On Tuesday the 29th of June Hazel End was transported to their very own immersive Wimbledon experience, in celebration of the oldest tennis tournament in the world. The lifestyle team created a ‘Henman Hill’ extravaganza in the Hazel End communities, with themed bunting, tennis decorations and a screen to watch the matches on. The first televised airing of the championships dates back to June 1937, when it was first shown on BBC 1.

Residents were greeted with a Pimm’s reception in the afternoon as the games commenced. The whole team at Hazel End got involved with the day, as kitchen staff laid on a delicious British spread, fit for Wimbledon Royalty. This included freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, finger sandwiches and chocolate covered strawberries. One resident said ‘What a lovely idea, the scones were the best I have ever tasted! I can’t stop eating them!’ 

Throughout the afternoon residents engaged in tennis themed games in a bid to win some prizes. One resident said ‘The tennis games were so much fun I didn’t realise how much I was using my body until the next day. I think it must have been the balloon tennis. It felt so good to move my body and have a laugh with it.’ Another favourite of the games was tennis cups, where residents had to test their aim throwing balls into cups filled with prizes. One resident commented ‘It is so much fun, I like to try and get involved with everything the girls put on as they try so hard, it always ends in a giggle.’

Wimbledon was the perfect excuse to bring everyone together, whether you followed the tennis or not, residents and staff could not help but watch the matches and cheer.

Louise, Deputy Manager said ‘What a wonderful afternoon with brilliant company. It was lovely to watch the residents enjoy themselves and engage in the activity. The room looked amazing, and the food was scrumptious too! A really splendid afternoon enjoyed by all.’ 

George, Lifestyle Manager added ‘Wimbledon has been a big part in a lot of the residents’ lives, as after all it has been running for so long! It did not matter if you liked tennis or not, everyone was smiling and enjoying it, whether just enjoying the scones and Pimm’s or following the game, there was something for everyone and all interests and abilities. The feedback from families has been wonderful too, we look forward to the day when they can be part of it too!’

Hazel End are focused on delivering high quality, person-centred care. Our varied and engaging activity programme is structured around resident interest and history, ensuing every person living with us has a meaningful lifestyle. Hazel End is welcoming new residents, to book your socially distanced visit or for more information please contact 01279 925388 or email info@halcyoncarehomes.co.uk