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
VE Day Celebrations
We celebrated VE Day, with a street party to commemorate 75 years since the end of the Second World War. The bunting was flying, 1940’s music playing and residents tucked into a delicious spread, including homemade scones with jam and cream, finger sandwiches, sausage rolls, and tea and cake. We had an extra special performance from residents Robert and Janet, with Robert playing the piano and Janet singing songs we remember, including The White Cliffs of Dover and We’ll Meet again.
National Tea Day
We organised a tea party to celebrate National Tea Day, enjoyed in our beautiful garden. Various flavours of tea, cold brews, lotus biscuits, scones and Victoria sponge cake were served, whilst enjoying the wildlife and glorious sunshine.
Resident, Robert said 'You just can't beat a good cup of tea'.
Easter Celebrations
Residents thoroughly enjoyed the Easter weekend, spending time out in the garden, enjoying an Easter sing along thanks to 'Voices Across Time' - with their Keep Smiling Through podcast, and residents were pleasantly surprised to have Easter Eggs delivered on Easter Sunday.
Residents Enjoy Garden Activities
Residents had a great afternoon on our ‘minibus trip’ for a picnic in the park. Residents enjoyed having a stroll through the garden before stopping off at the pond to enjoy a picnic lunch.
The chef prepared a delicious spread for us to enjoy in the garden at Chacombe, whilst enjoy the tranquility of our surroundings, the blissful sound from the fountain, the glorious spring sunshine and spotting the wildlife.
Vegan Tasting Session
Most residents weren’t sure what was meant by a ‘vegan’ diet so we organised a vegan taster session afternoon for all the residents to try. This was kindly lead by Dione who is a care assistant at Chacombe, who herself is a vegan.
Dione said ‘It was great to show the residents the vegan way of life and the adaptations made in food to make it vegan’. We tried vegan cheese and onion slices, chocolate cake, quiche, vegan sausages and more.
Trip to the Local Pub
Instead of going out on our minibus we wrapped up warm and made the most of the glorious winter sunshine enjoying a brisk walk down to the local pub The George and Dragon. Warming up by their open fire and enjoying a delicious two course meal. Michael said “I thoroughly enjoyed myself, the scampi was lovely and I enjoyed a bitter shandy to go with it”.
