Kent Care Homes Take Residents Down Memory Lane with a Nostalgic Throwback to the Iconic 1969 Woodstock Festival

Two Kent care homes recently treated their residents to a rock ‘n’ roll themed party based on the iconic Woodstock Festival of 1969 – celebrating the music of the day and the ‘spirit of peace and unity’ with an array of 1960’s themed games and festivities.

Hengist Field Care Centre and Woodstock Residential Care Centre in Sittingbourne joined forces for the throwback party, hosting celebrations within the grounds of Hengist Field. As part of Nellsar, a care group with homes across Kent, Surrey and Essex, staff, residents and families from both homes were invited to join in the fun.

The event saw residents get stuck into decorative arts and crafts, including making bracelets, necklaces, flower headbands and tie-dye art to really capture that 60s spirit. The party also saw the staff and management getting dressed up for the occasion, with many donning brightly coloured outfits with colourful tops, headbands, and coloured glasses – all ready to ‘get groovy’. Residents’ tastebuds were then treated by Hengist Field Chef Johnny, and Woodstock Chef Sebastian, who came in to cook an array of US-themed culinary delights and BBQ food.

The crux of the event centred on reinstating the message of unity and peace that the original Woodstock Festival promoted, and was a huge success with a fantastic atmosphere. The afternoon was kicked off by local singer, Rob T, who got people singing and dancing to 60s classics, before residents enjoyed games of Tin Can Alley, Coconut Shy and even Bra Pong.

Commenting on the day, a resident of the home said:
“The positive atmosphere around the party was amazing. You could really see how hard the staff worked to organise it and make sure there was something for everyone.”

Neli Koleva, Manager at Hengist Field Care Centre, said:
“Our residents and their families complimented us on hosting such a wonderful event, which gave us a fantastic feeling. It was lovely to see the smiles on residents’ faces and seeing everyone get involved. It took everyone back down memory lane and was a day of great happiness with attendees really embracing the spirit of the 60s.”

Roz Kelly, Manager at Woodstock Residential Care Centre, said:
“Our residents loved this day out and all the fun they had preparing for it. They were really excited to go out to the event, and WOW, what a great time they had once there! Our relatives’ feedback was great and all the staff had a really good time too – they really enjoyed it and were so glad that everyone’s hard work was such a success.”