Activities at Thistle Hill Care Home

An international pandemic was not going to let organisers of the Royal Chelsea Flower Show, or residents at Thistle Hill, stop celebrating the event, as it was moved to a digital format. Taking place between 18th – 24th May, the world’s greatest flower show went digital, and brought an exciting line-up of world-leading designers, plant experts, and practical gardening advice – all enjoyed from the comfort of your own home.

In celebration, the RHS and BBC1’s The One Show, joined forces to launch a competition to celebrate ‘Virtual Chelsea’, asking green fingered fans to share images of green spaces and gardens – and hear how plants are helping them through these challenging times. Of course, residents at thistle hill were keen to get involved. 

Residents thoroughly enjoyed watching the virtual flower show on our big screen via YouTube, taking part in a flower show themed quiz and taking advantage of our wonderful gardens and woodland walk to go flower and leaf spotting.

The beginning of May saw a trying time for the nation and our residents and guests, but this would not diminish the great British spirit, as our residents rallied to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day

Our residents and guests had a wonderful day singing along with the old time songs from that era! They had a wonderful time dancing the day away and telling stories of times gone by. They only stopped to take a moment of reflection during the two minute silence and to listen to Winston Churchill’s speech at 3pm, before they joined the nation in raising their glasses.

Staff, residents at  Thistle Hill celebrated Easter with an Easter egg hunt in the glorious spring sunshine as well as taking part in an Easter bonnet completion and other Easter themed activities

Thistle hill enjoyed eggs-tensive range of Easter activities, from an Easter Bonnet parade, egg painting and games, with tea parties consisting of hot cross buns and a variety of other lovely refreshments, Residents also tucked in to a delicious Easter meal of prepared by our fabulous team in the kitchen, consisting of delicious roast beef and lamb with all the trimmings

General Manager, Mandy Scott said: “As always, we’ve all been looking forward to Easter. It’s such a nice time of the year – the residents love all the colourful Easter eggs and all the fun activities that coincide with the celebrations, It’s really been an eggs-cellent day!”

Residents and colleagues at Thistle Hill were delighted when local fish shop, Drakes of Knaresborough, donated and dropped off at the home's door, fish and chips boxes to the delight of all to enjoy for their lunch. Who truly doesn't like fish & chips?

It was great lunchtime experience for both staff and residents to have a chat from a distance, along with a traditional brew of Yorkshire tea to wash down the mouth-watering treat. It was a great conversational time too, as everyone remembered their favourite fish and chips from their past.

Thistle Hill in Knaresborough celebrated the Queen’s birthday in style, also brewing up a storm for National Tea Day on the 21st April with a national virtual tea party!

Supplied with a tasty selection of biscuits, cakes and ,of course, teas for the event, residents of Thistle Hill also had lots of fun taking part in sessions, including a Facetime cuppa with family members at home, a royal-themed quiz, tea inspired poems and music and dancing.

Residents at Thistle Hill enjoyed a couple of arts and crafts sessions at the home this week, making a variety of different things, including a collage to celebrate the coming of spring and some much-needed brighter weather.

One of the activities saw the residents painting a variety of multi-coloured daffodilss and flowers, which everyone enjoyed.

Another session saw the group smelling a variety of fresh flowers which had been brought in to us from the local florist, and also some that were handpicked from our gardens.

Residents really enjoy the arts and crafts sessions; no two are ever the same and there’s definitely something for everyone to enjoy. The ladies in particular really liked going into the garden to pick some fresh flowers.