Activities at Hickathrift House Care Home

Across our homes we’ve had the most wonderful time celebrating the festive season with a special screening of 2020’s OLD VIC: IN CAMERA – A Christmas Carol.

This beautifully staged production brought the magic of Dickens’ classic tale right into our homes. A huge thank you to The Old Vic theatre for sharing this incredible performance with us. It was a truly wonderful experience. 

Staff, residents, relatives and the local community came together at Hickathrift House to enjoy a wonderful Christmas Market.

There were all kinds of stalls on offer manned by residents, staff, volunteers, friends and family and lots of local stall holders came along to sell their wares too. There were delicious festive treats from Marshland Hall and Tearoom, beautiful artwork from local artist Gill Repper, fabulous handmade scented items ARTisau luxury, beautiful craft items and collectables from several local crafters, the list goes on! Residents also hosted a tomboloa stand, raffle, book sale and craft stall with the support of their Duke of Edinburgh volunteer Olly and staff. 
 

Staff and residents across our homes were treated to an interactive virtual Christmas-inspired table decorating masterclass, courtesy of talented master florist, Kathryn Delve.  

Kathryn is an independent florist based in Somerset, she specialises in creating unique wedding and event flowers.  She takes much of her inspiration for her displays from the beautiful scenery that surrounds her home and the changing seasons and colours.

During the workshop, residents were invited to join Kathryn to make beautiful Christmas-themed table decorations. 
 

To help raise awareness and funds for BBC Children in Need, we hosted a whole week of activities themed around childhood! Residents loved creating bright Pudsey artwork for the noticeboards, baking spotty cupcakes for the cafe, and playing a classic child's game of rock, paper, scissors and parachute games. We've also loved childhood toy reminiscing, a themed sensory trolley, Children in Need-themed jigsaw puzzles, learning about the history of Children in Need and scoring an impressive 8/12 on the children's TV quiz from Oomph Wellness.

We all had a fabulous time and hope that this raises attention this this amazing cause. A huge thank you to our staff who wore Pudsey clothes and yellow today to also help raise awareness for this fantastic cause!
 

There were a ton of laughs this week when we adapted the classic Mr & Mrs Gameshow into 'It’s Me or You' Hickathrift Gameshow. The same premises apply asking questions like "Who is funnier?" Or "Who's most likely to be Prime Minister?".

Residents were whooping in the audience when staff got it right and laughing when they didn't. It was a fantastic event where residents and staff got to know each other better. We already know each other well, as there was a 3-way tie for first!

But after some tense tie-breaking rounds the winners were... Resident Betty and Head of Activities, Kat! This demonstrates how well our staff know the residents and our residents know the staff. Congratulations ladies! 
 

On the 11th of November, a hundred and six years ago the guns fell silent on the Western Front to signal the end of World War 1. Residents commemorated today with a two-minute silence at home and in the community for our annual trip to the Wisbech War Memorial.

It was an honour to lay a wreath to remember all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice alongside the Mayor, Steve Barclay MP, local cadets, military attendees and locals.

Daisy, a resident said, "I lived through World War 2 and I'm so grateful to pay my respects with others. It is very important that we keep the memories of those who fought and continue to fight in conflicts around the world today".

For the third year, Barrie our Resident Ambassador placed the wreath at the Cenotaph on behalf of the residents and staff of Hickathrift. Thank you, Barrie.