Activities at Castle Care Village - Castle Park

What a wonderfully mad afternoon we had at our Mad Hatter Tea Party! Everyone embraced the fun by choosing a crazy hat, sharing lots of laughter, and enjoying a fantastic afternoon together. Sydney absolutely stole the show in his Rastafarian hat! He loved wearing it and had everyone laughing with his great sense of humour.

It was also lovely to welcome Laura and her family, who created a beautiful "LOVE" photo together. It was such a personal and meaningful moment, and it was wonderful to capture those special memories.
Jenny spent the afternoon laughing from start to finish. Seeing her smile and hearing her laughter throughout the activity was truly heartwarming and made the day even more special.

The afternoon was filled with smiles, conversation, delicious treats, and plenty of memorable moments. It was wonderful to see everyone getting involved, expressing their personalities through their hats, and simply enjoying each other's company.

A fantastic time was had by all, and we can't wait for our next themed afternoon!

Jackie and Gary recently visited Queen's Centre Hospital to deliver a special thank-you hamper on behalf of everyone. The hamper was filled with drinks, biscuits, and sweets that had been kindly donated by residents and staff as a gesture of appreciation for the care and compassion shown to someone we all loved very deeply.

Although it was an emotional visit, it was also incredibly special. The hospital staff went above and beyond in the care they provided, offering not only professional support but also kindness, comfort, and dignity during a difficult time. Their dedication made a lasting difference to both our loved ones and those closest to them.   

For Jackie, the visit was particularly meaningful and brought a few tears to her eyes as she reflected on the support that had been given. It was a chance to say thank you in person and to acknowledge the impact the staff had made.

We chose to carry out this activity because expressing gratitude is important, and we wanted to recognise the outstanding care that was shown. It also gave residents and staff the opportunity to come together, reflect on cherished memories, honour someone special, and give something back to those who give so much to others every day.

It was a touching and meaningful experience for everyone involved, and a reminder of how small acts of kindness and appreciation can have a lasting impact.

Huntington’s Awareness Day was such a special and meaningful day for everyone involved. Liz, Duncan’s mum, went above and beyond to make the day unforgettable. From creating the beautiful decorations to putting together the quiz, questions, and answers, she made sure everything was thoughtful, engaging, and full of knowledge. The effort and care she put into the day truly showed.
As we now have quite a few people living with Huntington’s, the awareness day meant so much to everyone. 

Richard and Sheena both said the information Liz shared was brilliant and that so much of it really hit home for them. Throughout the day, people openly chatted about Huntington’s Awareness Day, sharing experiences, thoughts, and supporting one another in such a positive way. Gary, who also lives with Huntington’s, found the day especially meaningful. Conversations around the different symptoms and experiences people face helped everyone feel understood and connected. There was so much interaction, kindness, and support between everybody, and it created such a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Duncan and his mum were so happy with how the day turned out, especially knowing it helped raise awareness and bring people together. It was more than just an event — it was a day filled with understanding, compassion, education, and community spirit. It truly was a beautiful and very special day for everyone involved.          

There are moments in care that remind you exactly why these experiences matter — and our recent pony visit was one of those moments.              

The day was nothing short of outstanding. Two gentle ponies, warm sunshine, and the simple joy of connection created something truly special for everyone involved. Kara’s reaction was deeply moving. With her history as a horse rider, being close to the ponies again clearly meant the world to her. She was overcome with emotion, shedding happy tears as those memories came flooding back. It was a beautiful reminder of how powerful familiar experiences can be.

Chris spent time outside in the sunshine with the ponies, completely at ease. Sometimes it’s the simplest things — fresh air, animals, and a peaceful setting — that bring the greatest happiness. For Jill, who lives with Huntington’s disease and often experiences erratic movements, the change was remarkable. Around the animals, she became noticeably calm and settled. Watching that transformation was incredibly special and a powerful example of the therapeutic impact animals can have.

Kevin — his smile said everything. Pure joy, simple and genuine.

Animal therapy continues to show us just how meaningful these interactions are. The comfort, the calm, the memories, and the happiness they bring cannot be overstated. It was a truly special day for everyone, and one we won’t soon forget. 

We enjoyed a lovely walk to the local pub, taking in the fresh air and the simple pleasure of being out together. Chris especially loved it—the feeling of heading out for a drink again, just like he used to with his friends, even reminiscing about sitting in the beer garden with a cigarette. 

Jackie was happily chatting away, completely immersed in conversation. She said how much she enjoys the environment, being out and about, and how it makes her feel alive again.

Gary was in great spirits too, really enjoying having a couple of Guinnesses and being able to relax and forget about everything for a while.

We took a nice, slow walk, making the most of the day. The purpose of the activity was simply to do something normal—to enjoy everyday life, live in the moment, and appreciate the little things. With the lovely weather on our side, it made the experience even more special.     

