Meet our Activities Coordinator, Tina Hughes

Hello. I am Tina and I have worked as an Activities Coordinator at White Lodge since 2008. I really enjoy my job and it's great to see residents enjoying themselves. The activities I arrange include baking, gardening, arts & crafts, knit & natter, quizzes & crosswords, table games, hand massage, cheese & wine afternoons and flower arranging. I also arrange physical activities such as Oomph Wellness for older people and a walking group. I also plan trips out in the minibus, and we hold celebrations, parties and music events at White Lodge. Residents' favourite activities are the quizzes, walking group, gardening and all the food-related activities.

Activities at White Lodge

Our Activities Coordinators here at White Lodge enjoy the fulfillment of helping residents feel important and a part of something. Meaningful moments are created through laughter and comfort. A varied activities programme is offered for the betterment of residents' bodies and minds, including music for health, 'Oomph' sessions and chair Zumba, in addition to coffee and cake groups that all inevitably lead to giggles and old fashioned singalongs. Also, we organise parties, trips out, walks in the country, bus outings and wonderful entertainers to visit our home. A sneaky tipple is always welcomed with cheese and crackers and, at the end of the day, it is important to go home knowing our activities have made a difference.

Life at White Lodge Care Home

A Christmas tree to begin our festivities

We have a beautiful reception area at White Lodge and it is now even more welcoming with our first Christmas tree of the season, lovingly decorated by residents who are looking forward to some happy celebrations here.

Making our own Christmas cards

Doreen and Jeanie enjoyed making Christmas cards ready to send to family and friends. They both always enjoy the creative craft sessions planned by the White Lodge activities team, especially when we start to get festive. Today Nita, our Care Practitioner, joined in the fun and made her own cards with them.

Grandparents' Day Greetings

Residents at White Lodge were delighted to receive cards and greetings from their grandchildren and local school children on Grandparents' Day, reminding us all how wonderful it is when different generations stay in touch.

A Conker Tournament at White Lodge

Residents and staff at White Lodge had a fun afternoon playing conkers this week. Residents had been reminiscing about games they played when they were younger, and this was one of their favourite memories. Jeanie and Doreen went on a nature walk around our beautiful grounds and along the lane to collect the conkers we needed. Everyone shared tips and tricks for creating winning conkers, including soaking them in vinegar, rubbing them with hand cream and hardening them in the oven. Doreen said she hadn’t laughed so much in a long time. Sheila said it was so nice to see everyone laughing and having fun. Therese and Jeanie had a very competitive match between themselves. And our Maintenance Team were keen to join in too, although residents were determined to beat them.

A new puppy visits

Iris had a surprise visitor at White Lodge this week - her son Martyn and his wife Julia brought their new puppy with them. Iris was delighted to meet this little member of the family and he was excited to meet her too. Iris recalled how she used to hide treats around her flat for their old dog who would spend ages searching for them.

Games on the Lawn

Here at White Lodge we have enjoyed the last sunny days of the summer, playing some outdoor games on the lawn. Our two Peters are playing croquet and Doreen enjoyed having a go at quoits. There were lots of smiles.