Care homes and elderly care from Barchester Healthcare

Meet our Activities Coordinator, Sheila Moore

I have worked at Winchester House for over 5 years; my first year was spent working as a Healthcare Assistant and then as an Activities Coordinator.

Prior to joining Winchester House, I was a pub landlady, which may seem to be worlds away from what I do now, but actually required very similar skills - specifically interpersonal and organisational skills.

We plan our activity rota every week to ensure that we can cater for the different resident groups and individual requirements. This can mean that one day I am organising a communion service, hosting entertainers and then popping out to buy birthday presents for residents; and the next day I may be calling bingo and assisting some of the gentlemen - and the odd lady - to our local B&Q for a workshop.

Activities at Winchester House

Our activities team are constantly striving to mentally and physically stimulate those we support by organising group and individual activities for anyone and everyone to participate in. There are regular outings in the minibus to nearby places of interest, including the local priory and garden centres, as well as visits from musicians, a wide range of entertainers. We are lucky enough to have a enthusiastic team of volunteers who regularly visit the home throughout the week, and our yearly pantomime is a real crowd-pleaser and is well-attended by residents, relatives and members of staff. Activities are one of the most important aspects of a care home, so it is essential that our team are dedicated to ensuring that residents are entertained, and that life at Winchester House is fun and active.

Life at our home

Royal Wedding Celebrations

Excitement was in the air on the morning of Saturday 19th May, as we eagerly anticipated the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markel. Residents, staff and families gathered around the television to watch a moment in history – and we weren’t disappointed! Everyone gasped with delight as the Prince was joined in the chapel by his bride to be. Later, we celebrated with a feast fit for a Prince and Princess and a glass or two of Kir Royale, followed by delicious chocolate and sparkle and also lemon and elderflower cupcakes. A truly wonderful day was had by all!

Afternoon Tea Dance

Some residents recently enjoyed an afternoon tea dance at the home. We watched a fantastic demonstration by Dennis and Margaret Mumby, along with the very talented David Read, who provided a musical accompaniment and put on a spectacular dance extravaganza.

We were encouraged to join in with some sequence dancing, waltzes and rumba! To reward our efforts, we were treated to afternoon cream tea.

Everyone had a toe-tapping time!

St George's Day

Patriotism was in the air at Winchester House on Monday 23rd April as staff, residents and their families and friends gathered together to celebrate St George’s Day. We were also joined by residents and staff from Friston House, who came along to enjoy our right royal knees up!

In the morning, we were treated to a spectacular show by Joy Dey with favourite tunes from the likes of Gracie Fields and Vera Lynn. There was lots of flag waving and singing was the order of the day! After some yummy bangers and mash we enjoyed an afternoon quiz on all things English, and there were lots of chocolate prizes.

Staff, residents and friends enjoyed a day of music, fun and laughter.

Open Day

We celebrated the Queen’s birthday and all things British at our recent open day. Singer, Sue Caroline, put on a fantastic nostalgia-fueled show and residents and visitors were treated to afternoon cream teas that were prepared by our catering team.

The Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, Roger Dalton, came to spend time with residents, along with volunteers from the local village. Activities staff paid tribute to the amazing volunteers who give their time and talents so generously, including Gwen and Dennis Worcester, who have been supporting residents for many years at the home.

A thank you was also given to Carol Whatley for making numerous twiddle blankets for residents on our Memory Lane units.

A wonderful afternoon was had by all!

St Patrick's Day

The luck of the Irish was brought to Winchester House when performers from Hackett-Kyne Academy of Irish Dancing entertained residents and their families. It was the third time the dance group has visited us and they put on an amazing performance! Residents also enjoyed a few cans of Guinness or a tipple of liqueur whilst enjoying the show.

A Work of Art

We would like to say a big thank you to the Pew Runner group at All Saints Church for the marvellous pew cushions that was commissioned by Winchester House to celebrate the links between the home and the local community. It now has pride of place at the church.

Upcoming events

Events & Activities in October

There's lots of exciting activities lined up throughout the month of October here at Winchester House.

Please click here for more information.

Need a venue?

We have a meeting room that is available to hire for free to members of the local community.

Please click here for more information.

Meet our Activities Coordinator, Sheila Moore

Activities at Winchester House

Life at our home

Royal Wedding Celebrations

Afternoon Tea Dance

St George's Day

Open Day

St Patrick's Day

A Work of Art

Upcoming events

Events & Activities in October

Need a venue?

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