Activities at Westergate House Care Home

Westergate House joined in the Barchester Live Event on Tuesday 11th May and were treated to a day of healthy experiences.  We took part in the Green Goddess’ exercise and yoga class in the morning which left us feeling revitalised and relaxed.  This was followed by an afternoon of cookery demonstrations and food-tasting.  There was a range of delightful recipes prepared – and all so delightfully healthy!  On the menu, Borlotti Bean and Dill Pate, served with crackers, Greek Fritters with Tzatziki, Coronation ‘Chicken’, made from Quorn, in a puff pastry case and beautiful banana bread.  Felicity, one of our residents in the House, can be seen here enjoying the occasion.  We complemented the delectable delights with a glass of chilled prosecco and convinced ourselves this was the healthy thing to do!

Thursday was a special day.  We invited our residents to travel with us to Dubai from the comfort of the armchair.  What a voyage!  Kay and Julie, part of the Activities team, created a middle-eastern experience for all through music, virtual travel and traditional foods.  Chef Konnie made an authentic Machboos Chicken dish served with rice for lunch.  Staff who have lived in the United Arab Emirates brought objets and travel books to show the beauty and opulence of the country.  Anwar can be seen here in traditional dress.  He was delighted to explain the traditions of Ramadan and the celebration Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan).  He wished us all a ‘Eid Mobarak - Happy Eid’ to celebrate the day.

With National Vegetarian Week in mind, Westergate House was treated to a range of healthy smoothies prepared by our manager, Paul Middleton-Russell.  We weren’t disappointed!  Paul talked us through his recipes step-by-step and explained the benefits of each carefully-chosen ingredient.  He let it be known that for several years he had been consuming the beverages and was a firm believer that his health and wellbeing benefitted from the nutritious componentsSmoothie Sensation at Westergate House

We have our very own needlework star at Westergate House.  June has been with us just a short time and has created a masterpiece with her needle and thread.  We were amazed when she unveiled her latest work – a wonderful tapestry of Westergate House.  The attention to detail is incredible.  Well done June.  Beautiful work!

With bunting of flags, and talk of dragons and roses, Westergate House Care Home in Fontwell, celebrated St. George’s Day on Friday.  A talk on the history of St. George started the celebrations where we learned that St George was a soldier in the Roman army who slayed a dragon and saved a princess.  The anniversary of St. George’s death is celebrated as England’s national day and we were only to keen to enjoy festivities in the name of our patron saint.

The day gathered pace with Kay, our Activities Co-ordinator’s, delightful agenda of events. Together with the residents, she did a karaoke of traditional English songs. Whether singing or waving flags high, everyone joined in with light hearts and smiles. The music was infectious and even the most unlikely of performers asked to take a turn. Before long it was time to start the quiz. Ten questions on time-honoured topics were discussed and debated.  With a glass of something special, our minds were soon in gear to answer Kay's questions! Heather was the acclaimed winner and her success was celebrated with a round of applause. 

Residents at Westergate House raised a glass to the Queen on her 95th Birthday.  The sun was shining and we enjoyed a lovely selection of cheeses and wines reminiscing about fond memories of royal events throughout the years.  We watched the Royal Mountbatten Military Concert and were in awe of the splendour and magnificence