Activities at Bloomfield Care Centre

We were very lucky to have another wonderful performance from The Panto Divas, which included a couple of our staff members, Ali and Ann, also joining them, Jenny, Peter, Patrick and Teddy the dog. The residents all had a wonderful time watching Aladdin and the residents laughed and sang along. 

We were all given programmes with lyrics, and we were indulged in music from eras that we knew, interwoven in by the cast members who wrote the script themselves, for their audience. Renditions of songs such as ‘Summer Holiday’ and ‘If I were a Rich man’ were enjoyed by all. Oh, yes, we did!

A very happy Lady Peggy had a wonderful time attending her local church for the candlelight service, a place filled with so many cherished memories from the many years she spent there. She was given the loveliest warm welcome by her church family, and it truly meant so much to her to see familiar faces and share such a special time together. Her friend Jean from her community also came along to share the moment. Her friends were delighted to see her and continue to visit her at Bloomfield, which always brings her great joy. Such a heart-warming evening all around. We love helping our residents living their lives to the fullest and to continue with their hobbies. 

We were all very pleased to receive delivery of a brand-new mini-bus. On delivery, we could choose where to take our new bus to. Anne, Ruth and Betty asked to go to the garden centre to purchase some new plants for the garden. Betty and Elaine said how nice the new bus was and nice and comfy. 

Our trips out are regular and everyone looks forward to going out and looking around the local area.

Here at Bloomfield we like to do themed baking. We recently made Valentine's cakes which everyone enjoyed with a cup of tea. 

Margaret said that they were too good to eat. We also made some scones which Jean said reminded her of baking at home with her family and tasted very good. 

Pancake Day was also fun, with freshly made pancakes and a choice of toppings from fresh strawberries and chocolate spread to sugar with lemon. Sarah said the lemon ones were the best!

Here at Bloomfield we enjoy going out and like to visit many places in and around the area. We visited The White Horse in Wiltshire Carl Michael and Rosie all enjoyed the drive to and up to the top of the hills. Carl could tell us stories about how the white horse was put on the side of the hill. 

Michael said that he hadn’t visited it before and what a lovely view it was from the top. Rosie chose to come along for the trip as she hadn’t been there in a long time. Everyone enjoyed the drive out and looks forward to visiting in the summer for a picnic.

Aliah from our activities team was happy to bring a bit of culture for the afternoon, serving up a variety of traditional Filipino foods. For tasters, Aliah served vegetable and chicken pancit (a noodle dish), chicken sisig, which is normally served on a hot sizzling plate, and lumpia shanghai, which are spring rolls usually made with pork or beef. For desserts, there were peach and mango float and ube biko, a sticky rice pudding. All these dishes were provided by her family who work within the home, Anna, one of our nurses, and Ron, who is part of the hospitality team.

Several staff members also generously contributed food and desserts. Maja blanca, a coconut dessert topped with cheese, was made by Zarah our nurse. Turon, a banana wrapped in a spring roll wrapper, was made by our night nurse Nissa. Snacks were provided by Reshelle. In the evening, chicken adobo made by Ron was shared so that residents who were unable to attend earlier could still enjoy Filipino food.
Aliah gave a talk about all the different dishes and enjoyed sharing them with the residents as it reminded her of being back in the Philippines. Aliah also wore a traditional dress called a filipiniana which is worn during special occasions. It was wonderful to see the staff and residents all enjoying the food and learning about Filipino culture. 

So many of the staff supported the event and made the food, which made this celebration possible. Their help and enthusiasm made Filipino Day special and memorable for everyone involved. 

We recently enjoyed a truly heart-warming celebration as Bloomfield Care Centre marked a wonderful two-year anniversary of our special connection with Willow from Sing-a-ling, alongside families and friends from Little Star Nursery Paulton. The day was filled with laughter, music and meaningful moments as residents spent time with the children, sharing smiles, stories and festive fun together.

