wheHerald Lodge Residents Step Back in Time for a Medieval Day Out
Residents at Herald Lodge care home in Coventry enjoyed a day out with a difference last week when they visited the medieval Coombe Abbey in Binley. They were treated to an extravagant afternoon tea experience in the luxurious surroundings of the historical building.
Coombe Abbey was founded in 1150AD as the Abbey of Cumbe. The idea to visit came from a Social Committee Meeting at the home, where some residents reminisced about enjoying picnics with their families in the grounds of the Abbey. Coombe Abbey is now a 4-star hotel and on arrival residents were whisked through the stunning medieval cloisters to their very own private afternoon tea in the Harrington Suite.
Residents commented that they were treated like Royalty, as they indulged in an amazing array of cakes and sandwiches, with tea served in traditional tea pots and china cups. All this brought by their own personal waitress on beautifully laid tables with crisp linen table clothes and soft classical music to enhance the atmosphere. The tea and conversation flowed until it was time to leave, but before setting off, residents were treated to a tour of the unique building. Blanche Dawson, who has been living at Herald Lodge since August 2015 and was one of the residents who enjoyed the afternoon tea at Coombe Abbey, said: “I have never been to Coombe Abbey before but I had heard lots about it. It is a wonderful place and was a real thrill for me to visit. I can’t thank everyone enough for taking me out to such a lovely place for tea”.
Ideal Carehomes, which operates Herald Lodge, has recently employed Regional Activities Executives in a bid to revolutionise care home life. Residents who live at Herald Lodge can expect to take up new hobbies or pursuits and enjoy regular diverse trips out. Jean Simpson, Home Manager at Herald Lodge, said “The great activities schedule is having such a positive impact on our residents and the amazing trips out are the icing on the cake. We are really keen to make many happy memories for our residents at Herald Lodge – we love to hear their ideas and if we can make it happen, we will!”
Herald Lodge provides residential and dementia care for 42 local older people. Through a varied programme of activities, highly nutritious food and inspirational spaces, the home provides residents with person-centred care, creating aspirational lifestyle choices. After the amazing trip to Coombe Abbey, the residents are already deciding where they would like to visit next!
