Activities at Sutton Valence Care Home
Our activities team are great at building the activities programme around the likes and interests of the people we care for. Ensuring that our social events offer fun and adventure is part of the ethos of our home; it’s important that those we support can enjoy an active and social lifestyle. Of course, there will always be those who prefer peace and quiet, and in these instances, a cup of tea and a chat are always welcomed.
Gemma Bhandari
My name is Gemma I am an Activities coordinator at Sutton Valence care home. I have been working here for nine years and love it. I grew up in Sutton valence village and attended the local Primary school.
I have always been passionate about the care of others and enjoy enriching the lives of our Residents. I have a Diploma in Health and social care and have worked in private health care for over 14 years. I have always loved performing arts and studied this at school. I am a very proud Mother to Amaya and Jacob.
Read our brochure 'Life-enriching activities' for more information about life in our care homes.
Read our brochure
Activities and Events Partnerships
As part of our bespoke life-enrichment programmes, we host a number of live virtual events in the home on a regular basis through a number of partnerships with places of interest and world class performance companies
Life at Sutton Valence Care Home
Planting a Tree of Remembrance
To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.
Our gardening guru Norman helped plant a fruit bearing Cherry Tree with our head Gardener, Peter. Hopefully next year we’ll be enjoying the cherries.
Norman then plucked the runner beans to give to chef Suraj to be cooked and served with our lunchtime meal.
Norman said he really enjoyed planting a tree for the future and “it’s been a long time” since he had picked beans.
The tree is also going to be used in remembrance of all those who have given there lives to give us today's freedom.
On remembrance Sunday a special cross will be placed underneath the tree as a mark of respect.
Runner bean picking
Well it was so worth nurturing those runner beans judging from the smiles on Head Chef's face, Suraj and Norman's, resident family member. Norman retorted that he'd not picked runner beans in a long time and would like to start getting involved with the Gardening club. So we joined him up and he'll soon have his own patch to tend with the help of Head Gardener, Peter. OG plants and produce gave us the veg and herb plants.
All aboard the Sutton Valence Cruiser
Captain Maureen and sub Captain Ann greeted everyone whilst boarding our ship.
We sailed from Portsmouth, moared in Wales & Scotland to sing a few tribute songs and then smoothly sailed on the the Emerald isle of Ireland
Captain Ann then revealed our secret destinations; Spain, Mexico, Brazil finishing back in England for the Grande Finalè celebration and fine dining with the Captain
Of course, our mascots, Bart 'n' Chester joined us. Watch out for their next adventure
All aboard The Kingfisher Mark
In 1990 John Lockhart, whose son has Down's Syndrome, had a boat built to take disabled and disadvantaged people down the River Medway. The Kingfisher project was born. In 2004 a group of volunteers raised funds to have a new boat built. Withing 2 years they raised enough and in 2007 The Kingfisher (built in Faversham) was launched.
Over the years the Kingfisher was costing more and more in maintenance, the diesel engine and hydrologic system were beginning to show signs of their age and use.
It was agreed to put aside funds each year towards replacing her for a more economical version but based on the original design.
In 2019 The Kingfisher Mark was built with funds kindly donated by The Mark Master Masons.
I'll let the photos of our trip express our day out BUT will finish with Pam's comment at the end of our day ...
"I've had a lovely day. Let's book it again for next week and the week after and after that!"
Ascot Day
What a memorable day for us all!
‘Sunday best’ was the dress code for the day
Our talented Residents keenly designed and created their own fascinators to be worn with smiling pride.
Volunteer Hairdresser Nicki Oliver came in especially to enhance those fascinators with imaginative hair stylising. All done with pure heart and love. Needless to say Nicki was a big hit.
Ready set go
Headwear jewels, best dress, bow ties, gloves hats and cummerbund and most importantly beaming faces.
We had live entertainment to get us in the mood, glorious three course meal pimms galore and strawberries and cream for after.
Then came the best kept secret arrived!
Sheila from skreppa-horses.co.uk an amazing therapy horse.
Sheila indulged in hay treats as she greeted every Resident even travelling in the lift to enhance the day for the Residents that were unable to join us.
Thank you Becca and Kate for introducing us to the lovely Sheila.
Intergenerational Art
Although Joan and Grace are generations apart they both share a love for art.
Joan is a retired year 3 School teacher; her passion certainly was re-ignited!
Ten of Year 3 students from Sutton Valence Private School and their Teachers came to our home to include us in an Art competition they are entering. The winner will be displayed at the National Art Gallery!
A great community spirit oozed from all involved.
