Celebrating life at Barchester

Staff, residents, and relatives came together to enjoy a family BBQ that was held in the home’s grounds this last week. 

Staff made everyone feel welcome and were delighted to see different generations having fun together. Visitors enjoyed plenty of refreshments, such as burgers, hot dogs, salad, and refreshing drinks prepared by the catering team, who were hard at work making sure that a great time was had by all – it really was a team effort!

Resident, Phyllis, said, “I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was surrounded by lots of great people, and the refreshments kept flowing. The weather held out until we finished. Staff did a great job, not just on the day, but organising the event and getting everyone together.”

Residents participated in a variety of activities throughout the day designed for a wide range of physical abilities, including a local morning walk, and a fun afternoon of movement to music with lots of dancing with rainbow sticks and colourful scarves in our garden, with the help of refreshing fruit kebabs and infused lime and mint water helper everyone stay cool in the sunshine.

Created to inspire senior-friendly physical activity, the national day was launched to increase awareness of the importance of remaining active to maintain strong, healthy joints and muscles, and to encourage diet and lifestyle changes for an overall improvement to wellbeing, and illness prevention.

Residents spent the day trying out taster sessions for a whole host of different activities, there were group classes such as walking, movement to music, arm chair exercises, and dance classes on offer.

Residents got active for Senior Health and Fitness Day which took place on May 27th. Residents participated in an armchair fitness class held by Louis from The Universal Fitness Centre in Bourne.

Created to inspire senior-friendly physical activity, the national day was launched to increase awareness of the importance of remaining active to maintain strong, healthy joints and muscles, and to encourage diet and lifestyle changes for an overall improvement to wellbeing, and illness prevention.

Residents spent the morning with Louis as he gave an informative talk on the importance of exercising. Followed by a fun exercise class where Louis demonstrated some gentles exercises which residents could continue to do independently or in an exercise group within the home.

Staff and residents went all out for National BBQ Week which is celebrated this year from May 25-31. Residents were invited to pull up a chair and enjoy the beautiful weather with some lovely cold drinks. A whole host of delicious freshly chopped salads and chips made by second chef James and the hospitality team accompanied burgers that had everyone queuing up for more.

Whilst being outside, residents were joined by Amanda - The Singing Gardener. The residents thoroughly enjoyed singing along and tapping their feet. 

There was silence in the dining room, no music, no talking, just pure anticipation as each of the residents waited for more players to arrive.

What started off with four players has slowly progressed to no less than ten players on a weekly basis.
This is a fun session, yet there is also a mystery in the air, a gentle tension surrounding the dining room. 
The eye contact is stern, a gentle knock on the table to let fellow players know they are missing a turn.
As much as we love domino club, we all pause to play for morning tea & cake. The game will continue following refreshments. Dominoes club is a popular part of the weekly activities planner.            

To celebrate International Firefighters’ Day, Reigate Beaumont was delighted to welcome our local firefighters for a special fire safety talk and live demonstration.

Residents thoroughly enjoyed the visit and loved meeting these real-life heroes while learning more about the important work they do to keep our community safe. The firefighters’ dedication, professionalism, and kindness made the day both educational and memorable.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our local fire service for their continued commitment and service to the community.

As the weather improves so do outings. Many residents enjoy going for a gentle stroll down the Greenway, surrounded by greenery, wildlife, horse riders, bike riders, children returning from school and dog walkers. A walk along the Greenway is always a social walk.

Dot stated that she would like to go shopping. We didn’t need asking twice. Off we went, a lovely walk into the town centre, shopping for nail care products so Dot could receive a manicure.

Outings boost mental health, ease feelings of isolation, and support mobility. No matter of the outing, the benefits are brought to every residents, and they bring so much joy.         

We were delighted to welcome John Hedley and his beautiful Guide Dog, Oliver, to Reigate Beaumont.
John shared his inspiring personal journey of losing his sight and spoke about the incredible impact Oliver has had on helping him maintain his independence and confidence. Residents were deeply moved by his story and thoroughly enjoyed meeting both John and Oliver.

It was a privilege to hear such an uplifting talk, and we are incredibly grateful to them for spending time with us.        

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, residents at Reigate Beaumont enjoyed an insightful and supportive Clinical Talk led by Deputy Manager Reeja. The session focused on mental health and wellbeing, offering residents the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and receive valuable advice in a warm and welcoming environment.

The talk encouraged open conversations around mental wellbeing and created a meaningful space where residents felt heard, supported, and informed. It was a truly engaging and beneficial experience for everyone involved.