Activities at The Cedars Care Home
Activities are the cornerstone of a wholesome home experience, and our Activities Coordinators are always putting their creative minds to the test by organising new and exciting social events for residents to partake in. Of course, we take into account the likes and dislikes of those we support, so if someone doesn’t feel like trying something new, there will always be something on offer to reflect their personal interests. For the people who may just prefer some peace and quiet instead, we also offer one-to-one time that can be enjoyed with a nice cup of coffee or just a simple chat – whatever they desire.
Angela Cawsey
My name is Angela Cawsey and I am 60 years young. I have lived locally to Cedars since 2011, firstly in Downton and more recently in Alderbury. In the past I have worked with mature people in their homes, and adults with learning difficulties in a number of settings. During lockdown I ran daily zoom sessions for wellbeing, including bingo and quizzes.
I enjoy spending time with people and helping them smile, whether on a one-to-one basis or in groups. When my children were young I volunteered as a helper at Boys Brigade and St John’s Ambulance which was very rewarding.
Other jobs I have enjoyed include, selling computers, an IT and Management Trainer, HR and Business Manager and my personal favourite, being Grandma to 8 grandchildren. I love music, craft, the outdoors and animals.
Read our brochure 'Life-enriching activities' for more information about life in our care homes.
Read our brochure
Activities and Events Partnerships
As part of our bespoke life-enrichment programmes, we host a number of live virtual events in the home on a regular basis through a number of partnerships with places of interest and world class performance companies
Life at The Cedars Care Home
Wimbledon & Euros final
Our residents enjoyed scones, strawberries and cream, and a delicious glass of Pimm’s for the Wimbledon finals.
The residents’ families popped up flags for the Euro finals, as we all watched in anticipation for the results!
All in all, a wonderful day well spent!
Beside the Seaside, beside the sea
Some of our residents ventured out on the minibus recently for a delightful trip to the seaside.
Although it felt like the middle of winter, it didn't deter our intrepid explorers as they set off on a “mystery bus tour” - an afternoon outing to see the ocean!
It was a lovely opportunity to get out of the home and enjoy the local scenery and some fish and chips!
out on the minibus recently for a delightful trip to the seaside.
Although it felt like the middle of winter, it didn't deter our intrepid explorers as they set off on a “mystery bus tour” - an afternoon outing to see the ocean!
It was a lovely opportunity to get out of the home and enjoy the local scenery and some fish and chips!
Scottish Championship surprise visit
Seamus Mullins’ horse, Chesterfield, the Scottish Champion hurdle winner, popped in for some carrots and polos!
One of our residents, Pat, was once a jockey and so for his birthday surprise, Chesterfield was brought in to visit!
Following his win, Chesterfield was passed onto his jockey, Daniel Sansom, for retirement and now lives just down the road in the New Forest. Chesterfield stands at 16.1 hands and is now 14 years old. He has raced on the flat, over hurdles and chase fences. His colours were green and yellow and he always wore a noseband.
A special thanks to Simon Young and Dan for bringing him in!
Blue Light Pit Stop
On Tuesday we welcomed around 15 police officers into Cedars after an incident on the A36 for tea and cake!
We had the delight of meeting the gorgeous Stan pictured below. Stan is one of Wiltshire’s police dogs who is trained in finding stolen items, and protection. He did an incredible job in finding some items in our woodlands!
The incident was dealt with superbly by the officers involved and we are so pleased and thankful to Wiltshire Police for all their hard work dealing with the incident on the day.
They were also kind enough to surprise one of our residents Elsie, who wanted to see the “dishy” firearms officers, and certainly made her week!
If you are, or know anyone who is part of the blue light team; whether it be police, ambulance or fire crews, please let them know we welcome them to pop by at any time, day or night for tea and cake!
Gentleman's Club
June saw a fabulous Gentleman's club, with the lovely Martin Strawbridge from Downton Brewery, giving us a beer tasting session.
Residents, family members and staff all enjoyed the beer and nibbles. We all agreed that the Honey Beer was the best.
National Bingo Day
National Bingo Day is a day dedicated to celebrating the great game of bingo, wherever you play, however you play. Bingo!
Bingo is popular all over the world, here in the UK and also in America where the first National Bingo Day started. We have no idea when it started, how it started or how the date for the first National Bingo Day was chosen, despite trawling through many Google searches.
What we do know is that the date of 27th June was chosen in the United States and in recent years has become the recognised date for the event. Despite the huge popularity of Bingo in the UK however, we have never formally recognised it here.
In recent years, several key bingo operators in the UK have started to make reference to the date existing in the USA and have even run special events on the day, but this is the extent of the celebration on these shores.
Until now that is!
From 2021 onwards National Bingo Day has been formally recognised in the UK. A time for everyone to join together and celebrate all things bingo: fun, games, friends, community and winning! 27 and 06 are set to become the most important numbers in bingo!
At Cedars we are celebrating by holding an Animal themed Bingo!
