Activities at The Cedars Bourne Care Home

Mother’s Day started with a card and chocolate for all of our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters and all the wonderful women who love and support their families and friends unconditionally. Our residents were thrilled with their gift- Anne said it was an unexpected surprise, and Catherine that she felt thoroughly spoilt!

That afternoon, we enjoyed our afternoon cream tea with family and friends, accompanied by the very talented Pianist Graham Tickle, who played songs to tap your feet to! It was a truly fabulous Mother’s Day for all of our residents.

It was an honour to be invited to the unveiling of the 'Green Spaces and Waterways' mural by local artist Emily Bowers, commissioned by Our Place, Our Art and SKDC. 

Emily came to The Cedars to talk to our residents and gain their insight and memories of Bourne, and we are delighted to hear that the mural includes residents Sheila Stubley and Barbara Coleman as children scrumping for apples!

Sheila really enjoyed the event, saying how beautiful the mural was and how kind they were, 'we couldn't have had a better welcome'. Of Emily's speech she commented on how well Emily presented herself,  enjoyed her tea and cake, and was tapping her feet to the music of local group Pocket Cadence, who 'will go far with such a lovely voice'. Sheila had a wonderful afternoon. Thank you Emily, for including her in your amazing event.

The Cedars said ‘Thank You for the Music’ as they celebrated International ABBA Day with a themed karaoke party and happy hour.

Staff, residents and guests dress in their 60’s and 70’s finest, and came together to sing and dance to the most iconic tracks from Swedish pop group ABBA: well known as one of the most popular and successful musical groups of all time, and who is one of the best-selling musical acts in the history of popular music.

The Cedars have brought a bit of technological magic to their residents with the purchase of a new Virtual Reality headset, as a way to improve residents’ life enrichment and to get away from it all: all from the comfort of our own living room!

The headset is programmed with many worldwide destinations, including a tour of the pyramids, a boat tour of Venice, close-up animal encounters and underwater scuba-diving adventures. Anne had always wanted to visit the pyramids, and she was thrilled to be able to go. She said 'it's a marvel- it's like I'm really there!' Marjorie loved swimming with the dolphins and was reaching out to touch them because they looked so real! She said 'I've never seen anything like this!'; and Edna was amazed to be able to go home to Spain for the morning - she was tapping her feet to the music and laughing with joy at the Spanish parade she watched. 
 

What a fun and fascinating afternoon we had this month, when we were joined by Russel Dadswell and his amazing and beautiful street organs. Our residents were intrigued by the history and the mechanics of these wonderful machines, all of which Russel explained brilliantly using a digital presentation to enhance the talk. 

He then shared some of the music with us- some from an English organ and some from a German organ. He described how he used to go with his grandfather in the school holidays and learn about the instruments and how to play them; this was how his love and passion for these beautiful pieces began.

We are looking forward to welcoming him back with one of his large outdoor organs for the Summer Fête in June.

Our monthly animal therapy is so popular, with residents and staff getting great joy from seeing our varied visitors. 

This month was the turn of Darwin the Therapy Horse, whose one-to-one visits with residents throughout the home benefit all communities and stages of health. He is very intuitive, and able to connect with all different residents with all different needs - he is a marvel! Michael said that 'he is a handsome fellow- a very unusual guest!'. 

The smiles really do say it all.