Activities at Thistle Hill Care Home

Sam, who is one of our lovely carer’s on Ripley visited with her son and they brought their very unusual pets to visit.  

We met up close: a Bumblebee Millipede called Chew Chew, a Giant African Land Snail, a Giant Madagascar Hissing Cockroach and a Chilean Rose Spider called Pinky Pie. Pinky Pie was enormous.  

Her feet scratched on your skin as she moved about and her whole body was covered in hairs which resembled fine fur.  

She was very beautiful and the residents, visitors and staff who came to see them were completely captivated by Pinky Pie and her exotic friends.

Residents, visitors and staff couldn’t believe their eyes as Kenny the llama, and Gary the alpaca from Nidderdale Llamas and Alpacas arrived at the home to see them!!

Children from Red Kite Nursery also visited to say hello to Kenny and Gary which was lovely. Kenny and Gary absolutely captivated everyone as they visited lounges and bedrooms throughout the whole home, dispensing feelings of joy to all who met them. 

They even travelled in the lift and were so good.   We have had a wonderful afternoon of lovely cuddles with these beautiful creatures. They loved having their necks stroked and were absolutely wonderful with the residents. 

Thistle Hill got in the Christmas spirit by a wonderful performance by Knaresborough Silver Band for residents.

Thistle Hill Care Centre’s residents and families enjoyed a fabulous Christmassy performance by Knaresborough Silver Band who performed well known Christmas carols such as ‘The First Noel’ and ‘Joy to the World’.  Festive treats prepared by the Home’s chef were also enjoyed after the performance.   
 

Across our homes we’ve had the most wonderful time celebrating the festive season with a special screening of 2020’s OLD VIC: IN CAMERA – A Christmas Carol.

This beautifully staged production brought the magic of Dickens’ classic tale right into our homes. A huge thank you to The Old Vic theatre for sharing this incredible performance with us. It was a truly wonderful experience. 

Staff and residents at Thistle Hill were treated to a fun-packed hour in the company of choir leader and vocal coach to the stars, Dan Cooper, who taught them to sing two feel-good Christmas classics: ‘Winter Wonderland’ and ‘Frosty the Snowman.’

In partnership with Biiah, Dan delivers regular singing events through their virtual platform which encourages people to sing for their wellbeing. A professional choir leader and vocal coach with over 10 years’ experience, Dan runs a successful choir; Love Soul Choir, and is co-director of a children’s group; Sound Pop Academy

Staff, residents, relatives and the local community came together at Thistle Hill to enjoy a wonderful Christmas Fete.

There were all kinds of stalls on offer manned by volunteers, friends and family and local stall holders came along to sell their wares too.  There were delicious cakes, jewellery, aroma lamps, toiletries, clothing, handbags, purses the list goes on!  We had a live show from David Gloan and Stuart on the Keyboard and Santa in his grotto!