Activities at Atfield House Care Home

Residents at Atfield House enjoyed an afternoon of laughter and Christmas cheer. The theatre performance of the story of Dick Whittington was full of songs and music and there was lots of interactive and comical whit woven into the performance. 

Residents and visitors were encouraged to be just as witty and bold in their answers, as the actors were in their questions to the residents during their performance. The show was colourful with its costumes, lively through the dancing, funny, through its heart-warming comical interactions. The storyline was traditional and yet crafted for a contemporary audience. A resident said afterwards that the show was enjoyable and funny and brought back memories of theatres she used to enjoy.   

Atfield House had some very special visitors on the 1st of December in the afternoon before our Christmas light switch on party and also during the light switch on party!

Many visitors and residents wanted to have a look at these rare creatures, at least in this country. With coats and hats, many ventured outside to get a glimpse of the majestic antlers and be able to feed and stroke the reindeers.

Visitors remarked,” I have never seen a reindeer before and have come today to see one in real life.” The reindeers greeted our visitors, who came for the light switch on party at the door who tried to get a nice picture taken. The two reindeers were inseparable and were used to each others' company, but one was more lively and the other one much calmer. For us, it was probably a once in a lifetime experience to get so close to these otherwise wild creatures that come to help Santa Claus deliver his presents to children all over the world, if they have been good!     

Our residents at Atfield House and our family members always look forward to when the animals come to visit our home. The anticipation grows and when they arrive the people cannot wait to see who, or what has come this time! Even our small visitors loved attending the session and getting a close encounter of an owl, a first time for many visitors and residents too! 

The animal visits always bring with them a special feeling of peace and gentleness and these kind creatures hold a special place in many the hearts of our residents and family members. The rabbits were stroked, guinea pigs fed, and the owl admired, while Nakuru, the lovely Labrador, collected attention with his ever-wagging tail! After an hour of immersing ourselves in the soft furs of the rabbits and meeting the majestic owl, we started to visit residents in their rooms, who were not able to join us downstairs in the main dining room. Everyone enjoyed a look at the owl, some dared to stroke her soft feathers too!

We had a great afternoon and everyone  enjoyed experiencing another visit from our little furry friends with lots of smiles and admiration on our faces. We are looking forward to seeing them all again soon!

At Atfield House Care Home we really enjoy celebrating all the festivals during the year. Diwali is one of the cultural festivals our residents and staff enjoy together. First we learnt about the meaning of Diwali, and then we were introduced to the way it is celebrated throughout the world.

Our festival in our home showcased all the different aspects that are important to our staff in this special season of celebrating light over darkness. Colour-full decorations graced the communal areas and our Bollywood dancers brought energy and joy to everyone , as they swept over the dancefloor. The music and movement was energising, and our residents joined in raising their hands and clapping. Everyone enjoyed the colourful dresses swinging through the air, while tasting traditional Asian sweets and savouries, like Samosas, onion Bhajis and more. What a great time we had together with our staff, who also joined in with the dancing in their traditional outfits. The residents said they were fascinated looking at all these beautiful dresses! Festivals can bring joy and meaning into our lives, when we can celebrate them altogether with thoughtful kindness, laughter and mutual respect!  

Our summer party this year at Atfield House was enjoyed by residents and family members alike. There was plenty to experience in our dining room. There were the guinea pigs, the rabbits to hold, feed and stroke. There was a tortoise, a green frog and a hedgehog too. The black 

Labrador waved his tail kindly as he greeted people cheerfully. As residents sat around the tables with refreshments, our aerial dancer entertained with acrobatic tricks and postures that she adapted to the rainy weather. With flowery garlands for everyone to wear, the summer spirit was brought inside. But adjusting to the approaching autumn, there was also a stand, where one could purchase an indulging cup of hot chocolate, perfect with cream and marshmallows. The gentle Labrador, a guinea pig and a hedgehog made their way through the building, visiting residents in their rooms. Everyone enjoyed giving the guinea pig a stroke, feeding the dog some cake and taking a shy look at the hedgehog.  

Altogether, a successful end to a lovely summer at Atfield House. 

Residents at Atfield House enjoyed an afternoon of uplifting and fun Carols performed by the Joyful Voices Choir. Residents joined in singing and clapping and treasured the opportunity to have a chat and reminiscence with the singers after the performance. The Joyful Voices were much appreciated for their visit to Atfield House for the second time this season and left behind memories of Carols sung by our residents in years passed.

The choir had played our manager's favourite Carol, and performed it for us. It was a wonderful and joy-filled afternoon for everyone who participated in listening, singing, clapping and enjoying the music!

Staff members at Atfield House came together after their days' work to celebrate our team and the diversity in our team. Everyone  was encouraged to wear their cultural dress and join us for some diverse nibbles and great dishes from different cultures. 

The evening was filled with music and dancing and lots of fun, hugs and laughter. What a great way to promote team spirit, foster unity and create joy amongst staff members. Big thank you to our manager, Subin, who put on the event for us.

The different cultural music and dance was great fun and the food was fabulous!   

The residents at Atfield House love music, so we were so glad to have Margaret join us again at Atfield House for our Remembrance Sunday with her golden harp. Before the music started, residents lit candles in remembrance of their loved ones. And we also lit candles in remembrance of all the people that died in the first and second World Wars and all the wars since then.  

Margaret played beautiful songs like Britannia, Amazing Grace and also some songs that everyone could sing along to, like 'Pack Up Your Troubles', and 'It’s a Long Way to Tipperary'. There was also some remembrance poetry among the music. Residents enjoyed the music very much and clapped along to the popular songs. Residents and their visitors enjoyed a close look at the harp afterwards and also got a chance to chat with Margaret. Even though it was a serious event, the music lifted us, and we had a lot of fun singing together the good old songs which Margaret played so beautifully. Everyone said it was a good afternoon and remarked that the cake we had made together for the event was delicious!  

