Residents and staff of Birchwood House, the Tunbridge Wells-based care home, traveled back in time to enjoy a medieval-themed summer party.
Staff at the Kent-based care home have once again pulled out all the stops to ensure the residents really felt like they had stepped back in time for a unique and authentic experience. Staff fully embraced the event by dressing up in period attire and themed entertainment including a medieval banquet and lute music was offered. The surprise guest – Daisy the horse – was a big hit!
The care home garden was transformed into a real-life castle, which had been carefully crafted by the staff and their families along with a makeshift ‘Hog Roast’.
A large gothic table dressed in ivy filled the lawns of the care home. Residents were treated to a historic spread of vegetable pottage, pears in red wine and custard tarts. All served by the care home chef, Anne. While the residents sipped from goblets and soaked up the sunshine, staff got into the spirit by having rotten cabbages thrown at them in the stocks. Hobby horses, jousting and a court jester were on offer for all to enjoy.
The care home continues to outperform in the planning of their social events. With the lifting of COVID restrictions now slowly coming into force, residents can begin to look forward to many more brilliant events, with loved ones joining in on the fun. Images were captured by local photographer, Tessa Clements.
“We are so pleased to be able to hold these events for our residents. To be able to enjoy some socialising whilst getting into the spirit of our chosen theme gives us all something to really look forward to. The team here at Birchwood, always put in all their efforts to make sure the event is a success. After such an incredibly difficult year for all the residents and staff – it feels extra special now we can all celebrate together and enjoy the beautiful gardens along with the amazing attention to detail of our medieval themed summer party. I don’t mind having the odd rotten cabbage thrown at me!” Niral Patel, owner of the care home, comments.
Claire Tye, deputy manager at Birchwood House, adds: “We had such a lovely day for the medieval garden party! The staff once again got fully into character and had such fun recreating scenes from the dark ages. The event really did lift the spirits of the residents who have faced such a challenging year. To see the residents getting involved with the theme, enjoying the lute music and dining on the hog roast was great. It provided an opportunity to bring us all together and it finally feels like life is returning to some normality. We love to put on an event for the residents and like to think we go above and beyond to make sure it’s extra special!”
