Activities at Hickathrift House Care Home

Residents and staff explored 500 years of Postal History during a Live Virtual Event with The Postal Museum alongside the General Manager, Paula Melerski. 

From the early days of Henry VIII’s couriers to the modern postal network, we learnt about the incredible innovations that kept Britain connected through the centuries. It was a fascinating talk by Sharon and made even more special thanks to Paula who was an avid stamp collector and showcased her incredible collection. 

Everyone enjoyed seeing the different stamps and reminiscing about their own collections when they were little. There were collections that matched residents’ interests, from Nobel Prize winners to horse racing, and sparked wonderful conversations. Residents also loved reading Oomph Wellness' fun facts about the penny black stamp and wrote back to some wonderful pen pals too. It was a fantastic afternoon together! 

Is there anything better than listening to amazing live music and enjoying a cold brew on a warm day? We don't think so at Hickathrift House.

Residents enjoyed a fabulous afternoon with The Rummuns with a delicious beer tasting trolley. The music, beer and conversation were flowing all afternoon and many arms waving in the air and songs being sung. 

Residents all have fond memories of the old pubs in Wisbech and Kings Lynn and shared memories of their days spent in them. We talked about the music they played in the pubs, the bar singers they saw, the friendships they made and for some when they worked as a bar lady and pub owner. The afternoon was truly enjoyed by all.

We’ve had an egg-citing time at Hickathrift during this year’s Easter celebrations. The Easter bunny hopped around the home, bringing laughter and delicious chocolate treats to everyone. Everyone loved the bunny hugs and singing the Easter bunny song together. The residents could pick between white, milk and dark chocolate as well as sweet baskets to ensure there was something sweet for everyone. 

Marjorie said, “Oh how sweet it is that you’ve come to visit us. I’ll make sure to share this with my friends and family”. 

Staff and residents welcomed Andrew Callaghan, Community Development Worker of the Fenland Orchards Project for an educational talk on the history of the project, their current workshops and future plans for the orchard.

Residents and staff all gathered for Andrew to share his passion for the project and learn all about the current work they do for the community. The residents were captivated by the design and the traction the project has received since starting 4 years ago. The detailed informative talk sparked memories and conversations between the attendees and brought back fond experiences of growing fruit. 
 

Residents have been taking a moment to appreciate the stunning nature that surrounds our home. We’re so lucky to have such beautiful grounds at our home and be so close to the WWT Welney Wetlands, where wildlife thrives.

Residents, their loved ones, staff and our Duke of Edinburgh volunteer Olly had a wonderful afternoon in nature. At Welney Wetlands, we saw whooper and bewick swans begin migrating back to their breeding grounds, while residents at the home captured our wildlife visitors in the garden during a photography class and enjoyed a wildlife picture quiz. 

Nature brings so much joy to the residents, and we’re always grateful for the peaceful moments spent outdoors.

The gentlemen at Hickathrift House enjoy getting together every month to share life stories, table games like dominoes and word games or quizzes. This month we loved watching horse racing on the TV while playing dominoes and hearing all about local gentleman Richard, and his career in dog agility.

Our Gentlemen’s club was created to combat loneliness in and outside the care home for men. Male residents in care homes are the minority and gentlemen in the community across the country can feel isolated at times. Therefore, it's such an important group to make people feel supported and help make good friendships.