Celebrating life at Barchester

Residents at Newton House care home in Grantham have been enjoying a week full of fun, friendship and meaningful moments as part of National Activities Week, celebrating the importance of wellbeing, engagement and connection in later life.

Along with planning and delivering activities, they also create smiles, memories, and deliver laughter each day, making every day brighter whilst celebrating life at Newton House. 

In order to support ex-servicemen and women in the local community, Meadowbeck launched a new, monthly veterans’ café which The Lord Mayor – Martin Rowley attended for its grand opening on Tuesday 27 January, it was lovely to see some SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity members, as well as representatives from the York Army Museum, who brought along a selection of artefacts for everyone to view. 

Staff and residents joined fellow keen quizzers from over 260 Barchester care homes and hospitals across the whole of the UK, including Wales, Scotland, Jersey and the Isle of Wight, to put their collective general knowledge to the test.

The first Barchester Big Quiz of the Year took place on 28^th January 2026 when the Cedars got super competitive and took on its sister homes from all over the country to find out which Barchester home or hospital had the best quizzers.  From historical humdingers and musical musings to pictorial puzzlers and connective conundrums, the homes battled it out to find out who would prevail.

Bere Grove Care Home become a craft centre today, with the table bursting with craft bits and pieces as residents put on the their creative hats to make bookmarks. They were full of enthusiasm and intrigued by each others designs as they added glitter, sparkles, ribbon, feathers, beads and so much more to their masterpieces. Each and every bookmark was unique and they were all very proud of what they created. They will add a touch of excitement to any book.

My heart's in the Highlands, my heart is not here; My heart's in the Highlands a-chasing the deer."
Our resident's enjoyed a delicious Scottish themed lunch courtesy of our talented Head Chef, Becky, accompanied by celtic melodies live on the piano. What a treat! 
Joy who hails from Scotland congratulated Becky on her authentic Scottish fayre!

We recently celebrated Burns Night at our home with a wonderful day full of Scottish tradition and enjoyment. Residents were treated to a delicious Scottish-themed meal, including classic favourites that everyone really enjoyed. The home was beautifully decorated with Scottish flags, helping to create a warm and festive atmosphere.

We were also joined by a fantastic entertainer who sang a variety of traditional Scottish songs, which many residents recognised and sang along to. A special highlight of the day was a visit from a Scottish bagpiper, whose music filled the home and brought lots of smiles. It was a memorable celebration that everyone appreciated and talked about afterwards.