Celebrating life at Barchester

We started our Christmas celebrations with a rag-wreath-making session led by family and friends. Residents gathered around the tables, choosing fabrics and colours while chatting and enjoying each other’s company. Some got stuck in straight away, while others joined in when they felt ready.

The room was full of gentle laughter and friendly conversation as everyone worked at their own pace. By the end, each resident had made a wreath they could feel proud of.

Later, the wreaths were hung on their doors, bringing a personal and festive touch to the home. It was a simple activity, but it brought people together and helped us all feel the start of Christmas.     

To the entire home’s delight, Play away Intergenerational music classes continue in the home. Here, the residents enjoy “growing down” by playing musical instruments and by making music with household instruments such as wooden spoons and pots! 

They sing familiar songs and interact with the children, having the absolute best time. These are sessions that always leave everyone with a smile. What’s even more special is that the children that have been regularly been attending recognise their friends, the residents. We are getting the privilege of watching them develop and grow.     

We have recently begun hosting Knit and Natter sessions, led by the very talented John Glen. The first session was a great success, whether for those that enjoy knitting and crocheting or just those who love a good blether! John shared stories and reminisced with the residents while working on a project, and the residents that were interested joined in and soon the knitting needles and crochet hooks were busy clacking away. It is so nostalgic to sit in a group and either engage in the knitting or even just to watch, and soon people were sharing stories and laughter as the yarn spun into some lovely creations. 

From stories of learning to knit at a granny’s knee to sharing tales of what we’ve created over the years, it was a lovely experience for all in attendance. For some who were keen knitters in their time but maybe find the task difficult these days, it was lovely to sit in a room of people enjoying the past time, and even to just hold the yarn and needles again. We plan on holding these sessions twice a month, with days of the week and times to vary so that family, friends, and the community can come in and join us for some lovely community time.  

It was all festive and cosy fun as we boarded the mini-bus on a chilly evening to visit Pennyland Primary School’s Christmas market. Pentland View has a special friendship with the students of Pennyland school, who visit the home throughout the year, so we wanted to visit in support of their festive fundraising, in aid of their holiday treat, a trip for the whole school to visit the local cinema. We also went looking forward to some lovely home baking and a warming cuppa, as well, with the aim of doing some of our Christmas shopping! Linda even had the added pleasure of meeting her daughter, Nicole, who joined in on the festive fun. While roaming the market and browsing the lovely local vendors’ stalls, the residents were also delighted to be stopped by the familiar faces of the students who visited the home, who were equally delighted to see their friends visiting their school’s Christmas market. 

It was such a lovely and welcoming atmosphere, made all the more special an experience by the connection shared by the children and the residents. After browsing, some shopping, and fuelling up on lovely cups of tea and coffee, as well as delicious baking, it was time to head back home to get settled in for the night. It was an absolutely lovely way to step in to the holiday season.  

Our cocktail afternoon was a wonderful treat for our residents! 

Our General Manager Shaaron Caratella and chef  Kim went room to room serving delicious, freshly made cocktails, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere. To end the day, group of our residents enjoyed relaxing jazz music together while chatting over delicious cocktails. 

It was a warm, intimate moment filled with conversation, music, and connection—such a lovely way to wrap up our special cocktail afternoon. 

Smiles, laughter, and great flavours made the day truly special, and everyone enjoyed this thoughtful, personalised experience.

We had a heart-warming intergenerational visit today, led by our Activities Coordinator, Tina, who came to the home with her adorable baby. The residents were overjoyed to see the little one, and the atmosphere was filled with tenderness and smiles. Many residents reminisced about their own parenting days and shared gentle words of wisdom with Tina.

The baby’s presence brought emotional comfort, sensory stimulation, and a calming effect to the residents, especially those living with dementia. This visit highlighted the importance of intergenerational connections and how they enrich life within the home.

It was a truly special day, and residents are already looking forward to the next visit!   

Our male residents enjoyed a wonderful afternoon led by Ronnie and his friends. They visited a local bar where they played a game of pool together, and the competitive spirit filled the room. Ronnie proudly showed off his skills, encouraging others and helping them improve their technique.

The session promoted physical movement, coordination, confidence and social bonding among the gentlemen in the home. They shared stories about their younger days, sports experiences, and friendships. It was more than a game, it was a celebration of companionship and wellbeing. The men have already requested another session next month!   

The home buzzed with excitement as residents gathered for our much-loved bingo session. The tables were set, numbers were ready, and friendly competition filled the room. Residents enthusiastically called out their numbers and encouraged one another throughout the game.

Laughter could be heard across the lounge, and many residents shared memories of playing bingo in their younger years. One resident proudly shouted “Bingo!”, and the whole room cheered in celebration. Small prizes were awarded, but the true reward was the sense of connection, inclusion, and enjoyment experienced by everyone who took part.    

This afternoon at Mulberry court we started our Christmas preparations by making some centre pieces for our Christmas tables. 

Residents, families and friends as well as students from local school St. Peters all came together to get crafty, everyone had a lovely afternoon connecting and forming new friendships, as well as creating these lovely trees.