https://www.stmarysgroup.co.uk/st-marys-chanterlands/

St Mary's Chanterlands Care Home, 340 Chanterlands Avenue, Kingston upon Hull (2025)

15/09/2025

POTTY PAMS POTTERY EXHIBITION

Today was a very exciting day for 5 of our residents. Pat, Margaret, Ralph, Ann and Kathleen. Today was the culmination of their pottery sessions with an exhibition of their works.

Pam, or Potty Pam as we now call her, brought in everyone’s fired plates, bowls and pinch pots to display and talk about.

Pam set the pieces up in the café bar, whilst activity coordinators Gavin and Michelle gathered the residents ready to see their works of pottery genius.

Pat spoke about each piece in turn, about what she loved about it, the shapes, the design and the intentions behind them. Everyone was so happy to see their finished pieces and hear Pam’s words about them.

The pottery pieces were then passed around for everyone to handle and everyone agreed that they were not only beautiful but tactile and lovely to hold.

For the rest of the day the pottery was displayed in the café bar for the staff and residents to looks at and enjoy.

At the end of the day Michelle and Gavin handed the pottery pieces to their designers to place on display on their rooms.

We must say a huge thank you to Potty Pam for running these sessions and taking the pieces home to glaze and fire. It has been a wonderful experience for everyone involved.

This activity had a creative, esteem, social, sensory and educational benefit.

12/09/2025

This afternoon we held our weekly Karaoke Session and the vibes were high!

Everyone was in the party mood.

Angie blasted out some amdram classics, and movie songs to rounds of applause from everyone else!

Peter surprised us all with a beautiful voice and sang us “Your Cheating Heart” and “Blueberry Hill” Peter shared with Michelle that he used to sing in the Pubs and Clubs of Hull and he loves to sing. Peter is going to put together a list of songs for next week.

Sheila took the mic and sang lots of songs such as “Top of the world and My Way”

George serenaded everyone with “What a wonderful world”

Dot sang “Can’t help falling in love with you” and the room erupted in applause and she was proud as punch.

Lots of residents got to their feet to dance the afternoon away to tunes like rock around the clock and twist again.

This activity has a social, creative, physical, emotional and esteem benefit.

12/09/2025

BIBLE STUDY

Each week Edith and Geoff from Christ Church Newland visit the home to visit some of the residents who have a Christian faith.

The group met together in the winter garden to do a bible study. They are looking at the book of John from the New Testament.

Activity Coordintor Michelle made sure to provide tea, coffee and cakes.

Once the group had their refreshments and had done their bible study, they spent some time in prayer before spending some time chatting and catching up.

This activity has a social sensory, esteem and spiritual benefit.

12/09/2025

COFFEE MORNING

This morning the residents gathered in the café bar to enjoy a coffee morning.

Huge thanks to Mel for making chocolate cupcakes that went down a treat. Irene loved them so much she has 3!

It was a lovely morning witnessing friends embrace each other and others get to know each other more.

Everyone enjoyed cupcakes and tea and coffee and really enjoyed catching up and chatting together.

Activity coordinator Michelle put the D Day darkngs on the TV which turned our coffee morning into an impromptu sing song. Everyone was singng there hearts out.

This activity had a social, sensory, creative, community, emotional and esteem benefit.

10/09/2025

On Tuesday morning the garden was a hive of activity which is lovely to see.

Marks wife Mel and his daughter Rosie had kindly bought two apple trees, a plum tree and some raspberry canes, to add to the rose bushes they had already bought and planted a couple of weeks ago.

Everyone got involved with helping dig the holes, clear the excess soil and rubble. Even residents that were unable to help with digging came out to see what was happening and all commented how nice the garden is coming on.

The space really has become a community garden and brought everyone together. The residents and family members enjoy tending to the garden and vegetable plots daily, harvesting the crops and enjoy spending time outside with each other making memories.

10/09/2025

ANGIE AND PAT’S MORNING OUT

This morning activity coordinators Gavin and Michelle asked Angie and Pat if they would like to go out for a little adventure.

The ladies were very excited and hurried to get their coats on. Gavin and Michelle helped the ladies into wheelchairs and set off for Newland Avenue. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been to the Avenue,” said Pat.

