The team at Oaken Holt Care Home in Farmoor chose a novel way of celebrating Halloween with its residents this year: a mysterious whodunnit which took them on a journey through the history of the building they now call home.
Oaken Holt, near Oxford, played host to Dead Herring Events last week, when residents, together with their families and carers, enjoyed an afternoon of mysterious fun. The home’s grand interiors and rural location make it feel like the setting of of an Agatha Christie novel, the perfect location for some Halloween hijinks.
Residents, relatives and staff gathered in the drawing room to kick things off with the first clues, which revolved around a newly discovered Rudyard Kipling poem. Indeed, Kipling was once a regular visitor to the house which is now Oaken Holt Care Home in Farmoor, adding a personalised flavour to proceedings.
The story additionally drew on the true tale of Tudor noblewoman Amy Robsart, whose story is the stuff of local legend in Farmoor. Her mysterious fall down the stairs hundreds of years ago has been a source of speculation ever since.
Oaken Holt’s Home Manager, Pete Watt, said: “It was such a joy to see everyone so involved — residents, families, and staff all together, laughing, thinking, and playing along. It was the perfect Halloween activity — just the right mix of mystery and fun.”
One relative said, “It felt like we’d stepped into our own episode of Midsomer Murders,” while a resident declared, “I know it’s the salesman — it’s always the salesman!”
Thanks to the team at Oaken Holt for planning such a special event this spooky season! To find out more about the care provided at Oaken Holt, contact us today.
