Celebrating life at Barchester

Ahead of Big Garden Birdwatch which starts on Jan 23rd, staff and residents were treated to a talk by nature conservationist, Rob Magee. Specialising in ornithology, Rob has over 20 years’ experience leading conservation projects across Wales.   He previously worked for the RSPB on the ‘Red Kites of Ceredigion’ project in Mid Wales as well as BBC Springwatch at RSPB Ynys-hir Nature Reserve in 2013. He then worked at RSPB Newport Wetlands from 2013 to 2017.

Cadbury Hall proudly hosted its inaugural Veterans Lunch on Monday 10th November, bringing together residents, family members, and honoured guests to celebrate and remember those who have served in the Armed Forces.

Distinguished guests included Rob Lewis and his wife from the Yatton branch of the British Legion, who joined residents in sharing stories, memories, and reflections from service life.

The event was co-hosted by Matthew Harley, Head of Maintenance at Cadbury Hall and an ex-Naval serviceman . Residents from all branches of the armed forces were represented, proudly displaying their medals and photographs, and recounting their personal experiences.

A delicious lunch, prepared by Chef Ross, was enjoyed by all, with family members also joining to mark the occasion. The gathering concluded with a traditional port toast in remembrance of those who have served and continue to serve — and to The King.

Angela Grace, Home Service Advisor who organised and co-hosted the event, said:

“It was an honour to bring everyone together for such a meaningful occasion. The sense of pride, camaraderie, and remembrance was truly special.”

Our Garden Club is proving very popular with James Co ordinating the group and activties they also enjoy trips  to Cadbury Garden Centre to pick up seeds and bulbs, with plenty of time to explore all it has to offer.

There is also time for some shopping at the concession stands, where residents recently  found a variety of lovely items. Suzanne was amazed at how much the centre has expanded and commented on how tastefully decorated it now looks, with so much to feast the eyes on.

She purchased an Aloe Vera plant for her bedroom along with the beautiful book The Secret Garden – a perfect choice.

We cant wait for Spring to see the fruits of James Labour, planning andhard work

Life enrichment activities are a great way to build a sense of community between residents. Today our residents got competitive with some fun filled games with lots of laughs, teamwork and a little friendly rivalry! It’s always wonderful to see everyone so engaged and smiling.

This Remembrance Week, Cadbury Hall proudly celebrated the life and service of one of its most distinguished residents — Mr. Arthur Spencer DFC, aged 104, a Royal Air Force veteran whose bravery and dedication helped shape the course of history.

Arthur’s extraordinary story is captured in his book “A Pathfinder in the Peenemünde Raid,” a first-hand account of his experiences as a navigator with the RAF’s elite Pathfinder Force during the Second World War. He completed 50 operations over Nazi-occupied Europe, including the pivotal Peenemünde Raid — one of the most significant missions of the war.

Now, in the winter of his life, Arthur calls Cadbury Hall his home — a place where his achievements are recognised, his memories honoured, and his spirit continues to inspire both residents and staff.

Arthur’s family shared that they chose Cadbury Hall for its warmth and compassionate care:

“From the moment we walked through the door, we felt an atmosphere of kindness and calm. We knew this was the right place for Dad — somewhere that respects who he is and values the life he’s led.”

Extra Special Visitors and Trips out this December.

Included Cadbury Garden Centre to experience the festive delights.

Handbell rings a first for Cadbury Hall.

One of our therapy dog Gwen and her owner who delights everyone residents and staff alike.

No two days are ever the same with activties to suit everyone 7 days per week.

Cadbury Hall was honoured to welcome MP Tessa Munt and her Parliamentary aide for a special visit, offering them the opportunity to meet with our residents and experience the warmth of our community.

During the visit, they enjoyed meaningful conversations with several remarkable residents, each with an inspiring life story:

• Anne Vincent – a true pioneer lady in the diplomatic service, whose career helped shape pathways for women in international relations.
• Trefor – a talented ballroom dancer and former RAF serviceman, sharing stories full of charm and discipline.
• John Burgess – former Headteacher of Yatton, now proudly celebrating an incredible 101 years of life, with wisdom spanning generations.
• Paul – a respected surgeon and fine linguist, whose knowledge and life experience captivated all present.

The morning was truly special, filled with engaging conversations, warm connections and plenty of refreshments

December at Cadbury Hall was a wonderful celebration of the festive season, bringing together residents, families, and the wider community to share moments of joy, connection, and tradition.

The month was filled with festive highlights, including a much-loved pantomime, seasonal cocktails, and garden centre shopping, where residents enjoyed selecting decorations and embracing the sights and sounds of Christmas. Together, residents and staff decorated the home, creating a warm, welcoming, and festive atmosphere throughout Cadbury Hall.

A variety of Christmas parties filled the home with music, laughter, and cheer, while family days offered valuable opportunities for loved ones to come together and celebrate. Christmas Eve celebrations provided a special time of reflection and togetherness, followed by the excitement of Santa’s visit on Christmas Day and a memorable family Christmas lunch shared by residents and relatives.

Residents also enjoyed enriching cultural and creative experiences, including the Age UK concert at Wells Cathedral, Christmas poetry sessions, festive floristry activities, and a special visit from The Note  Warehouse Orchestra, who performed a beautiful production of The Snowman, creating a truly magical and moving experience for all.

Strong links with the local community remained central to life at Cadbury Hall. Throughout December, residents enjoyed meaningful connections with local groups including the WI, Yatton Library, and Yeo Valley Lions. We were delighted to take part in events hosted by the Methodist Church and St Mary’s Church, and to join in wider community celebrations such as Strawberry Line activities, the local school fete, and the festive Christmas light switch-on.

Intergenerational activities were a particular highlight of the season, bringing together residents and younger members of the community to share stories, creativity, and festive fun, strengthening bonds across generations.

To ensure everyone could take part in the celebrations, we hosted a range of live virtual events, including festive bingo, charades, and a lively New Year’s Eve celebration. The festivities continued into January with a New Year’s Day lunch shared with families, marking a joyful close to the festive season.

Alongside our group activities and celebrations, we remained focused on individual wellbeing and inclusion. Room visits and one-to-one activities were provided to ensure every resident felt engaged and supported throughout the festive period. Residents also benefited from regular functional fitness sessions, including seated exercise, yoga, and Pilates, supporting mobility, confidence, and overall wellbeing in a safe and inclusive way.

We also took time to celebrate what matters most to each individual, marking residents’ birthdays with personalised celebrations, ensuring everyone felt recognised, valued, and celebrated during the festive season.

December at Cadbury Hall truly reflected the spirit of Christmas — a season filled with warmth, celebration, meaningful connections, and person-centred care.