Activities at Hethersett Hall Care Home

We have been overwhelmed with “letters of kindness” which we have received from Friend in Deed and other friends from the local community. Residents have been busy sending replies this week to show our appreciation and that we are sending love to our friends within the community too. Staff and residents can see a display of letters, cards and pictures received on a board in our reception as a reminder of great community spirit and to “keep smiling through”.

Our resident Peter thoroughly enjoys spending time at his desk making some fantastic model planes and he would like to share where his love of model making began:

"Years ago when my twin boys were little, I enjoyed helping them to make Plastic "Air Fix" models which they received as Christmas and Birthday presents. My wife and I decided to leave London and retire near our son in Norfolk but sadly after six months my wife passed away. To alleviate the loneliness and boredom my son convinced me to take up modelling again.

On my iPad I found 5-6 companies who make outstanding modelling kits. I chose to specialise in World War 1-2 Aircrafts. Their kits are 2-fold i.e.; one is free flight which contains a special Chinese rubber band and connected to a propeller 75-100 which in turn gives me 12-15 seconds of flight. The alternative is Radio Controlled which I feel I may be too old for!

To date, I have made two WW1 planes and one WW2 plane, both British and I have loved flying them in the garden. My latest project is a Messerscmih -109; a German Fighter plane and the pride of Hitler's air force!  This fighter plane was used to combat the air force "Spitfire" and became second best but sadly does not fly. As my birthday is coming up I have no doubt my family will see I have another plane which will be an American "Cessna" used in the Vietnam War.  My young grandson loves hanging these planes from his ceiling too.

My other company of models is those of the famous painter Leonardo Da Vinci who was not only a painter but was also Italy's most famous engineer who invented the Mathematical Clock which is proudly displayed in my room.

My door is always open should you wish to have a chat and see my creations".

During these difficult times, we have received lots of thoughtful cards, letters and videos from residents of the local community and schools, sending love and well wishes to their elderly friends at Hethersett Hall. Our residents enjoyed reading messages and seeing the bright and colourful drawings the children of Friend in Deed, Hethersett, Catton Grove Primary School and Firside Junior School created. Thank you so much everyone!

We have been busy taking part in the fantastic projects Kelly, the founder of Friend in Deed, has invited us to take part in to keep in touch with Little Visitors. One project has been sending videos to little visitors of our residents singing and dancing to nursery rhymes. We look forward to seeing the finished DVD - Britain's Got Talent here we come!

The 30th of March was a very special day for Iris, who celebrated her 100th Birthday! Staff and other residents gathered in a specially decorated lounge to sing "Happy Birthday" and enjoy a slice of cake and refreshments.  Staff cheered as Iris opened her cards, especially from the Queen!  Congratulations Iris on reaching such an amazing milestone - we think you are wonderful!

The residents and staff of Hethersett Hall were in good spirits earlier this week as we joined together to enjoy a sing-a-long. We waved handkerchiefs and sang our hearts out to a wartime medley with songs such as “It’s a long way to Tipperary”, “You are My Sunshine” and many other well-known classics! Our residents enjoyed the singing session so much they have requested to have one every week – let’s keep singing and smiling as we do!

On Mother’s Day the residents of Hethersett Hall were treated to a very special afternoon tea, not only to celebrate Mother’s Day but to keep everyone smiling and of course enjoy some delicious cakes!! Activities staff decorated the library with colourful decorations and laid the tables with fine china sets. We had such a wonderful afternoon and residents complimented our Chef on her great efforts to make a scrumptious selection of scones and sweet treats. We tried our very best to ensure all our residents spoke to their loved ones either over the telephone or a Skype call – which we are doing every week. Our lovely lady residents were presented with some flowers, chocolates and staff shared how truly special our residents are.