We enjoyed a lovely Bee Day celebration inspired by Jean Bishop, the Bee Lady. The day included a fun and informative activity where we learned about bees, their importance, and the positive impact Jean Bishop had on the local community through her charity work. Everyone had the opportunity to sample a selection of honey-based treats along with different fruits to pair them with. Andrew particularly enjoyed the honey and other honey-flavoured treats, commenting that they tasted "beautiful."       

Gary found the day especially amusing as staff and participants dressed up as bees, which created lots of laughter and smiles throughout the day. Simon was pleased to have a lovely photograph taken and enjoyed talking about the Bee Lady and what she represented.

Although Andy preferred not to join the main group activity, he was happy to celebrate Bee Day from his room. We spent time chatting with him about the Bee Lady, her fundraising work, and why she is remembered so fondly. He also enjoyed having a photo taken to mark the occasion.

Overall, Bee Day was a wonderful experience that brought everyone together. It was an enjoyable opportunity to learn something new, share tasty treats, create happy memories, and increase awareness of an inspiring local figure and the important role bees play in the world around us.

A Deputy Manager at Castle Park in Sutton, Hull has received a prestigious 20-Year Service Award in celebration of working at Barchester Healthcare for 20-years.

Sonia Richardson, now Deputy Manager started at Barchester in May 2006 and has worked with residents and their relatives to ensure that their needs have been met over the years.

Wendy Sugden, General Manager of Castle Park said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating 20-years of loyal service with Castle Park. She has demonstrated her dedication and loyalty to this home and its residents year after year. I speak for all of us here at Castle Park when I say that I’m looking forward to many more years of working with Sonia!”

The singer and all the decorations made the day feel incredibly special and heartfelt.

Gary and his wife truly cherished the afternoon. Sitting outside together in the sunshine with a Guinness in hand, Gary said it brought back so many memories of his Dad serving 30 years in the army. For him, it was more than just a gathering — it felt personal, familiar, and deeply moving.

For Richard, Sheena, and Rob, who enjoyed the afternoon together, there was a real sense of nostalgia and togetherness throughout the day. They spoke about how much they loved the atmosphere, and said the singer’s voice was absolutely beautiful and added something truly emotional to the occasion.

Simon, who is related to the singer, spent the whole day smiling with pride. Seeing his family member perform so beautifully clearly meant a great deal to him, and his happiness shone through from beginning to end.             

Laura came along with her son and her dad, and together they simply enjoyed being there — sharing a few drinks, soaking up the atmosphere, and spending quality time together. They said it was one of those rare days that felt warm, relaxed, and genuinely uplifting from start to finish.      

Coming together as a team, alongside our residents, we recently shared a day that was filled with meaning, remembrance, and connection.

Dressed in pink, we walked together down to Swan to honour a very special person — a friend, colleague, and loved one we sadly lost to cancer. It was a moment to reflect, to support one another, and to celebrate her life in a way that felt right for everyone. We released a balloon in her memory, a simple but powerful gesture that brought a sense of togetherness.

Jackie, who was very close to her, became emotional, and it was important that we took the time to talk, share memories, and support her through those feelings.

As we walked, Sheena and Trisha shared stories that brought smiles as well as reflection. For many, the walk itself brought back memories of earlier years — times spent doing the very same with their children. It was a reminder of how moments like these can connect the past with the present. Kara truly came into her own throughout the day. Being outside in the sunshine, walking and chatting freely, she opened up more than we’ve ever seen before. The fresh air and relaxed setting created space for genuine conversation and joy.      

It was a day filled with emotion, but also with warmth, laughter, and togetherness. Most importantly, we were able to raise a meaningful amount of money to support her family during such a difficult time.

A truly special day that meant so much to everyone involved — one we will carry with us.

This Easter, we truly went all out and created a magical day filled with fun, laughter, and togetherness. We invited family members to join us, and everyone came together to take part in an exciting Easter egg hunt, a piñata, and a raffle—there was something for everyone to enjoy. 

Duncan especially loved the piñata. Although he found it a little tricky at first, he didn’t give up. He kept going with determination and was delighted when he finally broke it open and won some sweet treats—it was a lovely moment to see. Sheena had a couple of goes on the raffle and ended up winning twice! In a truly kind and thoughtful gesture, she chose to keep just one prize and let one of the children pick another instead. It was a beautiful act of generosity that didn’t go unnoticed.

Amanda really enjoyed seeing all the children. Having previously been a teacher, it clearly meant a lot to her, and you could see from the smile on her face just how much it made her day. We were even lucky enough to have visits from the Easter Bunny and some special guests, which brought so much excitement. Both the residents and the children were laughing and smiling throughout—it was such a joyful atmosphere.

