than a performance; it was a reminder of the joy that music, movement, and shared moments can bring. Huge thanks to Sadie for turning an ordinary afternoon into an unforgettable celebration. Until our next adventure…   

What an exciting day it was at our home! The air buzzed with curiosity and joy as Zoolabz arrived, bringing with them an incredible collection of exotic animals. From giant snails with their slow, graceful movements to the impressive giant millipede with its many legs, every creature captured the imagination of our residents.

With wide eyes and eager hands, everyone took turns holding and stroking these fascinating animals. There was something magical about feeling the textures and seeing the details up close. It brought a new appreciation for the tiny wonders of the natural world. Laughter and questions filled the room as the group learnt fun facts about each insect and critter.

By the end of the visit, it was clear that the day had been much more than just a meeting with animals; it was a memorable adventure full of discovery, connection, and delight. The smiles on everyone’s faces told the story best: this was a day to cherish and remember. 

This week, some of our residents made the most of the glorious weather with a refreshing walk in the local community. The sun was shining, the air was crisp, and spirits were high as we set off on our little adventure.

Our stroll took us to the historic Holy Ghost Ruins, where we paused to take in the peaceful atmosphere and reflect on the rich local history. It was a perfect blend of fresh air and fascinating stories from the past.
Adding a bit of extra charm to the outing, we were joined for a moment by a friendly furry companion who trotted up to say hello, much to everyone’s delight! The day was a wonderful reminder of the joy found in simple moments, staying active, connecting with nature, and sharing laughter and conversation with friends.

Here’s to many more sunny strolls and special memories together!