Activities at White Lodge Care Home

The residents at White Lodge enjoyed a truly magical musical moment this morning with a special visit from the artists at Tickled Pink Productions. They treated everyone to a spectacular Christmas show, performed in classic panto style and filled with festive songs that brought so much laughter into the room.

For many of our residents, going to the theatre was a big part of their lives in their younger years, so the performance really took them back and stirred wonderful memories. There was plenty of clapping, laughter, and even some dancing as everyone joined in the fun.

A huge thank you to our residents’ family and friends for joining us today, you always add a bit of sunshine to their day. Our staff also joined in the festivities, making it a truly joyful occasion for all.

We finished the celebration in the best possible way, with mince pies and a cup of tea, you can never go wrong with that!

The White Lodge recently welcomed families from across our community for a wonderfully festive toddler group, held in collaboration with Magical Musical Moments by Lucy Self. 

The morning was filled with joy, as local mums arrived with their little ones, babies as young as four months up to energetic toddlers of two and a half. Together they sang cheerful Christmas songs, giggled through peek-a-boo under the parachute, and delighted in a flurry of soft “snow” baubles. The room was filled with music, movement, and countless shared laughs, a true celebration of the season.

One of the most touching parts of the morning came after the session, when the toddlers visited our residents for some special one-to-one time. These intergenerational moments are incredibly meaningful. For older adults, connecting with young children can spark joy, stimulate memory, and provide a sense of purpose and belonging. For the little ones, it builds confidence, empathy, and an early understanding of community. The smiles exchanged between the children and residents spoke louder than words, bridging generations in the most beautiful way.

To finish, everyone gathered for refreshments and a comforting cup of tea, chatting and enjoying the warmth of being together. It was a simple morning, but one filled with magic, the kind that comes from community, connection, and the shared spirit of Christmas.

To kick off the Christmas season, our residents enjoyed a magical surprise today a visit from an adorable miniature pony from Happy Hooves Equine Ltd - Equine Assisted Therapy.

The looks of joy and disbelief as the little pony trotted down the corridor and gently peeked into residents’ rooms is unbelievable. The atmosphere instantly lifted; smiles spread, laughter filled the air, and for a moment the whole home felt wrapped in pure holiday wonder.

For our residents living with dementia, the visit was especially meaningful. The pony’s calm presence offered comfort, connection, and a soothing sense of peace. Many residents reached out to stroke its soft coat, and you could see the stress melt away as they interacted with this gentle companion.

It was a beautiful reminder of how small moments can create big magic and how bringing a bit of Christmas cheer can brighten hearts in the most unexpected ways.

It is always a pleasure to attend the Cricklade Memory Café and meet new faces. They served delicious cakes along with hot drinks, and the residents really enjoyed both the journey and their time in the café. We had the opportunity to meet so many lovely new people.

Memory cafés offer great benefits for individuals living with dementia they provide a safe, welcoming space that supports social connection, reduces isolation, encourages reminiscing, and stimulates cognitive wellbeing through friendly conversations and activities.

What a magical evening spent with our lovely residents, their families and friends! The festive spirit was truly shining as the Cirencester Band   filled the home with beautiful Christmas melodies during our light switch-on.

We were honoured to welcome our special guest, the Mayor of Swindon, who spent time chatting with residents and exploring the home. A heartfelt thank you for joining us we truly appreciate your time and warm presence. She was delighted to see the wonderful atmosphere and the quality of life here at White Lodge.

Our amazing chef also prepared a delicious festive buffet featuring mince pies, quiche, sausage rolls, spring rolls, scotch eggs and warming mulled wine, the perfect treat for a cosy Christmas celebration.

A huge thank you to our incredible staff, whose hard work and dedication made this special day possible. Your care, creativity and teamwork brought the festive magic to life, and we are so grateful for everything you do!!!
 

We were delighted to welcome the wonderful Peartree Peelers Handbell Ringers from Purton, who filled our home with festive cheer and beautiful music. Their enchanting handbell performance of classic Christmas songs brought smiles, memories, and a wonderful sense of togetherness to everyone.

Our residents joined in by singing along, creating a heartfelt moment of joy, connection, and Christmas spirit that could be felt throughout the room. The afternoon was perfectly rounded off with mince pies and a warm cup of tea, giving everyone time to relax, chat, and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Over the weekend, The White Lodge hosted a festive coffee morning for friends, family and the wider community. The residents were delighted to welcome so many loved ones, as well as the Swindon Veterans Group. The veterans always bring joy and laughter with them into the home, and this visit was no exception.

Residents who served in the forces, or who are family members of those who did, came together to share stories and talk about the good old days. The veterans also shared their own happy and proud memories, filling the room with warmth, camaraderie and a wonderful sense of connection.

The morning felt even more special thanks to a wonderful spread of festive treats. Delicious cakes, mince pies, and plenty of tea and coffee were enjoyed by everyone, adding a cosy and celebratory touch to the event.

Moments like these highlight just how important it is to reminisce. Reflecting on past experiences not only brings comfort and joy, but also helps strengthen identity, spark conversation and deepen bonds within the community. It was a truly special morning, filled with smiles, memories, good food and togetherness.

The White Lodge residents enjoyed a truly lovely Elf Day celebration, made even more magical by Sheila and her group, who treated us to a private concert filled with beautifully played piano pieces and classic Christmas songs. Celebrations like these mean so much to our residents they bring joy, comfort, and a sense of togetherness that brightens the entire home.

Families joined their loved ones to share in the afternoon’s festivities, creating precious moments that will be remembered long after the season ends. Both staff and singers dressed in cheerful festive outfits, adding an extra sparkle and helping everyone feel the holiday spirit.

Our chef completed the experience with freshly baked mince pies and biscuits, all enjoyed with a warm cup of tea the perfect treat on a winter afternoon. It was a day filled with music, laughter, and love, a gentle reminder that the simplest moments, shared with the people who matter, are often the ones that touch our hearts the deepest.

This afternoon, our residents were treated to an uplifting mix of classic hits from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, beautifully played by White Horse Rock and Roll.

It was heart-warming to see how many residents including those living with dementia arrived to the lounge quietly and a little reserved, only to leave with bright smiles, tapping feet, and renewed energy. Music truly works its magic here: faces light up, memories spark, and the whole room comes alive.

We’re delighted to continue our Community Disco every month. Our next one will be on Wednesday 17th December at 2:30pm. We can’t wait to see you all again!