Children from Walberton and Binsted Church of England Primary School had an exciting visit to Walberton Place Care Home. They were tasked with burying a time capsule, designed to give future generations a glimpse of life in 2019. Residents at the newly opened care home in the village of Walberton welcomed twelve children aged 5 to 12 to their home where they enjoyed a tour and refreshments.
As part of their visit the children were also given the honour of naming the Walberton Place stag, a statue that stands proudly at the front of the care home. People visiting the home for the recent open day were asked to make suggestions for the name, as well as on the home’s Facebook page. The voting was very close, but with just one vote in it, children voted for ‘Walbi’ as their favourite.
The children who are all part of the School Council started their visit with a tour of the home and enjoyed learning about the dementia friendly features around the home. Some of the children were already ‘Dementia Friends’ having attended a session at the school hosted by Peter Rolt, Customer Relations Manager at Walberton Place, a few months ago. The children were particularly impressed with the cinema room and ‘Horse & Jockey’ pub, where they even had a go at pulling a pint.
The tour stopped off at the ‘OMi Table’, an interactive projection system featuring games, music and social activities designed to engage and motivate all generations. The children then enjoyed a drink and home-made biscuits in the garden café, where Year 6 student Eloise entertained residents with her beautiful piano playing. They showed residents and staff what they’d be putting into the time capsule and enjoyed listening to the biographies of residents which were also included in the capsule.
“The visit was a great success” said Home Manager, Cheryl Rolt “The children had all taken time to write about themselves and their families, including what they enjoyed doing and their
favourite pets and toys. It was a fantastic opportunity to bring young and old from across the generations together, we’ve already arranged for them to come back to see us soon”
The time capsule was buried by the children and placed next to the statue of ‘Walbi’ the stag at the front of the care home. The children plan to return to Walberton Place later in the term to perform music and drama for residents. The care home staff team will also be going to the school to hold more Dementia Friends session with the children.
