Activities at Westvale House 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.
Joanne Sherwood
Hi, I'm Joanne and I'm the Activities Co-ordinator at Westvale House! I joined the team in December 2023 and absolutely love my role. Getting to spend time with our residents every day and getting to know each of them more and more, is such a privilege.
I get to create and tailor our activities to the preferences of each individual resident, making sure they're all doing things they'll absolutely love, and that brings me and the rest of the team so much joy. Making each of their days special is what I believe my job is all about.
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 Westvale House Care Home
Intergenerational Sports Day
The residents of Westvale and children from Jack & Jill’s nursery had a great afternoon of fun competing against each other in different sports activities as part of the homes intergenerational sports day. Everyone really enjoyed the relay race, with a special performance by the children singing at the end of the day. Each of the children had brought along beautiful hand-made cards for the residents which they had made and we are looking forward to them returning soon!
Blenheim Palace
We had a lovely time exploring the amazing gardens of Blenheim Palace through a virtual talk, hosted by the Historian - Antonia Keaney.
We enjoyed a virtual look at how the gardens at Blenheim have developed over the past 300 years - from the formality of Henry Wise through to the ‘natural’ landscape created by Capability Brown and beyond.
Everyone was very impressed by the many jewels hidden within the 150 acres of beautiful gardens.
Inside Dartmoor Zoo
We were able to virtually dive into the impressive wildlife of Dartmoor Zoo.
We explored its grounds and learnt about the unique history of the park from the zoo’s educational team. The culmination of the tour was the live tiger training demonstration, which was wonderful to see and enjoyed by all.
Our residents were delighted to see amazing photos and short videos of the animals and take a peek inside their home.
World Chocolate Day
We have had a choctastic day celebrating World Chocolate Day at Westvale House. Residents and staff have enjoyed getting messy with our chocolate tasting, quiz and reminiscing about what their favourite chocolate was when they were younger. The firm favourite was Cadbury’s chocolate!
Residents and staff were also getting ready for the England v Denmark match!
Virtual trip to Puffin Sanctuary
We took a wonderful virtual trip to Iceland’s Puffin Rescue Centre at the Beluga Whale Sanctuary.
We were able to virtually meet some of the rescued Atlantic Puffins and to learn interesting facts about their care and unique lives. We took a peek into their lives in the wild, the Puffling rescue program in the Westman Islands, and how SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary’s team takes care of these charismatic little birds each day.
It was a very exciting experience, enjoyed by all.
WW2 virtual talk with Blenheim Palace
Ahead of Armed Forces Day, we were transported back in time for a World War II themed talk and tour of Blenheim Palace, hosted by Antonia Keaney, the Palace’s social historian and author.
Entitled ‘Evacuees and Espionage,’ Antonia’s wartime themed talk focused on how the Marlborough family, estate staff and the Palace itself played a full and energetic part in the war effort.
The talk and tour told the story of how the Palace prepared for the worst, survived the onslaught of 400 boys being evacuated to Blenheim and kept the secrets of MI5.
It was a lovely experience, enjoyed by all.
Upcoming events
April
We extend a warm invitation for you to join us throughout April, as we look forward to a fun filled month ahead!
Could you be a Volunteer?
Your time could make a real difference - if you would like more information on Volunteering here at Westvale House we'd love to hear from you.
Community Coffee Morning
Our bi-weekly Community Coffee Morning at Westvale House is a great opportunity to meet people and enjoy a coffee and some treats. Why not pop along and see our lovely home?
Don't Dine Alone - last Friday of each month
We know meal times can be lonely for some older people, so we extend a warm invitation for you to enjoy some company and a nutritious meal. Please call 01925 571266 to book.
Calling all Emergency Services
Come and take a break with us - we offer a warm drink any time you need it! Pop in on your break...
Looking for a place to host a meeting?
Looking for a place to host a meeting? We have space and extend an invitation for you to get in touch and see what we have to offer.