Intergenerational activities like these are incredibly special, bringing different generations together in a way that enriches everyone involved. Residents were delighted by the children’s energy and enthusiasm, while the youngsters enjoyed singing, chatting and celebrating alongside our residents. The atmosphere was full of warmth, joy and togetherness, creating memories that will be cherished long after the day itself.

Celebrations like this highlight the importance of community, connection and shared experiences, and we are proud to create opportunities that bring happiness and purpose to daily life at Bloomfield Care Centre.

We have many trips out in our mini-bus, especially to local Garden Centres. We gather ideas for our garden club, which is a weekly event.

Sandra said that she loved to look at the plants and to pick out ones for our garden. June also liked the flowers and said she is looking forward to seeing them in our garden. 

Alfie really enjoyed looking around and found some local ciders which he was looking forward to tasting.  

At Bloomfield, we hold regular Ladies and Gents Social afternoon events. This month the gents had pizzas which they made in the morning followed by nibbles wine and whisky. Peter said he enjoyed the afternoon, especially eating the pizza they had made in the morning. The drinks were enjoyed by everyone too. We have quizzes and a singalong. Alfie, Terry, Carl and Peter said that they look forward to these events and can't wait for the next one.

The ladies also enjoyed a social afternoon with cupcakes, wine and mocktails. These were followed by a pamper session, manicure and hand massage. To end the afternoon, we had a sing song. Betty said it was nice to get together, and they all looked forward to the next one.

Willow the puppy came to visit Bloomfield and was made very welcome. She sat by John waiting for a fuss, and John enjoyed rubbing her head. 

Eileen enjoyed Willow's visit. She said that she could remember when she kept Shelties, and it was lovely to see her. 

Carl and Jill both had cuddles with Willow. She brought great happiness to the home, and we look forward to her next visit.

Residents enjoyed an afternoon out at Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum. They appreciated reminiscing about school life in the 'Victorian schoolroom'. The miniature railway set up reminded everybody about how the trains used to come through Radstock. 

The old horse-drawn bakers’ cart had one of our residents reminiscing about how he used to collect the bread for his mum and get told off for nibbling the crust. We even went into the 'Mineshaft' and saw the model of the young lad wearing the Guss and Crook. One gentleman recounted how he'd been down the Kilmersden mineshaft just before it closed. All in all, a very interesting and engaging trip.   

We were delighted to welcome a truly special visit to Bloomfield Care Centre, as Kelly’s Donkeys joined us for a magical morning filled with smiles and festive cheer. Spike arrived with the wonderful Romeo, who quickly became a favourite as he trotted around the home, charming residents and team members alike. Romeo’s calm and gentle nature meant everyone could enjoy time with him, whether sharing a quiet moment, offering a treat, or simply watching him spread joy throughout the home. Residents were especially delighted to see Romeo happily enjoying his apples and carrots, and many spoke fondly about past memories of animals and countryside life. Visits like these create meaningful moments, spark conversation, and bring genuine happiness to our community, making the day truly unforgettable for everyone involved.

Bloomfield Care Centre promotes wellbeing and gentle exercises. These classes are welcomed by our residents each week. 

Brian said that they have helped with his dexterity, and now he has become a regular visitor to the classes. Peter said that he enjoys being able to do the classes. Peggy said that it’s a lot of fun and looks forward to joining in.

Our residents at Bloomfield have been really enjoying gentle exercise and wellbeing. Lauren visits regularly and brings a different theme to the home with a lot of dancing for our residents to do from the comfort of an armchair. 

Eileen and Betty said that they enjoy visits from Lauren and look forward to the different outfits she wears. Lauren also themes the exercise equipment with lots of colours and noises.

Helena visits our home regularly. She brings lovely, colourful music and dance to our residents, singing songs from 60’s and 70’s and sing-a-long classics. 

Eileen said she enjoys Helena visiting and singing and dancing to her favourite songs she used to sing at home. 

Dora said that she really enjoyed the dancing. Barbara and Vera also enjoyed the afternoon of song and lots of laughter.