Residents from Atfield enjoyed an outing to Gunnersbury Park and Museum. Bridget, a volunteer, was already waiting for us, and she took us on a fabulous tour around the house. She delved deep into history and our residents listened intently. Many of our residents grew up in the area and are very keen on local history. We were excited to hear about the house: it was originally a Palladian mansion built in the 1660s for Sir John Maynard. It became the property of Princess Amelia, daughter of King George Il, before the first house was demolished in 1801. A new "Small Mansion," also called Gunnersbury House, was built on part of the estate in the early 19th century. The Rothschild family eventually owned the property, and it then became council property in 1929 and was opened to the public. 

Now a gem in the heart of London, but when bought by the Rothschilds, it was still in the countryside close to London City. We learnt about old kitchens and 18th century fridges, before being treated to tea and coffee in the entertainment rooms. The volunteers had prepared a private tea party for us, where once the Rothchilds celebrated a prestigious wedding. After a stroll to the lake and feeding the swans and ducks, we embarked on our way home. Everyone enjoyed the outing and commented that it was a very delightful day out. We want to thank Bridget and her team of volunteers for all their kind reception and hope to see them again soon.   

Atfield House was honoured to welcome our local councillor Katherine Dunne on Saturday to the launch of our Green Theme Magazine and the story of Mother Hope. Katherine shared some of her aims and worked with us in her field of climate and sustainability. She greeted all our residents personally and was impressed with our recycling station and our solar panels. We got to show her our vegetable gardens and harvested our giant pumpkin together! The afternoon began with residents and their visitors making baskets from newspapers. They turned out really well. 

We want to thank our family members, who have the green theme close to their hearts too and have made Atfield House gardens more colourful and green. Thanks to our yearly duck visitors and the family of ducks that she raises in our garden, we now have a beautiful children’s book on offer with great rhymes and pictures about the story of the duck, which we call” Mother Hope." Atfield House residents, staff and visitors are committed to keeping our green theme running at Atfield House. With our green theme ambassador, Stuart, attending the afternoon celebrations, we also have a knowledgeable resident on board.

This year, our wonderful Resident Ambassador, Pauline, had the honour of switching on our Christmas lights. Residents, visitors and children all gathered to see the magical moment, when all the lights got turned on. 

There were a lot of cheers heard in the building and a "wow”, as the golden reindeers lit up the hidden Nativity scene behind them! Refreshments and carols by the joyful voice choir followed and everyone enjoyed themselves. The food served was delicious and delightful and lots of thanks to all the staff, visitors and children, dressed up as elves, who contributed to the wonderful cheerful atmosphere that evening.

The smiles, the sparkle, and the sense of togetherness made it a truly magical moment. Here’s to a season filled with joy, community, and festive cheer!  

We were looking at the weather forecast the whole week before the outing and when the day finally arrived to go to Syon House Christmas Market a sunny face appeared on the forecast to our great delight! 
Syon House holds special memories for many residents, who have lived in this area for a long time. The visit brought back memories for some residents, and they also noticed some changes that had occurred since the last time they visited. 

We enjoyed the natural surroundings for the festive Christmas market. It was inspiring. The handmade items, and the food we tasted was gorgeous. We walked through the Conservatory with its beautiful cactus and palm trees and were mesmerised by the beauty of it all. The outing was much enjoyed by everyone, and we are looking forward to our next adventure already!    

Pumpkins were carved in the afternoon, sweets and treats were arranged, and when it was time, the pumpkins found their places outside and then the guests arrived. Our residents at Atfield House were delighted to see so many children stream through the door on Halloween. There were plenty of sweets and chocolates to be given away, and even some healthy tangerines too!

Staff children and children from the local neighbourhood enjoyed meeting residents and cued up bravely for their turn, to have their buckets filled! The costumes were exciting and residents had a lot of fun, finding out the names of the children hidden beneath these exquisite attires! It was lovely to welcome so many children, and we had so much fun and joy giving away sweet treats and smiles!   

On Sunday 11th October, Atfield House Care Home proudly joined in the celebrations for Black History Month, bringing residents, staff and guests together for a day filled with culture, history and community spirit.

The event began with an interactive guessing game featuring traditional ingredients such as plantain, sweet potato, cassava and coconut. Residents also showcased their baking skills by preparing a delicious coconut cake, which was enjoyed alongside a spiced bun with cheese and traditional ginger beer.

The celebration also included reflections on the inspirational lives and contributions of Martin Luther King Jr. and Mary Seacole. Their powerful stories prompted thoughtful conversations and encouraged everyone to honour the importance of history, equality and resilience.

Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, our carers proudly showcased their heritage by wearing elegant traditional attire and joining residents on the dance floor, filling the home with music, energy and joy. It was a wonderful opportunity to recognise cultural heritage while strengthening connections within the home.
At Atfield House, we are proud to embrace and celebrate the diverse cultures that make up our community.

Residents at Atfield House Care Home enjoyed an afternoon of colourful carnival dancers.
Residents and family members had so much fun and even joined the dancers, as they swept across the dance floor at Atfield House Care Home.

Pom Pom`s were waved into the air and masks were worn by residents, who laughed and admired the 2 dancers in their fabulous colourful outfits.

The beat of the music was the perfect background to the elegant dance, which was performed, before everybody had a chance to have a photo taken with the dancers. The dancers also brought their charm to each room within the home and wished the residents a happy carnival. What a truly wonderful experience it was, and so uplifting  to join the fun of the London Carnival in 2025.