A Welcoming & Friendly Community
Avalon Court Care Home in Coventry nurtures an atmosphere of care and companionship, drawing residents from across the West Midlands region. The home is close to various interesting local attractions, including the Herbert Art Gallery, British Motor Museum, Coventry Cathedral, Coombe Abbey and the Motor Bike Museum. The Avalon Court minibus is often out and about on an adventure, and a wide range of events and activities are all part of a supportive lifestyle that helps residents live life to the full.
A Centenarian Celebration
On Thursday 12th October, Avalon Court hosted a prestigious centenarian event for six residents who had recently marked milestone birthdays. Edna (100), Joan (100), Barbara (100), Dorothy (101), Masie (102) and Claire (103) were delighted to receive a visit from the Lord Mayor and Mayoress of Coventry, who presented them with handmade cards and gifts.
Together, they enjoyed afternoon tea prepared by Head Chef Lindsey, including fruit tarts, homemade biscuits, and scones. Lindsey brought her grandmother’s vintage tea service in for the occasion. Harpist Audrey Douglas gently played music as residents and guests read beautiful life storyboards whilst viewing hand-sketched photographs of residents in their youth as part of a display created by Well-being Co-ordinator Alannah. Speaking of the day, resident Dorothy stated, “This surpassed my expectations and was a day to remember. Thank you for organising this special event.”
Ready Steady Cook
Continuing their fun-packed calendar of activities and events, staff and residents at Avalon Court took part in a ‘healthy heart week’ devised by resident Sue, who is passionate about living a healthy lifestyle. As part of the week, Home Manager Rachael proposed a ‘Ready Steady Cook’ style event, with Well-being and Activities Assistant Paul and Home Trainer Phil chosen to be the chefs.
Residents were part of either the Green Pepper or Red Tomato teams, with each team having 15 minutes to prepare, cook and serve their dishes, cheered on by residents in the audience. Phil (Green Pepper Team) received the popular audience vote with his chicken and vegetable stir fry served on a bed of potato gnocchi and stuffed peppers, and Paul (Red Tomato team) received the judges’ vote for his stuffed steamed peppers, ratatouille, and pan-fried smoked tofu with fanned avocado. The event was a great success; one relative who participated stated, “It was wonderful; my mum thoroughly enjoyed it.
Drama Divas
When Kay Stone, Well-being and Activities Co-ordinator at Avalon Court, began her role almost seven years ago, she discovered many residents had a keen interest in drama. Some had taught drama during their careers, whilst others had never performed before. Kay established the ‘Drama Divas’, teaching a variety of acting, movement and physical theatre techniques each Wednesday and encouraging residents to add their own creative flair.
Each year, the group rehearse and perform their own productions; this year was ‘Oliver’. Sadly, staff and residents at Avalon Court lost some very special fellow residents who were part of the drama group. After switching characters and learning new lines and acting techniques, the group dedicated their play to the late Ned O’Neil, Shelia Cresswell, Jean O’Brien and Peter Cochrane.
This year’s performance was a huge success and incorporated melodrama, comedy, contemporary and innovative acting and movement elements. The audience thoroughly enjoyed themselves, commenting on how incredible it was to see residents perform and showcase their skills. One relative made a speech, stating, “What an achievement this was for residents, Kay, and her team. It brought a tear to my eye.”
Resident Dudley, who played Mr Brownlow, explained, “I had so much fun and made sure I performed well for my dear friend Ned, who would be so proud of me.” Ned’s family were honoured to see Well-being and Activities Assistant Paul take on their late father’s character, Fagin.
Speaking of the day, Kay said, “I am so very proud of the Drama Divas and the staff team for their commitment, hard work and dedication. The talent and creativity of our residents shone through in their performance. We are looking forward to starting work on our next play – Peter Pan!”
Resident Jean’s Wish
Jean has resided at Avalon Court for two years, moving to the home after losing her beloved husband, Bernard. She enjoys taking part in the busy calendar of activities and events at the home and has made several new friends. Jean has many visitors, including her longest friend, Ray Terry, an ex-Korean war veteran who served alongside Jean’s late husband.
During one of Terry’s visits on Armistice Day, Jean said she would like to find Bernard’s Amy cap, as it was lost before she moved to Avalon Court. Senior Carer Fay mentioned this to Home Trainer Phil, an army veteran. To Jean’s delight, Phil obtained a replacement cap and gave it to Jean at Christmas. Jean explained, “I’m most grateful to Ray, Fay and Phil for making my wish come true. It is a most special gesture.”
