Activities at The Cedars Bourne Care Home

Residents across our homes and hospitals had a fantastic time with vocal coach Dan Cooper from Biiah as he led an amazing sing-a-long session for residents to enjoy.

Residents who joined the event were able to learn different techniques as they sang the famous ‘I Can See Clearly Now’ by Jimmy Cliff and ‘Here Comes the Sun’ by The Beatles.

Across our homes there were smiles and laugher all around. The session was such a success and was great for the mind, body and soul.

Residents and visitors gathered for a fascinating talk presented by Bill Badger and Peter Colley from the RAF Wickenby Memorial Collection. Using a variety of memorabilia and replica artefacts, the duo spoke to our residents about the history of the base; the 40 Lancaster bombers that launched from the site and the vital role of Bomber Command in WWII.

Resident Ronald Priest, a bomber command veteran from World War II, really enjoyed the talk; and said that it bought back so many memories of his service. He was happy to share his experiences with the visitors, who really enjoyed meeting him. Residents had a mix of emotions hearing the stories- nearly all present were able to contribute their own stories from their lives during the war.

Residents and guests enjoyed a relaxing afternoon of live piano music played by pianist Graham Tickle. Graham is well known in the area from his 30 year career playing piano at The George Hotel in Stamford; and we were thrilled to be offered a concert by such a talented musician. Residents gathered to listen to a range of songs played from memory in their stunning Garden Lounge.

Residents joined in with the music, humming and dancing along to songs such as ‘Windmills of Your Mind’; ‘King off the Road’ and ‘Greensleeves’. Residents at the Cedars really enjoyed the performance, with Rose (an ex-pianist herself) saying ‘it brings back some wonderful memories’ and Gwen commenting that it was ‘wonderful music to hum along to’. They have already invited him back for a repeat performance!

We had a brilliant time across our services with Harrogate Skills 4 Living as they took us on a wonderful virtual visit to their Harrogate Chocolate Factory.

Residents were thrilled to discover details about the chocolate-making process and the fascinating journey from bean to bar, all while enjoying some delicious sweet treats.

The Factory aims to employ people with learning disabilities and autism, involving them in all parts of the process, from sorting and roasting the beans to packaging and sales. The experience was truly enjoyed by all who joined this event.

We had a wonderful time today welcoming our feathered friends from Parrots and Pirates as a group of Macaws came to visit the home. Residents at The Cedars  were thrilled to see the beautiful birds both in the Garden Lounge and in individual bedrooms. Every resident was given the opportunity to feed and hold the birds; as well as being treated to a display of tricks and flight that wowed them all.

Three parrots visited us with their owners- Inca, a ten year old green winged Macaw (the second largest breed of parrot); Aurora, a blue throated parrot from Bolivia (whose species is critically endangered) and Mishka, a Catalina Macaw. Residents were interested to learn about the different birds- did you know that a parrots feathers are like fingerprints and are completely unique to each bird; and each parrot has the intelligence of a three-four year old child?

We continue to celebrate a varied life enrichment programme and across our services we linked up with other Barchester care homes and hospitals up and down the country for some interactive Beat the Clock games. 

Our residents truly enjoyed solving word puzzles, conundrums and mathematical problems as part of Barchester’s very own game show series.

Everyone who joined had a fantastic time and enjoyed some friendly competition.