A MELKSHAM-based care home celebrated Japanese and Chinese cultures recently and welcomed in the Chinese New Year with a dragon-featuring evening of celebration.
Residents at Blenheim House, part of the Berkley Care Group, were joined by family and friends for an evening full of fun on Wednesday 7th February.
“Kicking off proceedings was a dazzling dragon parade, led by a 12-metre-long Chinese dragon, created by the residents and staff from paper mâché, fabric, and feather boas in the traditional colours of Chinese New Year,” says a spokesperson for the care home.
“Following the parade, the events team orchestrated a sumo-suit wrestling competition, inviting carers to battle it out with each other in front of a lively crowd of residents in the hopes of winning a variety of prizes, including both vouchers and flowers.
“Such was the appeal of the sumo wrestling event that Clare Hodges, the manager of Blenheim House, even stepped into the ring, reaching the business-end of the competition before losing out in the final to Lisa Garner, a care assistant at the home.
“Guests were treated to a feast featuring chicken chow mein and vegetable spring rolls, presented in banana leaf boats. These were accompanied by an array of beverages, including wine, beer and soft drinks. Chopsticks were also provided for those who could use them while sake shots offered a taste of Japanese culture.
“Festivities continued after the meal, with residents, family and friends encouraged to join in a karaoke cabaret, singing along to all their favourite tunes, both old and new.”
The home also organised a watercolour painting session with local artist Caroline Butler where the residents painted beautiful pictures of lanterns hanging from blossom-covered branches.
Explaining the motivation behind the event, events manager Chris Preston said, “We had done valentine’s day to death over the last few years and thought something different and exciting that combines East Asian culture and cuisine would be a fantastic addition to our schedule at Blenheim.
“Judging by the reaction of residents, it is certainly something that we will be doing again!”
Care home manager and in-house sumo-wrestler, Clare Hodges, said, “It was a real joy to see residents getting stuck into such a great evening of festivities. It is always a pleasure to witness residents, staff and families taking part and enjoying themselves.”
