Activities at Wheatlands Care Home

Beryl has always loved the great outdoors and animals and being at one with nature. Being hard of hearing Beryl sometimes feels she cant always join in and communicate properly with others. But when the opportunity came up we knew Beryl would jump at the chance to go to the Cavalier Centre in Much Wenlock for tea with the ponies. She was joined by fellow residents the afternoon started with a cup of tea and some delicious homemade cake whilst enjoying watching a horse-riding class from the viewing platform. After which we where taken down to the stables to meet Superted and Rufus followed by meeting some of the bigger horses. Beryl said how much she loved the horses plaits and bows and the smell of the stables. After our meeting with the horses we enjoyed sometime in the centres sensory garden to reflect on our afternoon.

The rain certainly didn’t stop us enjoying our annual summer BBQ. As residents, family and friends began to gather the sunshine began to make an appearance. We where lucky enough to be joined by many of our Wheatlands family on there day off as they didn’t want to miss out on all the fun.

We were joined by Cuan Wildlife Rescue whom ran a stall but most importantly spent time with our residents chatting about the important work they do at the rescue centre and how many animals they rescue in a year. Una was most interested in how to help hedgehogs.

After a fabulous BBQ and delicious deserts from head chef Martin and his team residents and friends gathered to watch the fabulous Glamsparrow a husband and wife rock and roll band. Everyone got a chance to let their hair down and rock out for the afternoon.

Wheatlands really does have talent!. Wow what a fantastic afternoon we had the room was full of so much talent. A few months ago Joan asked for a talent show as part of her 101st birthday celebrations so we set about making another wish come true here at Wheatlands we invited the local community to enter and take part along with residents and staff, even our housekeeping team got up and done a duet together. Mary one of our lovely residents took to the piano and played some beautiful songs and asked the crowd what else she could play for them.

Joan said there was no contest when it came to deciding the winner, the super talented Avery won first prize she really does have the most beautiful voice. Avery has such a bright future ahead of her and was born to be on the stage!

We spent another amazing and memorable afternoon with our tiny friends. What a joy and an honour to watch all of the children grow and develop we feel so lucky that Zoe from the incredible Jiggy Wrigglers Kidderminster, Ludlow and Bridgnorth came into our lives which in turn brought all our favourite little people. They all fill the room with so much joy and happiness it's so lovely to see some true friendships develop between different generations.

Intergenerational activities are so important to our residents here at Wheatlands the Jiggy Wrigglers vintage sessions are designed especially for care settings. Music and interaction with others can stimulate positive memories associated with happy moments in life. Upbeat music promotes physical movement and general mobility along with the release of endorphins, leading to laughter, happiness and a feeling of positivity. Intergenerational activities bring together people from different generations and has positive impact on both the residents and children.

Our Gentlemen were lucky enough to spend an afternoon at Crowsmill Craft Centre CIC as part of carersweek2024

We were welcomed by Dickon, Mark and the rest of the team with open arms. We started the afternoon meeting everyone with a cuppa and the most delicious cakes, they really were a treat!

The activities were very much person centred. Albert and Percy went off to do some gardening and planted out some raised beds, discussing their love of gardening. Percy took great pride in telling everyone about his prize winning vegetables! Meanwhile Martin and Graham stayed inside and made birdboxes. I think Martin made the Buckingham Palace of birdhouses! We enjoyed a tour around, Graham particularly enjoyed the Blacksmith Forge as he used to be in the steel industry. After they finished everyone enjoyed a chat whilst taking in the most beautiful views of the rolling Shropshire hills.

Crowsmill Craft Centre CIC is a unique provision and day centre with a difference. The work that they do there is invaluable. They deliver and embed social skills, vocational skills helping people find their own hidden skills and talents.

During the run up to Joan’s 101st birthday Wheatlands decided to mark such a milestone by attempting to achieve 101 birthday cards for her, one for each year of her life. Joan has a life time of stories to share with the world from serving as a Wren, being a lifelong Everton supporter and even captaining the county netball team.

After reaching out to our local community via the power of social media we had so many people getting in touch offering help from Everton supporters to those serving in the Military. She was showed with cards, gifts and even received a video message from Graham Stuart a former player of Everton Football Club. Our post gained so much attention Joan enjoyed a visit from the Shropshire Star to interview her and do a photoshoot she said ‘I feel like the queen getting so much attention and thank you to everyone for making my birthday so special, what are we doing for my 102nd?’

Many local schools saw our post and wanted to help commemorate such a milestone no one more so than Much Wenlock Primary school they made it there mission to achieve our target by themselves. Pupils and staff hand delivered 102 cards they had so lovingly made by hand with every child that attends the school writing Joan a hand written message. They also showered her in gifts with delicious chocolate, bouquets of flowers and this seasons Everton home shirt which she wore with so much pride.

We didn’t just make our target but completely surpassed it at last count we had reached 332 cards coming from far and wide she even had one from as far as Australia.