Care home residents in Newcastle discussed changes in society and enjoyed afternoon tea in a session entitled Cake and Culture this week.
St Catherine’s activities coordinator, Richard Dobinson, had organised the event which involved sharing reminiscences about trades, shops, society, and home life from the Victorian era up to recent times to mark International Respect for Older People’s Day.
Residents remembered Newcastle department stores like Bainbridges, Fenwicks and Callers through the decades and discussed artefacts Richard had on display. They heard about characters in local folk songs and stories and talked about diets and nutrition – with everyone agreeing to a shared dislike of taking cod liver oil! At the event this week residents enjoyed a much more palatable offering of cupcakes instead.
Richard has a new programme of events and activities planned for the autumn and winter season at St Catherine’s which is sure to keep residents entertained.