Activities at Thistle Hill Care Home

Across our homes we got into the Christmas spirit of things by joining a festive live virtual experience, led by Des and Kelly from Performing Pets.

Our residents were thrilled to meet the charming furry friends and get up close and personal with the reindeers.  We certainly learnt some interesting facts about the animals and had a fantastic time.

During the week we have made two festive trips to St. John's Church in Knaresborough.

Residents admired over 70 themed Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and charities. Visual effects were accompanied by organ music and the majestic sound of the church bell which is 250 years old!

Third day of advent, first Christmas Party at Thistle Hill and the day when Santa lost his pants!

Our hardworking kitchen team prepared tasty buffet consisted of cold meats and cheeses, indian selection, salads, chicken wings, cream scones, cheese scones, cakes and much more. You name it we had it! After enjoyable lunch there was time for a wine, sherry and off course visit from Santa!

We've burnt some calories during silly dances and singing Christmas songs, pulled many crackers and laughed at the jokes.

Stephen Walls at Thistle Hill Care Centre in Knaresborough has beaten all the competition to be crowned with National Lifetime Achievement of the Year in the Barchester Care Awards 2023.

The Barchester Care Awards celebrate the staff who go the extra mile for the benefit of the 13,000 residents living in Barchester’s 257 care homes and private hospitals across the country. Categories range from ‘Team of the Year’ and ‘Carer of the Year’ to ‘Dementia Care Champion’ and ‘Activities Coordinator of the Year’.

World Animal Day is an annual global event to celebrate all animals across the world.  It aims to raise awareness of the importance of animal welfare and endeavours to raise standards for all animals around the globe.

Residents had a brilliant time, they watched nature programmes and had a visit from the Shetland pony and Pigmy goats at ‘Well-being with Animals’.

General Manager, Mandy Scott, said: “Our residents absolute favourite thing is animals, we often have visits from therapy pets because we know how much the residents love to interact with them.  I think the animals love it just as much, they get so much attention here – I don’t think they really want to leave!”

Hazel, a resident said: “I love all animals so it was such a treat to meet Wendy, Mickey& Cream and have a cuddle’. 

We would like to say a big Happy Birthday to Ann one of our residents on Ripley but also to her son who had his birthday yesterday.

Today they celebrated together going out for a meal and then returned to continue the celebrations with staff and residents on Ripley.