Activities at Strachan House Care Home

Perfectly timed in the middle of a warm summer, staff and residents at Strachan House had a fantastic time celebrating National Ice Cream Day on July 18th, a brilliant excuse to sample lots of cooling treats.

Staff and residents experimented with many different types of toppings and flavour combinations, from the exotic, to the good old fashioned vanilla ice cream cone.

General Manager, Gordon Philp, said: “It wasn’t just the residents that were excited when we found out there was a National Ice Cream Day, the eyes of the staff lit up too!  Who doesn’t love ice cream?  We have all had a great time trying out new flavours and toppings, it was a wonderful way to keep cool in the heat.”

Margaret Lyall, a resident said: “I absolutely love ice cream!  There really isn’t anything nicer on a hot summer’s day.  We have had loads to sample with all kinds of different sprinkles and sauces.  They have all been truly delicious!”

Residents across our homes had a fantastic time during a special live virtual event in celebration on National Ice Cream Day. Wall’s team took us on a great journey through history, sharing fascinating details about the brand since its launch in 1922. We learned about major innovations such as the introduction of Mr Whippy, Cornetto, Viennetta, Twister, and Carte d'Or.

Residents were treated to a singalong to Cornetto classic ads, an interactive quiz about fun Wall’s facts and best-of-all, an ice-cream tasting session. It was a delightful experience for everyone, especially our ice-cream lovers.

Staff, residents, relatives and the local community came together at Strachan House to enjoy a Summer Fete that was held in the home’s grounds on Saturday 15th July.

Strachan House hosted a variety of activities throughout the day, including a BBQ prepared by the talented chefs, live entertainment, face painting and balloon artist which were enjoyed by everyone who came to the event. The local community police officer even came along to enjoy the afternoon, whilst the children got to enjoy sitting in his car.

Staff at Strachan House made everyone feel welcome and were delighted to see different generations having fun together. Visitors enjoyed a summer BBQ, prepared by the catering team, who were hard at work making sure that a great time was had by all – it really was a team effort!

Residents across our homes had a fantastic time during a special live virtual event, led by Jennifer and Emily from Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity. Jennifer and Emily took us on a journey to discover the rich history of Dogs Trust and their facilities.

Using captivating video and photo footage, our residents were able to explore rehoming centres and learn more about the highest level of welfare offered there. It was a delightful experience for everyone, especially our dog lovers.

Resident, Muriel Sinclair at Strachan House had always wanted to jump on board and relive her journeys she would take on a steam train, so staff at the home made her  wish a reality with their Gone Fishing 23 project. Muriel said some of her fondest memories was travelling around Scotland on days out with her children, and the fun they would have as a family.

Muriel has lived at Strachan House for many years and at 102 she is dearly loved by the staff and residents alike. Staff jumped on board when they heard of her memories travelling from Edinburgh to Dundee on the steam trains and worked in secret to ensure her surprise was kept on the right track. Speaking with Boness Railway about Muriel the team organised for her to take a 70 minute steam train ride whilst enjoying a good old fashion afternoon tea. What Muriel didn’t also know was when she reached the platform her daughter was there to surprise her, and as if that wasn’t enough excitement for one day, the station master and guards then surprised her with a First class compartment to ensure she had a day to remember.

Muriel chuckled “I’m 102 and never ever thought I’d take another ride on a steam train. I can hardly see now, but the smell of smoke and the sounds reminded me instantly of the fun journeys I would take in my younger days. I can’t thank the team enough for an amazing day. The afternoon tea was just the cherry on the top of such a wonderful surprise.”

Strachan House hit the road on the 30th June and made some surprise visits to its local emergency service responders. Armed with goodie boxes and letters of appreciation for everything they do.

It comes as the 999 emergency number reached its 86th birthday today.

The care home staff and residents took to the roads and visited police, fire and ambulance in the Blackhall area to show their appreciation for everything our heroes do in our hour of need when the well-known number is dialled. The Drylaw police station, Telford fire brigade and Western General Paramedics were all very surprised when they received our hampers of thanks. And what an amazing time we all chatting about our different roles . Amazing community spirit !