Since January, residents at Chestnut Manor in Wanstead have taken part in a wide range of activities, from baking sessions and creative afternoons to local outings and visits from the community.
Time in the Kitchen
Baking has been a regular part of the weekly activities, with residents getting involved in making a variety of treats. One of the favourites has been lemon drizzle cake, where everyone took part in mixing, baking and decorating before enjoying the finished cakes together at afternoon tea.
Cooking sessions have also included more creative activities, such as making pancake “pizzas” using fruits, sweets, cream and sauces. Residents experimented with different designs, including animal faces and self-portraits, with plenty of tasting along the way.
Local Outings and Exploring the Area
Residents have been getting out into the local community, visiting nearby areas including Ilford, Wanstead and Woodford.
Residents visited the local library and explored books that interested them, including fiction, biographies, and travel titles—Italy proving especially popular! The walk there also gave a chance to enjoy some fresh air and take in the local surroundings.
Other outings have included a visit to a nearby church, where residents were surrounded by the spring flowers, as well as a trip to the IIF Art Gallery on Wanstead High Street (right on our doorstep) Here, residents spent time looking at paintings, sculptures and posters on display.
Visits from Local School Children
Residents recently welcomed children from Nightingale Primary School, who brought handmade collages with individual good luck messages. These were shared with residents and displayed around the home.
During the visit, the school choir also performed a selection of songs. Residents spent the afternoon listening to the children sing and speaking with them afterwards. The visit finished with the children handing out biscuits they had brought in, which was a lovely gesture.
Gardening ready for Westgate in Bloom
Residents have also started work on the Westgate in Bloom summer project. They began by speaking about what they would like to grow, before reading instructions and preparing pots for planting tomatoes, strawberries and herbs.
Residents are enjoying taking part in each stage, including filling pots with soil, planting seeds and deciding where the plants should be kept. Since planting, residents have been regularly checking on their progress, watering them and observing the early green shoots as they begin to grow.
Life at Chestnut Manor Care Home
Life at Chestnut Manor is more than just living in a care home. It’s about enjoying each day, following residents’ interests, and making sure every activity, outing and experience is meaningful to them. At Chestnut Manor, we help residents live life to the fullest in a warm and welcoming environment.