Activities at Wheatlands Care Home

After talking with a number of residents over a coffee and cake one cold winters afternoon and reminiscing about Christmas past a couple said how much they missed going to church on Christmas Eve and midnight mass.

After talking with Reverend Prebendary Matthew Stafford at our Christmas church service he arranged for the church choir to come and sing at Wheatlands on Christmas Eve. In was such a special morning where residents where joined by friends and family after which everyone enjoyed a warming mulled wine and freshly baked mince pies.

Since Joyce’s great granddaughter started singing for Much Wenlock Primary School choir Joyce dreamed of watching her perform and never dreamed it would be possible. But here at Wheatlands we love to make dreams come true. Holy Trinity Church in Much Wenlock hold an annual Christmas tree festival, to close the festival  and to raise money for The Children of the Middle East they hold a Carol concert which the choir where invited to sing at.

Joyce and a few of her friends wrapped up warm and took a short mini bus trip to church to enjoy an evening of carols and of course to watch the very talented Edie and the school choir perform. Joyce said it really did make her Christmas.

As part of our intergenerational activities we had the privilege of being joined by some very special people and we have made some new tiny little friends. Zoe from Jiggy Wigglers ran her Jiggy Vintage session here it is 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 a positive impact on both our residents and also the children. This is so important to the residents, the smiles of joy on each and everyone's face spoke for itself, the room was filled with such happiness and cheer there really was magic in the air.

During October half term we like to invite our residents grandchildren, great grandchildren and local children for our annual pumpkin carving competition. It’s a chance for our residents and families to get together and enjoy a fun activity for all to enjoy. The room was filled full of fun and laughter and our residents enjoyed reminiscing about yesteryears. Una enjoyed having young Florence to help her carve the pumpkin whilst telling her much she enjoyed making pumpkin soup when she was younger and then saved the seeds to feed the birds on her family’s farm.

What started off as an innocent conversation at the monthly soup lunch turned into a person centred, life enriching experience for one of our residents Albert. Albert carried out his national service in Cyprus and ever since he has been supporting the Royal British Legion in numerous ways one of which has been selling poppies in his home town of Cleobury Mortimer.

Albert asked if there was any way in which he was able to continue with his support of Royal British Legion we were able to get in touch with our local Much Wenlock Poppy Appeal and arrange for Albert to continue with his dedication and support of such a wonderful cause that’s dear to all our hearts.

As soon as Albert put his uniform and medals on you could see how much it meant to him and the pride he felt, despite the cold Albert manned the local stall in the town centre to help raise vital funds. He enjoyed chatting to the local community about his time he served.

Beryl and Wendy enjoyed a fabulous morning walking around Percy Thrower’s garden centre looking at all the fragrant flowers and beautiful plants after which we admired the fabulous pumpkin and Christmas displays. After all the excitement we needed a sit down and it was hot chocolates and cappuccinos all round where residents reminisced about their own gardens. Beryl told everyone ‘My husband used to bud roses and we would go all around the country to show them, thank you for brining me’