Once on Newland Avenue the ladies were happy to see the shops. Pat was telling Michelle all about a shop she used to love going in on Newland called Mosaic.

Pat bumped into an old friend who was on the Avenue and the pair chatted for a while, catching u up and reminiscing.

Michelle and Gavin took the ladies to aa local coffee shop called Planet Coffee. The ladies decided to sit outside in the sunshine so they could “Watch the world go by” said Angie.

Angie asked for a cappuccino and Pat a cup of tea. Michelle went inside to order. When the drinks arrived so did the cake that Michelle had secretly ordered for them.

The cake was Lemon and Blueberry and the ladies were very excited to trying it. “Umm this is lovely” said Angie, Pat agreed and said “We really have been treated today”

On the way back to the home the group headed in to some of the local shops for a browse but all too soon it was time to head back to the home for lunch.

08/09/2025

PAMPER MORNING
This morning residents gathered in the winter garden for a pamper morning.
Activity coordinators, Gavin and Michelle had organized, Face masks, the foot spa, nail care and painting.
Michelle played relaxing Spa music and Gavin set up the foot spa,
whilst the residents sat chatting.
Michelle started doing nails with the help from a student Scarlett from Hull College. Michelle did Angie's Nails, a full manicure. Angie chose a lilac colour for her polish. Next customer for Michelle was Christina, she also had a manicure, an chose a lovely metallic rose gold for her nails.
Kathleen was the first to enjoy the foot spa, Gavin made sure the massager was on and she had foot spa products so she got the full experience, Kathleen said “I love these I haven’t had one for ages”.
Gavin put a facemask on Jeannette; this gave Jeanette and the others a giggle as it was funny looking with the face mask on, once removed Janette said "My face feels so soft".
Gavin then went on to clean, file and paint Ivy’s nails, she chose a lovely pale pink, whilst Scarlett trimmed and clear coated Ann’s nails.
For those that couldn’t make it into the winter garden Gavin made sure to go to their rooms and take the pampering to them. Gavin visited Sheila H and Margaret B’s rooms did their nails.
The residents enjoyed a glass of fresh juice while having their pamper.
Everyone deserves a little pampering, and seniors are no exception. Spa treatments, either at home or at the salon, aren’t just about looking good—they can help reduce stress, foster a sense of connection, and boost a senior’s confidence.

08/09/2025

BILL AND SUE

This afternoon Activity Coordinator Michelle took Bill the bunny to visit someone he has a very special bond with. They went to visit Sue.

Sue adores Bill and calls him “Billy Boy” and Bill adores Sue just as much. Bill is a fairly lively and feisty little thing, however when he spends time with Sue he calms and settle quickly.

Sue loves petting him and combing her hands through his ears and fur. After some very well received pets Bill flopped on his side, another clue that he is comfortable with her, and had a little snooze.

Bill reminds Sue of one of her previous pets, not a rabbit but a cat, “They have the same markings and mannerisms,” said Sue

Animal therapy has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing stress, loneliness, and symptoms of depression and anxiety in seniors. It can also help increase serotonin and endorphin levels while lowering cortisol, leading to improved mental health and overall well-being.

02/09/2025

This afternoon our activity coordinator Michelle visited Margaret in her room. Margaret was starting to do the crossword in the daily newspaper. Margaret loves to do the crossword and does it every single day.

Margaret was a little stuck with the cross word today and asked Michelle for some help. The pair sat and worked out the clues and Margaret filled it in. Together, with the help of google they finally got the last answer and completed the crossword.

Margaret was thrilled to have finished the crossword and thanked Michelle for helping and spending time with her.

