Activities at South Chowdene Care Home

This event actually started a good 2 weeks before the actual event in our craft sessions. An egg tray was ‘acquired’ from the kitchen, cut up and painted different shades of yellow.

The next craft session saw the petals drawn and cut out and, in the nick of time, all the parts were matched up to create daffodil brooches, which every resident received as they arrived for breakfast, where they were greeted in Welsh and serenaded by Welsh male voice choirs.

The hospitality team pulled all the stops out and kept the theme going throughout the day, with Welsh flavours, dishes and a magnificent Welsh honey cake. Residents had a great time reminiscing on holidays in Wales and their favourite areas or places of interest.

On March 5th and 6th, South Chowdene invited local community to its Dementia UK Coffee and Cakes event. Cakes were made by staff in competition for first prize with a team of residents judging entries. Residents made and iced traybakes for the event containing many gooey and oh so tasty ingredients.

The event kicked off in conjunction with the weekly Dementia Café and continued into Thursday afternoon and Friday with plenty of takers as well as discussion around Dementia and how it affects an individual and their friends and family and what can be done to ease this.

During the event, Little Movers came in from Oakfields primary school donned in ‘World book day’ costumes. We played and sang, learned from each other and a great many memories were rekindled for the residents. Both residents and children had a great time – proved by the huge smiles and excitement on all faces.

A total of £45 was raised which will be sent to Dementia UK for research into this condition.

Many memories were rekindled during this activity, Valentine's memories, as well as, other events and outings from 2019, through pictures.

There was also an awards ceremony with various residents recognised for not only the entertaining things they have done but also for all the help and support they give us. We had a drink to 2019 and Steve Richards took us through some hits of the 60s and 70s prompting much singing along and dancing.

Residents very much enjoyed celebrating Burns with a visit from Low Fell Ukes. This multi talented group not only play all manner of material on their Ukes – all the Scottish stuff was included, but they also played a fair few numbers on bagpipes!

We were also reminded of Scotland at mealtimes when the chef came up with some delicious Scottish options to satisfy all tastes.

2020 started with bubbles and balloons and residents singing all the old favourites at the top of their voices. This continued as we celebrated Elvis’s birthday on January 8th, not only listening to all his hits but by having the man himself in to sing for us.

He saw all residents in the lounge personally and everyone also received a flower and we loved the light up tambourines to shake along as well as singing along. Looking forward to having him back.

The festive season got started early here at South Chowdene with the Christmas Fair and Oliver’ the Panto from North East Producers both in late November.

Both gave rise to much singing along and audience participation with residents, staff and visitors really getting into the spirit.

Over the Christmas period a fair few residents got out on trips  to Gateshead Library to make Christingles and Christmas Cards as well as getting along to see Fenwick window as well as the Newcastle Christmas market. These visits bought to light a few creative and artistic talents and sparked much discussion around Fenwick window displays over the years.

We also very much enjoyed the Christmas tea dance at the sound rooms with some delicious afternoon tea, fantastic singalong entertainment and a chance to watch ‘White Christmas’ again.