Activities at The Cedars Bourne Care Home

The Cedars Care Home in Bourne went back in time this week when residents and their guests were treated to a talk from guest speaker Chris Carr from Briga and Friends; a local historical re-enactment group.

Chris gave the residents a fascinating talk on mediaeval medicine in an informative and entertaining costumed presentation; including replica medieval medicinal texts, herbs to touch and smell and a demonstration of medieval surgery.

In order to support residents’ relatives and friends, and the local community, Barchester’s Cedars Care Home in Bourne held a special dementia themed event as part of their regular weekly community coffee morning.

On Wednesday the dementia coffee morning hosted residents from other care homes, as well as visitors from the community, to provide support for friends and family living with dementia, or for those who think a loved one may have dementia.  It provided a chance to find out about coping strategies, how to get a diagnosis and what support is available from like-minded people.  We enjoyed a cuppa, a slice of cake and a chance to relax and unwind together.

Excitement was in the air at The Cedars Care Home in Bourne, where residents and staff have been busy making Coronation-themed decorations and baking up a storm of red, white and blue cakes and pastries with the help of head chef Richard Parrott in preparation for the King’s Coronation on May 6.

Across our services Residents had a wonderful time participating in an interactive virtual talk with Pippa Catterall, Professor of History and Policy at the University of Westminster, where we delved into the rich history of coronations.

During the talk, we explored fascinating topics such as the coronation chair, the crown, and other significant aspects related to King Charles' upcoming coronation. Our residents were thrilled to have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the memoirs of past coronations from 1937 and 1953, as well as learning about the coronation oath and what to expect from the ceremony, including the music, guests, and pageantry.

Residents and guests at The Cedars Care Home in Bourne enjoyed an afternoon of music and fun with a live concert performance that took place at the home. Local vintage singer Alan Jackson performed a selection of popular songs from the 1920’s to the 1990’s including Mr Bojangles, The Young Ones and Delilah in the Garden Lounge.

Residents joined in with the singing, and were invited to put in their requests. Resident Janet Hawker was serenaded with ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ on one knee! Guests and residents laughed along with Alan’s wonderful anecdotes and comedic interjections. The residents really enjoyed the performance, describing Alan’s singing as ‘wonderful’, ‘very entertaining’ and ‘one of the best (singer) we have had.’

Celebrations have been in full swing at The Cedars Care Home as one of its residents reached his 101st birthday this week.

Ronald Priest was joined by staff, relatives, friends and other residents as he celebrated his landmark birthday. A special lunchtime celebration was held at the home and guests enjoyed a special birthday cake made by the home’s chef Gee Jowett.

Ronald Priest served as a rear gunner in the RAF, flying twenty five operations with 149 Squadron from RAF Lakenheath, in a Stirling Aircraft during World War Two. During his six years of service during the war he had many life changing experiences- including a crash landing; dogfights over the North Sea and witnessing a plane crash.

In 1947 he joined Nationwide (then called the co-operative permanent building society). He worked in London, Portsmouth and Chester; before becoming branch manager in Peterborough before retiring from in 1884.

The birthday boy said that he had a lovely day with his family and loved spending time with his daughter Angela, who he describes as the most important part of his life.

Ron was then visited by the chairman of the Bourne and District branch of the Royal British Legion, where he was presented with a letter thanking him for his service to both the armed forces and the Royal British Legion. Ron said he was ‘honoured’ by the visit.