Recent studies have identified a number of health benefits daily crossword puzzles can have on an individual, especially the elderly. Many studies find the same results: solving crosswords puzzles later in life is associated with delayed onset of memory decline in those who develop dementia.
These findings can be a great way to inform elderly care and nursing home activities across the UK.
Here are some of the top health benefits crosswords offer:
1. Reduce Stress
Elderly people can often face a number of stresses in their daily life. These can range from their financial situation to social or medical challenges they may experience along the way. Crosswords and other such puzzles (e.g. word searches) can offer a valuable way to relax. Taking these little breaks from the world can help people feel calmer and happier.
2. Preserving Memory And Function
Some researchers have found that those who regularly do crosswords have the brain strength of someone 10 years younger than themselves. The consistent challenge of solving these puzzles provide many cognitive benefits.
Here are some ways to challenge yourself:
• Increasing the size and/or difficulty of the puzzle regularly
• Timing yourself as you solve the crossword
• Using fewer materials to help you solve
3. Sharpening The Brain
One of the biggest benefits of crossword puzzles for everyone including the elderly is the way it can build vocabulary. This involves forming new neural connections. This leisurely stimulation of the brain brought on by crossword puzzles is largely advantageous in preventing the onset of dementia with a stronger ageing brain.
4. Nostalgia Boosts
Dementia experts state that nostalgia is one of the most powerful tools to maintaining a healthy brain. Revisiting the past strengthens neural connections in the brain whilst also boosting happiness. Crosswords puzzles encourage people to revisit memories for answers. Once retrieved, the connection associated with the word and memory strengthen and contribute to a healthier brain.
5. Keeping You Social
This may seem strange when crossword puzzles are supposed to be solved yourself. However, solving crosswords with friends and family can improve social bonds through fun and conversation. Social connections help you live longer and improve your quality of life. So grab a cup of tea and get solving with friends!

01/09/2025

Last week Pat has had a wonderful week spent with family. Her son William and his family had been visiting from Bristol and had visited Pat to spend time with her every day.

Pat has been to coffee shops, the deep, museums and galleries and had thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her son, daughter in law and grandchildren.

To top off the week’s visit, Pat’s granddaughter wanted to surprise Pat with her prom dress. Whilst pat was enjoying coffee and cake in the café bar her granddaughter disappeared off to change into the stunning dress.

Pat was so so happy to see her in the dress. “Isn’t it beautiful” said Pat. Michelle said “Pat you never told me your granddaughter was a princess” to which Pat replied “Shhh it's a bit of a secret”

Pat and her granddaughter discussed the dress, how pretty it was and why she had chosen green. “It suits you, it is beautiful just like you” Said Pat “And the colour is just perfect for your hair”

There was lots of spinning, smiling and laughs of joy from Pat as she marvelled at how beautiful her beloved granddaughter was!

28/08/2025

This week Mark, his Wife Mel and Daughter Rosie had a family day out. The trip out to Middle Lane nursery which is owned by Rosie's friend.

Whilst there they decided to buy some rose bushes for the home garden. Rosie's friend also kindly donated some more rose bushes.

Once they had returned to the home it was time to et planting. Mark took charge and happily dug the holes which was quite hard work because the ground was hard and full of rocks. Mark and his family persevered and manged to get them planted nicely around the seating areas.

Many of the residents have already commented on how much of a welcome edition the roses are to our garden.

We would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to Mark, Mel, Rosie and the owner of Middle Lane Nursery of the kind floral gift that will be enjoyed for years too come.

28/08/2025

This afternoon was our weekly Scrabble club.

Ann, Gavin, Kathleen Rash, Charlie Pat and Michelle met in the café bar to play.

Scrabble, a classic board game, has long been a favourite among people of all ages. For seniors, it offers more than just entertainment; it serves as a tool for cognitive enhancement and social engagement. This game, which involves forming words from individual letter tiles, challenges players to think critically and strategically, making it an ideal pastime for older adults looking to keep their minds sharp.
Engaging in Scrabble can help seniors maintain mental agility, improve vocabulary, and even enhance memory. Beyond the cognitive benefits, playing Scrabble with friends or family members fosters social connections, providing a sense of community and belonging. This article explores the myriad benefits of Scrabble for seniors, offering insights into how this game can be a valuable addition to their daily routine.

Activity coordinator Gavin and Ann played on one team, Kathleen and HCA Rash on another, Pat and activity coordinator Michelle formed the next team and champion Scrabble player Charlie played solo.

Over the course of the afternoon the group played 2 games. The first was won by Pat, with the help of Michelle and the second was won by Ann with the help of Gavin.

St Mary's Chanterlands Care Home

15/09/2025

12/09/2025

12/09/2025

12/09/2025

10/09/2025

10/09/2025

08/09/2025

08/09/2025

02/09/2025

01/09/2025

28/08/2025

28/08/2025

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