Hickathrift House care home in Marshland St James goes down under for Australia Day

Residents at Hickathrift House Care Home in Marshland St James enjoyed all things Antipodean in celebration of Australia Day including a legendary ‘bush tucker’ trial.

They took part in Australian-themed activities throughout the day including a virtual trip down under including a tour of Sydney Opera House, throwing boomerangs, and learning about the aboriginal people which everyone really enjoyed.

The favourite activity of the day was, however, a bush tucker trial tasting, themed on the gameshow ‘I’m a celebrity…get me out of here’, complete with exotic-themed snacks.

The tasting afternoon was hosted by the home’s newest Duke of Edinburgh volunteer, Olly, and head of activities, Kat Colangelo.

Paula Melerski, the home’s general manager, said: “We’ve all had a brilliant day learning about all the wonderful things to see and do down under. Residents were able to reminisce about shared memories and previous trips to Oz as well as share stories of relatives in Australia. It has made us all long for some sunshine and a trip to the beach.

It was lovely for staff, residents, and volunteers to join in the games. We all had great fun.”

Audrey, a 100-year-old resident at Hickathrift House commented: “I have always wanted to go to Australia so this was the next best thing, we visited all kinds of wonderful places and I especially enjoyed the bush tucker trial tasting session. Unfortunately, I got anchovies, but it’s been a brilliant day.”