Activities at Chater Lodge Care Home

On the 14th of January, the Cub House in Ketton was buzzing with excitement as our very Resident Ambassador Mike paid a visit. The aim was to give the Cubs a fascinating insight into his career in the British Army and Mike delivered in style. 

Drawing on an incredible 40-year military career, Mike shared his journey from joining as a private to rising through the ranks to become a Major, leading and mentoring over 200 soldiers. His stories brought the Army to life, painting a vivid picture of dedication, teamwork, challenges and achievement. The Cubs were fully engaged and eager to learn, firing off brilliant questions ranging from what it’s like to be inside a tank and whether he encountered snakes while serving in the jungle. Mike answered with enthusiasm, humour and honesty.  The evening concluded on a high with an army salute and a march around the Cub House.        

Resident Ambassador Mike at Chater Lodge care home, in Ketton recently enjoyed visiting the local Cubs to impart his career knowledge.

On the 14th of January, the Cub House in Ketton was buzzing with excitement as our very Resident Ambassador Mike paid a visit. The aim was to give the Cubs a fascinating insight into his career in the British Army and Mike delivered in style. Drawing on an incredible 40-year military career, Mike shared his journey from joining as a Private to rising through the ranks to become a Major, leading and mentoring over 200 soldiers.

The residents' family and friends welcomed the Ketton Hand Bell ringers. It was a wonderful morning of entertainment, people clapped their hands and sang along to the wonderful sound. We then listened to Zoe and Paul playing the Melodeons, which they had been playing for years.

A resident's family member said: “The bells have really got me into the Christmas spirit.   

Staff and residents at Chater Lodge have been decking the halls, getting out the tinsel and unravelling the fairy lights, ready for a whole host of Christmas celebrations.

Residents and staff have been busy creating lots of home-made wreaths.  The residents have also been crafting home-made decorations for Christmas tree which they all helped to decorate, the tree is looking truly magnificent covered in beautiful Christmas lights, and homemade decorations.

We welcomed back one of our resident’s favourite Alan Jackson. Residents, staff and families had a wonderful morning dancing and singing along to the fantastic Alan Jackson vintage singer.

Alan sang songs from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s and the resident’s requests.  

Residents were treated to a fabulous performance from our very own Elvis! Tony, Head of Maintenance, stepped into the spotlight to deliver a lively and heartfelt tribute in celebration of Elvis Presley’s birthday. 

Singing a wonderful melody of classic hits, Tony had everyone singing and tapping their feet in no time. The afternoon was filled with nostalgia and joy as residents enthusiastically joined in, singing along to much loved songs such as ‘Love Me Tender’ and ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love with You’. Laughter, applause and plenty of Elvis spirit made it a truly memorable event. They were enjoyed by all who attended.           

The residents Christmas parties went down with a swing, with special guest singer Tony, our homes maintenance man, making it a whole home approach, residents and their families enjoyed dancing along to The classic Christmas tune from Michael Bublé to songs from the Rat pack.         

Festive Christmas treats and everyone enjoyed a glass of their favourite tipple.

The residents’ families and friends were delighted to welcome the local village cub group and their leaders for a special evening of entertainment. The Cubs performed brilliantly, and it was amazing to see that the age gap didn’t stop the cubs from interacting with the residents. 

One resident said ”Brings back memories of myself when I was younger."

An evening of intergenerational fun.  

We held a special community coffee morning where the resident’s family and friends and the community came together for a creative coffee morning.

Residents and staff had a great time getting messy carving out faces on pumpkins for Halloween.

This was a brilliant group activity that had everyone talking and reminiscing about past Halloweens. Everyone was creative, creating spooky selections of different faces – some scary, smiley and funny ones. They will look beautiful at our Halloween party.  

The residents, staff and family at Chater Lodge enjoyed an operatic performance by Gabriella. Her distinctive singing style gave us all goose bumps and even made us cry.

Did you know opera singers are renowned for their powerful voices, able to belt out melodies to such a volume that they fill a whole opera house without a microphone? 

Residents, their loved ones and staff welcomed in the New Year in style with a truly wonderful New Year's Eve celebration. The day was made even more special with the beautiful voice of Gabriella, who captivated everyone with a stunning rendition of ‘Alleluia’ before bringing the night to a heartfelt close with the traditional ‘Auld Lang Syne’. 

The atmosphere was warm and joyful as residents enjoyed delicious refreshments and raised a glass of Prosecco to celebrate the year ahead. Laughter, smiles and plenty of cheer filled the room as everyone came together to mark this special occasion. We wish a very Happy New Year to all our friends and family at Chater Lodge. Here’s to a year filled with happiness, health and memorable moments.          

The residents got creative with a festive Christmas wreath making session. 

The talented residents created wonderful wreaths that now adorn the home, making it smell wonderful.  

A day celebrating our favourite icons. We had so much fun at the home as staff replaced their uniforms and dressed up as their favourite icons.

Residents recognised a glamorous flapper girl, a peaky blinder, Fred and Wilma Flintstone, Dastardly and Mutley, and Ali G was in the house, not to mention our Regional Director dressed up as Wednesday Adams.

Residents were also honoured to have a visit from the King himself, Elvis Presley. The day was full of fun and laughter.    

Chater Lodge was full of animal mischief as the resident’s family and friends and the community welcomed Michelle’s petting zoo.

The residents were surprised to see an array of animals such as a chicken, guinea pig, rabbit, cats and dogs and a tortoise riding his skateboard roaming around the lounges. Every resident was filled with smiles and enjoyed cuddles of pure joy.  

The residents at Chater Lodge sent beautiful letters to their loved ones. The letters were sent overseas to friends and family.
We sent correspondence in various ways: email and, of course, written letters.

All the residents that took part were happy to keep in contact and tell them their news. The residents are now happily awaiting their replies.