Activities at Derham House Care Home

Today at Derham House we welcomed back the 2nd Cranham scouts cubs and beavers club who came to perform some Christmas carols and some classic Christmas songs that they had jazzed up it was very funny and seeing the residents laugh was priceless, However there was an impostor present the naughty elf thought he could slip into someone’s pocket and join the carols O you naughty elf!!! Well you did have a good voice so we will let you off LOL.

But the highlight was one scout singing giants in the sky from the Disney movie into the woods it was an outstanding performance worthy of a golden buzzer WELL DONE young man you should be on the west end stage.

As Simon Cowell would say I didn’t like it I LOVED IT !!

Here is the added lyrics

Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
Had a very shiny nose
And if you ever saw it
You would even say it glows 'LIKE A LIGHT BULB'

All of the other reindeers
Used to laugh and call him names 'LIKE PINOCHIO'
They never let poor Rudolph
Join in any reindeer games 'LIKE MONOPLY'

Then one foggy Christmas eve
Santa came to say
"Rudolph, with your nose so bright
Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"

Then how the reindeer loved him
As they shouted out with glee 'WITH GLEE!!'
Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
You'll go down in history 'LIKE THE DINOSAURS'

A wonderful afternoon had by all and we look forward to welcoming the scouts back in the New Year.

Derham House hosted a small fireworks display for the residents and their families and staff families too.

It was a great success with very colourful Roman candles and fountains to some low noise rockets and sparklers the smiles on the residents and children’s faces was priceless.

One lady said it reminded her of being back home in Croatia with her family she was very happy especially with the hot chocolate s’mores and toasted marshmallows.

A lovely evening had by all.

Today at Derham house we made a dream come true for one resident.

A few months ago our resident Joan was asked if there was anything she would really like to do and she said yes, to do a bike ride which was really great news for her as we had been in contact with Forestry England who had been planning some assisted bike rides through TrailNet.

Joan had spoken to the activity team and told them her story of how she always liked riding a bike. Joan was originally a home help and would cycle in all weathers to her clients in Upminster and Cranham. Everybody got used to seeing Joan in the area smiling and waving to the community as she cycled, however that was not the only thing Joan did for the community in her spare time she made tote bags which she gave out for free.

We asked Joan to let us know in her own words how she felt about her day she explained that she has not been able to get on a bike for 30+ years due to her health “but when you said that I was going on one I was ecstatic and wanted to share the moment with my husband”

We really don’t appreciate what we have right on our doorstep, the forest trail was really beautiful and the smells were amazing, we asked Joan if she was worried about falling off, her reply was O NO I am used to that I fell off my bike outside Roomes in Upminster you know, they was so good they came out and helped me that’s why I loved living and working in Upminster as we are a caring community.

The photo below shows the enjoyment on Joan's face. Thank you Forestry England, Trailnet CIC and Thames Chase

Today at Derham house we welcomed our new therapy dog Watson with his owner Holmes aka June.

The Leonberger is a giant breed of dog that originated in Germany from a mix of the Newfoundland, longhaired Saint Bernard, and the Great Pyrenees. 

The breed has a lush, double coat, with a lion-like mane on the neck and chest of males giving them the name the lion dog.

Watson is a baby be it a VERY BIG baby at 19months and weighing a whopping 9 stones he has a lot to learn but he didn’t disappoint.

The residents really loved him, thank you both for the visit and look forward to seeing you soon.

Today at Derham house we had our summer fete which we wasn’t sure that it would happen as the British weather had not been kind with downpours throughout august, but the day arrived to beautiful sunshine and a huge sigh of relief, as it has taken months of planning to raise money for Pippas army cat rescue.

There was stalls a plenty from face painting to crochet and tombola stalls which a few of the residents manned, to the lovely candy floss and WOW Lizzy’s burger van what a smell of sizzling bacon YUMMY.

Also making an appearance was our Havering classic cars club and Trotters Independent Trading Co who had also stolen Mr Bean’s Mini and Bear LOL.

The day was filled with great music by Cherie Shaw our entertainer for the morning and little Lexi her helper who sang a song from frozen so beautiful, and the afternoon our very own DJ DAN THE MAN aka Andy Head of Maintenance.

We would just like to say a massive thank you to everyone who helped make this a great day and to the families who also came to support we are happy to announce that we raised £150 for Pippas army just from our tombola stall.

Look forward to the next fundraiser.

Derham House were happy to welcome back canine performers to the home who have been away for several years and reached out to the activity team to perform once more and WOW they did not disappoint.

On show was Dingle and Fergal two Clumber spaniels originating from Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire to Mia the Red Setter who is an older lady who Ellis rescued from a puppy farm where she was treated appallingly and was breed constantly, but with the help of Ellis she is now a happy lady and with her adopted brothers she was performing tricks too.

The residents were delighted with their fabulous skills, from hunting the hidden food to walking backwards, weaving in and out and limping on command.

Residents got the chance to pat and cuddle the three dogs, who they absolutely adored! A fantastic afternoon enjoyed by all we cannot wait to welcome them back again.