Activities at Spen Court Care Home

Residents were delighted to see their favourite ballroom dancers again!  As the popular duo danced, residents shared their fond memories of attending local tea dances and their favourite dances from the waltz, tango and many more!

Everyone had a great time before enjoying a cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake.

Here at Spen Court, our residents love socialising and playing games together in the lounge. Whether it’s a puzzle to challenge the mind or a fun game of dominoes, they always have a good time.

There is always a little friendly competitiveness and laughter too! 

Residents enjoyed an afternoon of live musical entertainment with popular vocalist, Trevor, performing on the keyboard.   Trevor's soothing voice had everyone dancing and singing as he sang a medley of popular hits.

The residents had a fabulous afternoon and are looking forward to his next session.

We marked the King’s official birthday on June 14th in style with a fantastic royal tea party. Our talented chef whipped up a tasty selection of freshly-baked biscuits, pastries and cakes for the occasion, all washed down with pots of tea.  

Residents took part in a variety of royal–themed events including watching the Trooping of the Colour parade, watching virtual tours of royal palaces, writing Get Well Soon letters to the King wishing him a speedy recovery following his recent illness.
 

Barchester’s second ‘Now That’s What I Call a Music’ Quiz took place on 25th June 2025 when Spen Court got super competitive and took on its sister homes from all over the country to find out which Barchester home or hospital had the best musical maestros.  

From melodical mindbenders and toe tapping teasers to chronological brain-puzzlers and sing-a-long sleuthing, the homes battled it out to find out who would prevail.

Staff and residents were treated to a delicious tea tasting masterclass hosted by Katharine Parsons, Clipper Tea’s ambassador and all-round tea guru.

Residents joined Katharine on a journey all about Clipper tea - from how they started, to where they are today, why their teas are Natural, Fair and Delicious with some tea and infusion tastings along the way.
 

Four generations of the Medlock family came together. Beryl born in 1940, Gillian born in 1966, is the youngest daughter of Beryl, Emily, born in 1995, is the youngest of grandchildren to Beryl and Oliver, the first great-grandchild born in January 2025.

Beryl lives on Memory Lane here at Spen Court and enjoys regular visits from family members, but this visit was extra special as it was the first time for the generation of four to be together.

Beryl is very family-oriented and loves nothing more than talking about and spending time with her family. It was special to see the family get together.
 

Staff and residents joined fellow keen quizzers from over 250 Barchester care homes and hospitals across the whole of the UK, including Wales, Scotland, Jersey and the Isle of Wight, to put their collective music knowledge to the test.

Barchester’s first ‘Now That’s What I Call Music’ Quiz took place on 26^th March 2025 when Spen Court got super competitive and took on its sister homes from all over the country to find out which Barchester home or hospital had the best musical maestros.  From melodical mindbenders and toe tapping teasers to backwards brain puzzlers and sing-a-long sleuthing, the homes battled it out to find out who would prevail.

Spen Court celebrated Nutrition and Hydration Week (17th – 23rd March) with lots of yummy, wholesome food, thirst-quenching beverages and some interesting activities along the way.  Nutrition and Hydration Week aims to highlight, promote and celebrate improvements in the provision of nutrition and hydration locally, nationally and globally.

Staff and residents enjoyed delicious treats of croissants, pain au chocolate, fresh fruits and various flavoured milkshakes. The residents have enjoyed a food-themed quiz, a nutrition workbook containing crosswords, puzzles, nutritional information and exercise tips and the benefits of a healthy diet.
 

Staff and residents took part in 'wearing a wig' to work to raise money for Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day on March 21st. Staff and residents at the home donned their colourful wigs and got stuck in to help raise funds for this very important cause.    

Paula Pearson, General Manager said: “Taking part in Red Nose Day has been a huge amount of fun and everyone at the home has been behind us all the way. It’s for such an important cause. I’m very glad to be able to do my bit to raise further awareness and money for the charity.”
 

Staff and residents at Spen Court were treated to a virtual tour of Owl Adventures, a small but growing bird of prey education centre in Ripon, North Yorkshire.

Owl Adventures was started in 2011 by Head Falconer, Ryan Stocks. Ryan first started work in a bird of prey centre and instantly fell in love working with these majestic creatures. He soon decided to create his own company specialising in falconry and birds of prey shows. 
 

Residents really look forward to Andrew and Christine coming to visit. We like to welcome them on a monthly basis.

They are experienced dancers who have competed in many competitions and won many trophies.
Andrew and Christine share their talent for dancing with us and also teach us how to dance, which is fantastic as we are having fun and getting exercise. 

Staff and children from Northfield’s nursery in Heckmondwike chose to spread some joy on ‘Random Acts of Kindness Day’ with a surprise visit to the home.  Several children and team members from the nursery decided to come together to make a surprise visit to Spen court care home. 

General Manager, Paula said: “Celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Day is a lovely way to spread joy amongst our local community. Acts of kindness positively impact people and I think we did just that! It is amazing how a small gesture can put a smile on someone’s face, and we all know how infectious a smile is.  We all had a wonderful time.”

Celebrations have been in full swing at Spen Court as one of its residents reaches his centenary in style.  David Parker celebrated the day with family, friends and fellow residents.  David received a telegram from the King in recognition of his landmark birthday. A champagne reception was held at the home and guests enjoyed a special birthday cake or two.

David served in the Royal Navy. He went on a troop ship to Bombay before going on to join the Royal Naval Air station in Ootacumund in India.  Following on from the Navy, David went on to be a curtain salesman, which he thoroughly enjoyed. David did this for a lot of years. He has travelled far and wide by both land and sea.
 

We were so pleased to welcome to Spen Court the Salvation Army choir from Heckmondwike. They treated us to a great performance of Christmas carols, the residents and visitors sang along, it was a wholehearted afternoon.

They brought along a special guest. Merry the sausage dog, yes, Merry, as in Christmas. She was an absolute delight, following the performance Merry and her owner took the time to greet the residents receiving lots of hugs for the well behaved singing performance.