Celebrating St George’s Day at Oakland Care Homes

This year, our residents embraced the spirit of England’s patron saint with fun celebrations filled with tradition and joyful activities.

At Beechwood Grove, the festivities kicked off with everyone donning their best red and white attire to showcase their patriotism. The day was filled with laughter as residents enjoyed a classic Punch and Judy show, delighting in the comedic antics and shouting, “That’s the way to do it!” In the afternoon, creativity blossomed as residents participated in a flower-arranging session, crafting stunning red and white displays that added a festive touch to the lounge. Did you know? St George’s Day marks the death of Saint George in 303 AD, a Roman soldier celebrated for his bravery, famously linked to the tale of slaying a dragon!

Meanwhile, Birchwood Heights brought joy to the day by arranging for a special visitor, Saint George and his “dragon”! Well, it may have been a pony named Dude, but with the lovely handler Dee, it still put big smiles on our residents’ faces. Residents also enjoyed excursions to Lullingstone Castle and Ruxley Garden Centre for delightful tea and cake experiences.

At Hyllden Heights, the celebration was lively, with residents singing along to the wonderful tunes performed by Vince Cox. An extra special themed drum fit session added to the energy, featuring all-time English favourites that had everyone tapping their feet and joining in!

Over at Maplewood Court, there was a special treat as a historian brought the legendary tale of St George to life, regaling residents with stories and using props that transported residents back in time. The lounge transformed into a time machine of sorts, where residents, dressed up for the occasion, engaged in spirited conversations about bravery and old England complete with heroic poses for the camera! A magical day celebrating history, tradition, and plenty of good old-fashioned fun.

To round off the celebrations, Woodland Grove’s resident, Susan, captivated everyone with her storytelling of St George’s legendary battle against the dragon. A fun quiz tested residents’ knowledge of this heroic figure, complementing the delicious cake crafted by our talented kitchen team. The room was filled with laughter, engaging stories, and a lively sing-along to traditional English songs.

St George’s Day at Oakland Care Homes was a celebratory occasion, reminding us of the rich tapestry of history and the camaraderie we share in celebrating it.