The aim of the day was to celebrate Easter, but more importantly, to bring families together, create happy memories, and share in some fun. It was a truly special day that everyone will remember fondly.      

Our Greek-themed day was a fantastic success and enjoyed by everyone who took part. The day was organised to encourage social interaction, stimulate memories, explore different cultures, and provide a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.

The day was filled with fun, laughter, and learning as residents joined in with a Greek quiz, dressed up in themed outfits, and sampled a variety of delicious Greek nibbles and tasters. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Greek culture, traditions, and cuisine while spending quality time together. Laura and Dad really embraced the spirit of the day. Laura especially loved dressing up in her beautiful dress and said the whole experience was "just brilliant."        

Martin and Amanda also thoroughly enjoyed the event. Having visited Greece themselves, they said the day brought back many happy memories, particularly when tasting some of the traditional foods. It was a fun-filled and very enjoyable day, full of conversation, memories, laughter, and new experiences. The event encouraged residents to share their experiences, reminisce about past travels, and connect with one another through a shared activity. Everyone had a wonderful time, and the Greek theme was a great way to bring people together.

Watching the Michael Jackson movie at the cinema turned out to be a far more emotional and meaningful experience than any of us expected. Chris had asked if we could go because he had always loved Michael Jackson as an artist and performer, but once we arrived and the film began, it truly moved him. At one point, Chris actually shed a few tears because the story and music meant so much to him. He said it was an incredibly powerful and meaningful movie, and he absolutely loved every moment of it.

Gary felt exactly the same. He enjoyed the experience so much that as soon as the film ended, he said, “I can’t wait for the next one to come out.” Both of them said they never imagined the movie would affect them so deeply, but the emotion, music, and atmosphere made it unforgettable. They described the film as outstanding and said they are already looking forward to watching the next one together.        

Our Titanic-themed day was truly something special — a perfect blend of laughter, creativity, and meaningful moments. We spent the day stepping back in time, reliving iconic scenes and sharing stories that brought the experience to life.

Andrew and Karen had everyone smiling as they recreated that famous moment at the front of the ship, arms outstretched, completely carefree. Andrew found it hilarious, and their joy was infectious — a beautiful reminder of how powerful it is to simply let go and be in the moment. Kalum took on the role of captain, sitting proudly in the “boat” and sharing his knowledge of the Titanic with such enthusiasm. His passion and engagement added something unique to the day, sparking conversation and curiosity.

Laura joined us with someone very special to her, and together they recreated a scene featuring the “Heart of the Ocean.” Their laughter filled the room, making the moment even more memorable and heart-warming to witness.

With the film playing and everyone immersed in the theme, the day became more than just an activity — it was an experience. It brought people together, encouraged connection, and created moments of genuine happiness.

A truly meaningful day, full of smiles, laughter, and shared memories we’ll cherish.            

We recently came together with our residents, members of the local community, and the local councillor for a litter pick around the streets. The aim was simple—to help clean up the area while giving our residents a sense of purpose and the opportunity to be part of something meaningful again.

It turned out to be such a special day for everyone involved. Amanda joined us with her husband and was smiling the entire time, happily using the grabbers and picking up litter herself. It was clear how much she truly enjoyed being part of it.

Andrew completed the full walk—he said he felt tired by the end, but he enjoyed every single minute and was proud of what he had achieved.     

Sheena spent time with some family members and other residents, laughing and chatting along the way. She was especially keen to pick up the larger pieces of rubbish, saying how much she wanted to help clean up the streets. Her enthusiasm was infectious.

Callum brought his experience working for the council into the day. He knew the streets well and took great pride in helping to clear the areas he was familiar with, making a real difference.

The whole activity was about more than just litter picking—it was about connection, contribution, and feeling part of the community. It gave everyone a sense of purpose, a chance to give something back, and the simple but powerful feeling of doing something worthwhile together.

We celebrated Chinese New Year with our residents by creating a themed afternoon full of meaningful activities, culture and fun.
Throughout the afternoon, we played traditional Chinese music to create a festive atmosphere. We celebrated this event by giving our residents the opportunity to experience different cultures in a fun and engaging way.it was also a chance for everyone to spend quality time together, socialise and enjoying the activity.

Joy said she loved Chinese. It was one of her favourite takeaways when her and her family used to get together, and it brought back some lovely memories. 

Chris said he loved a good beef curry. He liked dipping his prawn crackers in the curry and listening to the crackle.
Amanda enjoyed celebrating with her husband and enjoying lovely Chinese food. 

The afternoon was very positive, residents were engaged, smiling and enjoying each other’s company. Activities like this benefit our residents by encouraging social interaction, creativity and a sense of community. It was a lovely afternoon where everyone could relax, have fun and celebrate together.