Activities at Springvale Court Care Home
Our activities team are great at building the activities programme around the likes and interests of the people we care for. Ensuring that our social events offer fun and adventure is part of the ethos of our home; it’s important that those we support can enjoy an active and social lifestyle. Of course, there will always be those who prefer peace and quiet, and in these instances, a cup of tea and a chat are always welcomed.
Jess Bruford
Hi, My name is Jess and I am Activities Coordinator here at Springvale Court. I am delighted to join the team, joining in December 2023 but I have found my feet with ease. I spend time getting to know all of our residents and this helps me to arrange meaningful activities based on individual likes and interests. I love spending time with our residents, be it chatting one to one, small reminiscing groups or large group activities.
I am looking forward to learning and growing with Barchester and I am always open to any ideas for new and different activities so please stop and chat with me.
Read our brochure 'Life-enriching activities' for more information about life in our care homes.
Read our brochure
Activities and Events Partnerships
As part of our bespoke life-enrichment programmes, we host a number of live virtual events in the home on a regular basis through a number of partnerships with places of interest and world class performance companies
Life at Springvale Court Care Home
Music through the ages
Our homes had a brilliant time with curator Sarah Deters as she took us on a virtual ‘Music Through the Ages’ tour of St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room and Music Museum.
Our residents were thrilled to discover weird and wonderful musical instruments, hear their unusual sounds, and find out how instruments have changed over the last 500 years.
The virtual live event explored the world-renown collection of musical instruments on display at St Cecilia’s Hall, Scotland’s oldest concert hall.
Love is in the air!
We were delighted to play a small part in ensuring our Resident, Sheila was able to get to the church on time to attend the wedding of her granddaughter, Christine to fiancé, Robert. The happy couple held their wedding breakfast at the Angel View Inn surrounded by family and friends.
It was a beautiful day! On behalf of everyone here at Springvale Court we’d like to wish the happy couple all the very best for the future.
Opera performance
Our homes had a fabulous time with the talented soprano Astrid Joos from Street Theatre. Astrid spoke about a selection of famous operas and our residents were treated to performances of wonderful arias from operas well-known to all, such as ‘Giuditta’, ‘Don Giovanni’ and ‘Le Nozze di Figaro’.
It was a lovely experience, truly enjoyed by all.
Virtual event with Dr Tim Howard
Residents across our homes had a lovely time joining Dr Tim Howard, 4th generation GP, whose whole life has been about patient care, for an exciting virtual event to discuss his novel ‘Let’s Kill All The Lawyers’.
The novel is a medical fiction thriller that explores the impact of life and death events, mistakes and forgiveness, and the impact of law and justice on the day- to-day lives of ordinary people doing their best in difficult circumstances.
Residents had the chance to ask their own questions once the discussion was over and a great time was had by all.
Just passing through
Residents across our services had a lovely time joining Daniel Snowman, for an exciting virtual event to discuss his book ‘Just Passing Through’.
Author of over a dozen books, Daniel Snowman’s long and active life has led him to interact in countless ways with the wider world and with some of its most famous inhabitants. His memoir evokes these experiences via a series of vivid literary vignettes.
Residents across the homes found the talk very intriguing and informative, and were happy to learn more about Daniel’s experiences around the world. Book club corner is part of our varied life enrichment programme. A great time was had by all.
Century celebrations
Celebrations have been in full swing at Springvale Court, as one of its residents reaches her centenary in style. Emily Dawson was joined by staff, relatives, friends, other residents and the Mayor of Gateshead as she received a telegram from the Queen in recognition of her landmark birthday. A champagne reception was held at the home and guests enjoyed a special birthday cake made by the home’s chef Brenda.
Emily has 4 children, 6 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren. During World War 2 Emily worked in a munitions factory. She then went on to work in local bars, her first being Egypt Cottage next door to ITV’s studios. She had a short stint working as a clippie on the busses and then went on to running the tenancy of a pub called Poacher in Swalwell before retiring and moving to Belford, Northumberland. Emily now lives in Springvale Court, where she is enjoying a new chapter of her life.
Upcoming events
May
May is the gateway to summer and we have lots of fun filled activities planned - all welcome.
Monthly Dementia Cafe
Join us for our monthly dementia cafe which takes place on the last Friday of each month.
Volunteers - Could you make a difference?
There are endless ways to get involved and we'd love to hear from you!
Calling all Emergency Services
Calling all heros! Come and take a break with us and enjoy a warm drink and a slice of homemade cake.
Knit and Natter
Come and join us at our weekly knitting club and make new friends - all welcome.
