Starting with queuing up with their ‘tickets’ to enter the garden, residents had all of Monday [June 27] to enjoy music and old-fashioned fairground games, including hook-a-duck, a coconut shy, hoopla and the traditional test of strength – the high striker.
All attractions were made accessible for the residents.
Fairground prizes included classic ‘goldfish in a bag’ without involving any live fish.
As the day wore on, fairgoers were able to restore their strength with traditional fairground foods including home-cooked burgers, hot dogs and ice creams, prepared by the care home’s in-house chef, Elia.
Naughtier treats were on offer as well – jars of sweets on the banquet table, and a popcorn, candy-floss and doughnut stand hired for the day.
Birchwood House residents choose the theme of each season’s social event, and staff decorate the place and dress up.
Deputy manager Claire Tye said: “Here at Birchwood House, we’re always planning our events to ensure the residents enjoy fun and exciting seasonal activities that allow them to stay active and socialise. We have some extremely competitive residents and staff here, so we all enjoyed putting our skills to the test during the fairground games! It was also a perfect excuse to get our dancing shoes on and dance the afternoon away.”
She added: “It’s lovely to see the residents having such fun and being able to socialise again after the pandemic – it was a thoroughly enjoyable day for the residents. The carnival event may be finished but the memories will last forever.”
