Activities at The Wingfield Care Home

At Wingfield, we strive to create enriching experiences that bring joy, curiosity, and connection to our residents’ lives. Recently, we enjoyed a wonderful day out with a visit to the Chippenham Museum, followed by a relaxing picnic in the nearby park.

The museum offered a fascinating journey through time, showcasing the rich history of the local area. Residents explored exhibits featuring everything from Roman artefacts to Victorian life, sparking conversations and fond memories of days gone by. Many were particularly interested in the displays about Chippenham’s railway heritage and local industries, taking time to read and reflect on the past.

After the museum tour, we made our way to the nearby John Coles Park, where a lovely picnic was set up under the shade of trees. Residents enjoyed a delicious spread of sandwiches, fruit, and refreshing drinks, while basking in the warm weather and the peaceful surroundings. The sound of birdsong and distant laughter from children playing added to the cheerful atmosphere.

It was a day filled with learning, laughter, and companionship. Outings like this not only stimulate the mind but also nurture the spirit, offering residents the chance to connect with each other and enjoy the simple pleasures of a beautiful day out.

We proudly marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a day full of reflection and celebration. It was a very special occasion that brought together residents, staff, and visitors to honour a pivotal moment in history.

The morning was spent in quiet reflection, as residents shared their memories and stories from wartime Britain. Through personal anecdotes, old photographs, and keepsakes, we were reminded of the resilience, courage, and unity shown by so many during that time. These conversations were both moving and uplifting, offering a rich perspective on how far we’ve come.

In the afternoon, the atmosphere turned festive as we hosted a VE Day-themed party. Our home was beautifully decorated in red, white, and blue, with Union Jack flags and wartime posters setting the scene. Live music brought the spirit of the 1940s to life, and there was singing, dancing, and lots of smiling faces. We were especially thrilled to welcome members of the local police force, who joined us in the celebrations and spent time chatting with residents.

From the wartime tunes to the delicious food and the shared stories, the day was a wonderful tribute to the past and a reminder of the strength of community. Thank you to everyone who made it so special.

Our Residents welcomed Create and Balance for a fun and inspiring art therapy workshop. The session focused on Pop Art – bold colours, playful shapes, and plenty of personal flair – and it turned out to be a wonderful opportunity for our residents to explore their creativity in a relaxed, social setting.

Guided by the kind and encouraging team from Create and Balance, our residents tried their hands at painting vibrant pieces inspired by Pop Art icons. For some, it was a trip down memory lane, recalling the rise of the art movement in the 1960s; for others, it was a fun new experience. 

After an hour of colouring, everyone enjoyed a well-earned break with tea, coffee, and delicious slices of cake. Our lounge turned into a mini gallery as residents proudly shared their masterpieces with each other, discussing their colour choices, techniques, and the inspiration behind their works.

Workshops like this are about so much more than art – they boost confidence and bring a fresh sense of energy to the day. We’re incredibly grateful to Create and Balance for such a meaningful visit and look forward to welcoming them back soon.

We recently enjoyed a wonderful afternoon stepping back in time with "Charmworth Miniatures", as Sandra showcased her stunning collection of 1940s fashion. Her beautiful mannequins, dressed in authentic garments from the era, brought back so many memories for our residents.

It was a joy to see everyone reminiscing about the outfits they once wore. Residents particularly enjoyed feeling the different materials, appreciating the textures and craftsmanship of true 1940s fabrics. Sandra’s attention to detail and passion for the era truly impressed everyone.

There was plenty of fun as residents picked out their favourite outfits, with some even taking the opportunity for a little dress-up session! It sparked lively conversations and shared stories, especially among our gentleman residents, who fondly recalled the dresses their wives wore. One gentleman delighted everyone by sharing memories of his wife’s beautiful wedding dress and the style that was popular at the time.

Others spoke about how corn starch was commonly used to add stiffness to fabrics, helping garments maintain their shape — a nostalgic memory that many hadn’t thought about in years!

It was a fantastic afternoon and we would like to say huge thank you to Sandra and "Charmworth Miniatures" for creating such a special experience for our residents. 

We had a truly wonderful day celebrating Easter this year! The morning began with sweet treats being delivered to all our residents, bringing smiles and a festive spirit throughout the home.

In the afternoon, we welcomed family, friends, and members of the community for a fun-filled Easter event. It was lovely to see everyone come together and enjoy the celebrations.

A special highlight of the day was a visit from A Million Memories Pony Parties and Therapy, who brought along their beautiful ponies, Jammy and Sugar. Dressed in their Easter best, the ponies were an absolute delight! Our residents loved spending time with these gentle, friendly animals, and the joy on their faces was truly priceless.

It was especially lovely to see lots of children taking part in the festivities. They enjoyed an Easter Egg Hunt around the grounds and got creative with some Easter-themed crafting activities. The lively atmosphere, full of laughter and conversation, made it a day to remember for everyone involved.

We’re already looking forward to making next year’s celebrations even bigger and better!

We have some egg-citing news to share! Our duckling eggs have arrived — and some little ones were so eager to meet us that they hatched on their journey here. We were delighted to welcome four newly hatched ducklings upon arrival, along with five more eggs ready to hatch.

Our residents have been captivated, watching in awe as the remaining eggs hatched one by one. It has been an incredible experience for everyone, bringing smiles, wonder, and fond memories.

One of our residents shared, “I’m 95 years old and I’ve never witnessed anything like it — it’s amazing!” Another fondly recalled, “I used to work at a poultry farm. It was my responsibility to check the temperature and turn the eggs.” 

The ducklings stayed with us for nine days, and we loved introducing them to all our residents. Their playful energy and tiny waddles brought so much happiness! We will miss them very much!