Staff, residents, relatives and the local community are coming together at Hickathrift House Care Home in Wisbech to celebrate Black History Month with an array of activities and events throughout October.
To begin the celebrations, on October 5, the home held a Caribbean party with the local entertainer the Banjo Man.
The banjo originated from descendants of African and Caribbean heritage. Everyone enjoyed listening to this unique instrument and sang along with each other over some pina colada cocktails.
Since then, Hickathrift House care home has hosted a variety of activities to celebrate and raise awareness for Black History Month.
These have included watching Hidden Figures as part of their film club, discussing famous influencers in the home’s monthly history club and an interactive talk with Rhiannon Watkinson from the RAF Museum London.
Residents and staff explored the fascinating lives of some incredible African and Caribbean personnel too.
They discovered the story of the first Black pilot who trained and flew for Britain, took in the trials and triumphs of a female Second World War instrument repairer and marvelled at a modern-day fighter pilot’s journey from Woolwich to earning his wings.
These activities were enjoyed by all and offered an opportunity to learn more about a different culture.
Richard, a resident at Hickathrift House and an engineer expressed how much he had enjoyed the Hidden Figures film as it was part of history he never knew existed. This created several deep discussions within the group.
Elsie, a Hickathrift House resident, said: “I love history. It’s been incredible to discover what really happened all those years ago and all the brave women and men who fought for themselves and others.”
Joining in with the fun was the general manager of Hickathrift House, Paula Colman, who said: “Celebrating Black History Month has been so well received by the residents and visitors who have joined us.
“It’s ever so important for us all to continue learning, no matter our ages and I feel this has been both fun and informative for us all. A huge success!”
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