Activities at Spen Court Care Home

Celebrations have been in full swing at Spen Court care home, as one of its residents reaches her centenary in style.

Florence Cook was joined by staff, relatives, friends and other residents as she received a telegram from the Queen in recognition of her landmark birthday. A celebration was held at the home and guests enjoyed a special birthday cake made by the home’s chef assistant Kayley Baldwin.

Florence was born in Norristhorpe, West Yorkshire on the 1st October 1921, Florence served in the army as a cook. Florence went onto meet the love of her life, George Arthur Cook, they married and went on to have 6 children. Florence continued her career as a cook in a local school for children with special needs before coming to Spen Court care home, where she is enjoying a new chapter of her life.

Residents at Spen Court recently enjoyed a pet therapy visit in which they welcomed, Quaver an ambassador for the Guide Dogs for the Blind.  Quaver brought along owners, Sarah and Craig.

Quaver was a previously a working guide dog for the blind but due to several ear infections Quaver became an ambassador the society. Quaver is 5-years old and took a real shine to Elsie, a resident who is partially sighted and was delighted with all the furry attention. Owners Sarah and Craig also shared information to residents on the training routine, everyone found the visit interesting and are looking forward to them visiting again soon.

Residents at Spen Court care home in Heckmondwike, run by Barchester Healthcare, are celebrating Housekeeping Week, which takes place from September 12-18. Residents wanted to thank all the wonderful housekeeping staff at the home, whose hard work and dedication make a real difference to the lives of those living there.

Housekeeping Week is an annual event held every year during the second week in September.  The week is dedicated to recognising the efforts of hard-working housekeeping staff around the world. 

 Residents and staff reminisced about how housekeeping has changed during their lifetime, residents talked about when they first got domestic appliances such as washing machines and vacuum cleaners, and how their lives were changed by advances in technology over the years.

Residents and staff from Spen Court Care Home in Heckmondwike were in for a treat with a visit from travelling theatre production company, North East Producers to see a performance of ‘That’s Life’ in the comfort of their own home (oh no they didn’t- oh yes they did!)

Residents from the home were accompanied by staff from Spen Court as they enjoyed the timeless tale full of magical twists, fun, laughter and adventures of Franking and Doris fall in love with a chance meeting at a bus stop.  The performance was filled with songs such as ‘That’s Life’, ‘Que Sera Sera’, ‘Strangers in the Night’ and ‘Knees up Mother Brown’.

One resident commented; “it was the best production I have seen in years, the actors really made me laugh and had me singing along to those popular songs I enjoy”

We had a lovely time joining Hospitality Manager, Christophe Noel and special guests Lee Isaacs DipWSET and Nick Parker from Unity Wines and Spirits – as they introduced us to wine tasting techniques, the history of wine and wine making, as well as consumer attitudes.

Our residents had the opportunity to try a variety of wines from sparkling and white to rose and red, alongside a selection of delicious treats. 

It was a wonderful experience, enjoyed by all.   

We celebrated Last Night of the Proms virtually with members of English National Ballet’s Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Music Director Gavin Sutherland.

We listened and danced along as members of the orchestra took us on a magical, musical journey. English National Ballet Philharmonic is made up of many of the country’s top musicians, and boasts considerable experience in all forms of music-making. With insights and anecdotes into what it takes to conduct an orchestra for a world-class ballet company, this special concert got our feet tapping, arms waving and hearts singing!

It was a wonderful experience, enjoyed by all.