Activities at Chacombe Park Care Home
We understand that the people we support have passions and interests that could be difficult to pursue after moving into a care home – but that doesn’t mean we don’t encourage them to try! Some hobbies can define a person, so our Activities Coordinators are dedicated to ensuring that everyone we support is able to do what makes them happy to the best of their abilities. Social events are organised with individual tastes in mind and with the idea that residents have the opportunity to try new and exciting things.
Heather Gooch
My name is Heather and I am the Head of Activities here at Chacombe Park. My role is to ensure that all residents are supported in enjoying hobbies and events that enrich their life.
I have a Bachelors degree in Theatre Performance, as well as a PGCE in Secondary Drama. I have previously worked for another Barchester home back in 2012 before working as a secondary school teacher, teaching Drama at both GCSE and A Level. I have a passion for person centred care, which has come from my love of pastoral work during my time as a teacher. I want each resident to feel appreciated and supported to enjoy the skills/hobbies that they have treasured before their time at Chacombe.
In my spare time I enjoy singing, cross stitch and learning new skills. I endeavour to bring these hobbies and passions into my role here at Chacombe, as well as learn some new skills from the vast range of knowledge that our residents can bring!
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 Chacombe Park Care Home
He's Behind You!
Residents were treated to a wonderful performance of Robin Hood and his merry band pantomime, brought to us from The Oxford Playhouse.
Team members set up the room to create a theatre experience at home on the big screen. Residents were able to enjoy theatre snacks delivered by the usher and had a wonderful afternoon participating and joining in with the performance from sing a longs to the classic 'He's behind you!'
Afternoon Tea on the Hill
We visited one of our favourite spots in Avon Dasset Country Park were residents enjoyed afternoon tea, delicious scones and hot drinks, whilst watching the world go by. Staff and residents admired the marvellous views, seeing the children playing and kites being flown in the wind upon the hill, which brought back wonderful memories of days gone by.
Winters Picnic
Who'd have thought we'd be having a picnic in the middle of January! Residents had a wonderful afternoon enjoying the glorious winters sun, listening to the sounds of the birds chirping and indulging in a delicious picnic by the pond.
Christmas tractor run
Residents enjoyed an evening minibus trip out to support this year’s Christmas tractor run in aid of Katherine House Hospice. Residents enjoyed supper on the road whilst waiting in anticipation for the tractors to arrive. The tractors were highly decorated with lights and Christmas themed designs and toured around the villages in Oxfordshire. We had a fantastic evening watching the tractors pass by the minibus.
Christmas wreath workshop
Residents were treated to a fantastic wreath making masterclass with Blooming Haus Florists, afterwards residents put the skills and knowledge they have learnt into practice making their very own Christmas wreaths. Residents went foraging around the garden for the ideal wreath making material before getting to work on their masterpieces.
Blenheim Palace at Christmas
We went on a tour around the Christmas sights at Blenheim Palace this year, discovering the story of the Nutcracker re-imagined within the Palace rooms, each one exquisitely transformed and filled with hidden surprises from the toy maker's workshop on a frosty Christmas Eve; through the glistening land of snow and onto the candy-cane kingdom of sweets adorned with the sweetest of treats and larger than life gingerbread men. Residents had a wonderful day experiencing a Nutcracker Christmas and enjoying delicious tea and cake provided by Blenheim Palace. After we had experienced The Nutcracker Christmas within the Palace residents had a wonderful evening discovering the light trail around the Palace gardens and browsing the outdoor Christmas market, soaking up the atmosphere, enjoying delicious hot dogs and a delightful glass of hot chocolate to warm up with.
