Activities at Wheatlands Care Home

Christmas is very close to all of our hearts and many of our residents enjoy visiting our local church for the annual Christmas tree and nativity festival where the local community each design their own tree for the event. 

Residents enjoyed looking at our entry after spending many hours designing and creating decorations for our tree as well as looking at all of the other beautiful trees. 

The residents were able to take part in Christmas Holy Communion and light a candle for their loved ones and keep friends and family in their thoughts. They were lucky enough to be joined be the church curate, Sam and enjoyed coffee and mince pies together - a real festive treat.  

We were delighted to welcome the children of Brockton Primary school to Wheatlands so they could spend the afternoon spreading Christmas joy across both of our communities. Integrational activities are so important here at Wheatlands and the benefits they give our residents and children are remarkable, it is so lovely to the bond that they form. 

The children sang beautifully to our residents, both traditional and modern songs, and residents loved joining in and really got into the festive mood. They enjoyed sharing festive stories and reading to our residents on a one to one basis it was really magical, our memory lane community where in awe of the children. They all showed such confidence and compassion with every single resident and should be very proud. The afternoon and room was full of such joy and happiness it warmed our hearts and we cannot wait to invite the children back soon. 

Elsie gave a speech to thank all the children for such a fantastic performance and said she made a special phone call to Father Christmas to ensure they where all on the good boys and girls list. 

Well if we weren't in the Christmas spirit already, we certainly are now. 

Our fabulous residents had the pleasure of meeting Father Christmas himself and his ever so cheeky Elf Dolly. We enjoyed an afternoon at Blist Hill Victorian Town for their Calm Christmas event designed for SEND children and those living with dementia. 

It was truly magical from start to finish we were meet by staff at the gate who guided us around the beautiful Victorian town and made the experience even more memorable. Residents enjoyed the town all dressed beautifully and learnt about Victorian Christmas traditions. 

Beryl enjoyed linking arms with Father Christmas and a cuddle from Dolly the Elf and loved looking at the old toys. Judy was so excited to see Father Christmas laughing and joking with her and they enjoyed singing carols together. 

Rosanna enjoyed reminiscing and going down memory lane as a former employee of the museums. Carol enjoyed looking at all the festive decorations and soaking up the atmosphere. We finished the day off with a stop at the trading fish and chips shop with our lunches cooked in beef dripping. 

After waking up to beautiful winter wonderland and eating a hearty breakfast, Activities Coordinator Katie Macey jokingly asked the residents if they wanted a snowball fight.

Joyce replied 'no, but I would like to build a snowman!' 

Much to their surprise, minutes later Katie returned with a bucket load of snow. 

Enriching the lives of our residents is at the heart of what we do here at Wheatlands Care Home, no matter how big or small, we love to make wishes come true. 

Residents across the home enjoyed making snowman, throwing snowballs and reminiscing about yesteryears, being snowed in and having to dig themselves out. 

Residents were thrilled to have a talk from Chris Canon, a member of Much Wenlock Olympic Society, the birth place of the Wenlock Olympian Games.

These famous games and Dr William Penny Brookes, the founder, are thought to have inspired the modern Olympic games just 6 years after Baron Pierre de Coubertin the founder of the International Olympic Committee visited the games in Much Wenlock. 

Residents enjoyed this historical talk, learning exciting facts like how the first ever picture of a sporting event in the world was taken here in their home town Much Wenlock. 

Some of our residents here at Much Wenlock were born here in Wenlock and are very proud of its history and enjoyed sharing stories from when the Olympic torch past through Much Wenlock before the London Olympics in 2012. 

Residents were even more thrilled when they got to hold the Olympic torch!

Just over a year, we had a conversation with Albert about the importance of Remembrance Day and how he'd served in the military himself. 

He has always liked to give back and help. Having spent many years supporting the Royal British Legion and selling poppies, he wanted to continue to do so after moving into Wheatlands Care Home, for as long as he was able to do so. 

After contacting Much Wenlock Poppy Appeal he was able to fulfil his wish and to continue to do so again this year after joining the community for 2 minutes silence.

This was followed by a short service underneath The Corn Exchange in Much Wenlock.