Activities at Overslade House Care Home

Edna Griffis was joined by staff, relatives, friends and other residents as she received a telegram from the King and Queen Consort in recognition of her landmark birthday. Guests enjoyed a special birthday cake made by the home’s chef Joanne and everybody was entertained by the wonderful Richard King.

Before coming to Overslade House Care Home where Edna is enjoying a new chapter of her life, Edna was born 7th March 1923 and raised in Coventry.  Edna met and married Ronald who was in the RAF and was drafted out to the Middle East while they were married.  Edna and Ronald lead a colourful life and were married for 65 years. Edna loved to go dancing with Ronald at Courtaulds Social Club in Coventry.  During the war Edna made the covers for the aircraft, when aircraft were made of wood with canvas covers, this progressed to making the camouflage covers and then on to making car seat covers after the war.  Edna was an excellent seamstress and made many clothes for her children and her friends’ children.  During the War Edna had a tale to tell of how Parachutists landed near the Rialto in Radford formerly a Cinema in Coventry, Polish soldiers rushed out but unfortunately the parachutists were all instantly wiped out by landmines.  Edna is mother to two children Nick and Marsha, Edna has 3 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

The birthday girl, said: “well I can’t believe I am 100 years old, I don’t feel it and I  never thought I’d live this long, but just enjoy yourself and be happy that’s what you have got to do”

Among those relatives attending was Nick, Edna’s son.  Speaking about his centenarian mother , he said: “Edna  is and has been a fantastic mother and friend to so many over the past hundred years, and it’s wonderful to be with her on this very special day to say just how proud she makes us feel.”

Violeta Baesu, General Manager of Barchester Overslade House Care Home added: “We’re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable woman as she reaches this amazing milestone. Edna is such a popular resident who always has an interesting tale to tell, and we look forward to hearing many more as she breaks into her next century.”

Our residents were treated to a special virtual sensory storytelling session.  Together with Art Historian Jon Sleigh and the Historic Royal Palaces community team, we explored several royal palaces through the theme of food, dining and celebration!

We enjoyed a fantastic taste-a-long experience from the comfort of our home, from Tudor treats to Stuart sweets. A lovely time was had by all.

Across our services, our residents had a lovely time joining Mark Piesing for an exciting virtual event to discuss his book ‘N-4 Down: The Hunt for The Arctic Airship Italia’.

Our residents were thrilled to find out more about the book and the fascinating story of the world-famous exploring airship Italia, returning from the North Pole on May 24, 1928. The airship was struck by a terrible storm and crashed somewhere over the Arctic ice, triggering the largest polar rescue mission in history.

The virtual book club experience was truly enjoyed by all.

Celebrations have been in full swing at Overslade House as one of our residents reached her 104th birthday.

Margaret Hailstone (Peggy) was joined by staff, relatives, friends and residents as she celebrated reaching 104 years of age. Guests enjoyed a special birthday cake made by the home’s chef Joanne Kolat-Furca. Margaret’s son, Graham, also brought cakes in for staff and residents

Earlier in life, Margaret was very involved with the Brinklow Revel Ladies and the WI, who were always raising money for the Church and the Revel Surgery in Brinklow. Margaret actually embroidered the Cross at the Altar. Margaret also owned a small holding containing 500 chickens at Ansty Aerodrome which was bombed during the war on many occasions. Margaret and her mother always cared for people and took in many evacuees from London. Margaret has always loved to dance and was also a passionate gardener. 

The birthday girl, said: “well I don’t feel 104“. When asked what the secret to long life was, Margaret replied: “eat an onion and a garlic clove every day!”

Margaret had the honour of opening the Brinklow Scarecrow Festival by cutting the ribbon in September 2022.

Overslade House prepared a traditional Burns Night Lunch to the tune of bagpipes and the fun continued well into the early evening.

Staff and residents at the home were involved in a number of activities raising a wee dram to Robert Burns whilst singing Auld Lang Syne to mark the Scottish institution, including giving the time-honoured address to the ‘Great chieftain O’ the pudding race’ – the haggis and recitals of Robert Burns Poems by the residents.

It was a perfect occasion to celebrate an afternoon steeped in age-old tradition as well as getting in a spot of Scotch whisky and Baileys tasting, a virtual tour of the Robbie Burns Museum and also wonderful aerial drone footage of the beautiful lochs and castles in Scotland.

Dot, a resident here said: “I enjoyed reciting a Robert Burns poem and raising a wee dram to toast the haggis. Burns Celebrations are a brilliant way to keep these traditions alive and keep them going.”

Staff and residents at Overslade House welcomed in the Year of the Rabbit with a day of celebrations and activities.

Inspired by Chinese culture and traditions, the home was decorated with hanging red lanterns crafted by our residents. Residents learnt all about the traditions and superstitions of Chinese New Year. Head chef Joanne Kolat-Furca cooked up an oriental feast for lunch and residents enjoyed the delicious food.