A knight to remember for care home residents

STAFF and residents at a local care home in Melksham hosted an unforgettable medieval banquet on Wednesday 20th September.  

Inspired by their popular Mystery History sessions, Blenheim House, which is part of the Berkley Care Group, transported its residents, their families and friends back in time to medieval Tudor England, offering an immersive experience filled with food and entertainment. 

“Attendees indulged in a feast that featured malted grain bread, generously topped with a choice of pulled pork or chicken, complemented by an array of forcemeats and fruit stuffings,” said Blenheim House’s general manager, Clare Hodges. “The beverage menu included traditional mead and Golden Sheep Ale, as well as fruity soft drinks, ensuring there was something for everyone. 

“To set the mood, the gathering enjoyed medieval Tudor tunes. There was even a sing-along session of I’m ‘Enri the Eighth I am.” 

The staff organised Tudor Bingo, featuring images of Henry VIII’s wives, musical instruments, historic buildings and more. Participants matched these images from the screen onto their chosen bingo cards, competing for prizes with one-line, two-line and full house victories. 

“Blenheim House has become known for its engaging monthly events which continue to grow in popularity, bringing together residents, families and friends”, added Clare. “Past events have included Caribbean evenings, Drag Bingo and the Christmas Lights switch-on ceremony. 

“One of the most memorable moments of the banquet was when Jon Barber, a friend of the home, won a lady-shaped vase. It was a fitting encore to his previous victory at Drag Bingo, where he claimed the Mankini prize. Our Banquet was truly a remarkable journey through time. We are committed to ensuring that each day is an opportunity for our residents to thrive, engage and celebrate life. The medieval banquet was a testament to this commitment. 

“Our staff’s unwavering commitment to going above and beyond to create exceptional moments for our residents is truly heartwarming. We are immensely proud of our team’s ability to turn ordinary days into extraordinary ones.    

“We look forward to the many more memorable gatherings and experiences that await us at Blenheim House.”