Activities at Sutton Valence Care Home

This morning we had the amazingly talented local artist Cathy McClymont visit us and tell us about her art, what mediums she uses etc. She brought some beautiful paintings to look at and also did a live painting whilst therefore the home which she signed. 

Everyone sure was captivated! 

Our residents were warmly welcomed to Ledian Gardens for a wonderful ballroom dance session with the lovely Sue. While we were there, we learnt the steps to the Social Foxtrot, the Rumba, and the Quickstep. 

It was a joy to meet everyone, and we’re already looking forward to our next visit!   

Our Vintage Fayre was a huge hit here at Sutton Valence! Residents, families, and staff enjoyed a day full of laughter, music, and classic fayre fun. From testing our aim at the coconut shy  to singing along with live music there were smiles all around.

Games were played, prizes were won, and memories were made  — just look at those happy faces!

A massive thank you to everyone who joined us and helped create such a joyful day 

Our Vintage Fayre was a huge hit here at Sutton Valence! Residents, families, and staff enjoyed a day full of laughter, music, and classic fayre fun. From testing our aim at the coconut shy to singing along with live music, there were smiles all around. 

Games were played, prizes were won, and memories were made -just look at those happy faces!

A massive thank you to everyone who joined us and helped create such a joyful day! 

Lynn and Deidre are trying their hand at decoupage by artistically placing dried flowers onto the glass flutes and card lampshades. 

Once completed, we will place a battery-operated tea light into the glass, creating a mini lamp. The ladies have really enjoyed doing this project together and the lamps look fantastic.  

Sarah talked to our family residents about her world as a Milliner which included the different blocks she uses, fabrics, techniques and commissions.

To top it all Sarah brought along a few of her incredulous handmade hats for us all to look at. We were also kindly joined by a local seamstress and her Mum taking us up our  community offer to join us. That certainly warmed our hearts

The theme was continued in the afternoon with trying on hats, a fun hat quiz followed by trivia and facts. Have to say Marlene sports the Mad Hatters Hat with perfection. Marlene you're one true loveable sports woman. We love you!

Lastly a heartfelt  Thank you to Sarah for opening up the world of hats to us.

"I like that one; how do you make it?" enquired Marlene.

Simon proceeded to explain to Marlene how he and his wife harvest, extract the lavender oil and blend it with harmonising complimentary oils plus the benefits of each.

Our resident family were certainly engrossed and kept Simon on his toes with questions. Simon's wife, Charlotte, is the brains behind the oils, where Simon's niche is meeting, greeting and marketing their home-grown products.

Cosy our Hostess could recommend the cleanser toner and Mike procured a cheeky kiss from his wife after trying the beard oil.

We had a cacophony of activities to celebrate the King's Birthday and watch Trooping of the Colours.

Whilst enjoying a blindfolded game of placing the jewel on the King's Crown, Marlene had us all laughing as she kept sticking the diamond on her own Crown (the blindfold)! The competition was frivolously fierce with Lorraine winning first prize.

Next on the day's itinerary was a quiz about King Charles, followed by fun facts, crown and stamp art, plus creating mini-guards and if that wasn't enough, our lovely resident family tried their hands at Shell Art.

Joy thanked Debs, our incredibly talented, innovative and fun-loving 'lady in pink' (Activity Co-Ordinator) for a wonderful fun day!  

What a magical dream come true for our steam train enthusiast Keith!

His wish was granted by our activities team, who joined him on a steam train ride from Tenterden to Bodiam castle. Keith used to ride this same journey as a young boy! In the words of Keith, "this is just splendid!”

Keith recalls memories of being a young lad and taking the same journey with his parents. 

Tea with cake in abundance. Gorgeous surroundings of Indian and Nepalese culture, interesting people and kindness in all its glory. It didn't stop there either...

Fish & Chips picnic on our bus from Papas in Ditton. That all called for the picnic table (oops forgot the tablecloth), the best silver wear, cloth napkins and laughter. Then it was homeward-bound to celebrate an eventful, educational and glorious day with a Bucks Fizz!

The ladies told us they had one of 'THE' most memorable days. Compliments to our safe and fun-loving driver, Gemma, were overflowing. Marlene..."so when and where are we going next!"   

The entire Sutton Valence community extends heartfelt congratulations to Barbara Rodzeń, our dedicated Head of Housekeeping, on completing her Level 2 Apprenticeship in Hospitality.

Barbara’s commitment and hard work have truly paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder of her accomplishment. To honour this significant milestone, she was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a certificate, recognising her outstanding achievement.

Barbara’s dedication to her professional development exemplifies the spirit of continuous learning and excellence that we value at Sutton Valence. Congratulations once again, Barbara! 

Sutton Valence Church joined our residents for their monthly church service. 

It was a lovely morning, and thank you to Ruth for the beautiful reading. 

For VE Day we were joined by the Royal Navy Association and Marines to honour the flag. Peter, a resident at our home, used to be a Royal Marine Corporal himself. 

We enjoyed a street party lunch and had live music from Ricky Entertainer.

What a wonderful day we all had together. Thank you to everyone who joined us.

Pablo Picasso: "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life"

This quote encapsulates the idea of art being a place of refuge and inspiration, much like a paradise.

Art can offer respite and transformation, allowing our residents and family to escape everyday life and find a sense of peace and beauty. 

The Easter weekend was festive and fun here at Milford with a lot going on. Good Friday saw the last of our decorations being prepared as residents created bright and cheerful centrepieces for the dining room tables. Easter Sunday brought the Easter Bunny with Easter Eggs for everyone, while our chef's team served up a delicious lunch with family and friends in attendance and lots of smiles all round.

Last, but not least, with the Bank Holiday Monday rounding off the weekend, we held our 'Mad as a Hatter' Tea Party, which was enormous fun with everyone entering into the spirit of the event. With donations for our chosen charity for 2025 on both Sunday and Monday, we were delighted to be able to forward £72 to Childrens Chance. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed.