Celebrating life at Barchester

 What a wonderful afternoon of delicious canapes, Pimm's, prosecco and cocktails. The sun was definitely shining and we thankfully stayed nice and cool while we were entertained by the duo. 
We were joined by the local community, residents and relatives.
Thank you so much to all those who attended, we had a blast. 

Wow what an incredible afternoon we had when we took one of our residents to play golf. 
But this wasn't just any old game of golf, this was a very memorable reminder of time spent with her husband. Winnie's husband was Brian Huggett MBE. 
Brian was a very successful professional golfer, playing on many tours including the Ryder cup. It's fair to say that golf was a part of their life together and Winnie has fond memories of joining him on the golf course and becoming a keen golfer herself. 
Since moving to Hazel Lodge after Brian's passing, Winnie has talked about her golfing days with Brian with huge fondness. We contacted our local golf club Beauport Park Golf and Country Club who kindly invited us to join them with a guided visit around their course. Winnie was absolutely fantastic and definitely beat our Administrator Matthew who challenged Winnie to a game....and lost! 
Winnie would very much like to come back and work on her game, she was so very happy for the opportunity to play again. 
Thank you so much Beauport and Roger. You were all so kind with your time. 

We recently held first Dementia Disco at Hazel Lodge . Dementia Disco is a proven way of connecting people living with dementia to a time in their lives which was special to them. By playing selective songs from their past, such as wedding songs, a favourite band they saw live or a song they used to sing at the top of their lungs with their girlfriends, it transports them to this time. The impact of music on all of us is magical. 
We all had such a fun afternoon dancing and singing away. We were joined by many of our team , including Head Chef Guy, senior carers Megan and Marie and Megan our activities coordinator. Thank you to senior carer Rose and her husband mark, who were our DJs 

We had such a lovely time visiting Digby’s Café at Sherburn Aero Club! Sitting by the window with a hot cup of coffee and watching the planes take off and land was so relaxing. It was great to get out in the fresh air, enjoy a change of scenery, and have a good chat with friends. We’re already looking forward to our next trip!

Residents and staff dressed to impress, donned their best hats, studied the form and had their bets at the ready for Royal Ascot, which ran from 17^th – 21^st June.

Residents and staff got together to watch the races, and also celebrated in true Royal Ascot fashion by having a glass of Pimm’s and afternoon tea and taking part in a sweepstake and dressing up in Royal Ascot fashions.  

Residents and guests at Mill Court care home in Shalford, Surrey enjoyed an afternoon of grins with a live music performance that took place at the home. Local D-Day Dollies performed a selection of songs from the residents childhoods, bringing back powerful memories.

Residents joined in with the singing, and clapped along as the group performed the songs that shaped a generation known for its strength and resilience. The hospitality team at the home also provided a spread of sweet and savoury treats for guests to enjoy during the show.

Residents from Mill Court care home in Shalford recently enjoyed a refreshing summer outing. With clear blue skies and warm sunshine, this trip provided a welcome opportunity for fresh air, conversation and connection with nature.

The panoramic views of Box Hill really were the perfect backdrop for the delicious picnic that everybody enjoyed. The weather truly delivered, making the visit to this amazing spot an unforgettable one.

Residents from Mill Court care home in Shalford were filled with joy during their visit to the beach at Southsea. They were able to spend a joyful day in the glorious summer weather, all whilst enjoying fish and chips and a beautiful ocean view.

Residents really made the most of every moment on this trip, the fish and chips lunch was followed by a leisurely stroll along the seafront which even led to a few of them fishing. The trip ended with the savouring of freshly whipped ice cream in the sunshine.

We've partnered with Wells Community Network to offer residents free rides around our beautiful city on a battery-assisted Trishaw – a rickshaw-style tricycle piloted by trained volunteers.

The initiative has been a great hit, with residents enjoying fresh air, local scenery, and cheerful waves from passers-by. Resident Jane shared, “It was great fun – we felt part of the city and community,” while Joy said, “It was really enjoyable. More people should take the opportunity.”

General Manager Meg Cleal said, “These rides are more than just outings – they bring moments of connection, happiness, and belonging. This is just one of many meaningful activities offered at Crandon Springs, where life is full, engaging, and community focused."

The Trishaw Project, which is operated by the Wells Community Network and supports those with mobility challenges and helps reduce isolation, completed over 120 outings in its first year.

This morning was buzzing with excitement as Chris from ZooLabs came by with an array of fascinating creatures, leaving residents on the edge of their armchairs! Chris, who seems to have a PhD in all things creepy crawly, dazzled everyone with his vast knowledge and answered questions easily.

The showcase kicked off with Casper, the albino snake, who could easily reach a whopping 5ft in the wild! Then, we met Elvis the tarantula, who had everyone doing a double-take when it turned out she’s actually female! Chris enlightened us on the fact that there are over 50,000 different types of spiders. And while they may have a multitude of eyes, they are essentially blind! So if you ever encounter a spider, don’t worry, it ‘can’t’ see you!

Next up was Brian the Landsnail, who was not just slow but incredibly curious, showing off his dazzling shell while saying a friendly “hello!” James the cockroach made a surprise cameo, and finally, we were greeted by the charming lizard known as Honey, who could charm the socks off anyone!

Residents left the event with big smiles, exclaiming, “What a great way to spend the morning! We love ZooLab and can’t wait for their next visit—we even got to meet a real spider this time!”

Our Activities Team is on a mission to ensure that we organise events that not only entertain but also invite our residents to share these moments with their families and friends at Brampton View. Our home is always open to loved ones who want to join in on our life enrichment program—after all, what’s better than bonding over critters and laughs?

We welcomed a new entertainer Ronan into Iris Court. 

Ronan entertained us with songs throughout the decades, and made sure to encourage all  of our ladies and gents to join him for a dance with us getting up on our feet or grooving in our chairs. 

Ronan took us on a journey of music from the 1920's with some of our favourite classic songs. 

One thing we love at Iris Court as part of our life enrichment programme is hosting live musical entertainment and to be able to encourage all of our residents to join together, cherish special moments. Whilst enjoying each others company and making last friendships.

We always welcome our local community into join us for these events along with family and friends to celebrate life and those special moments together.

Barchester’s second ‘Now That’s What I Call a Music’ Quiz took place on 25th June 2025 when Spen Court 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 musical maestros.  

From melodical mindbenders and toe tapping teasers to chronological brain-puzzlers and sing-a-long sleuthing, the homes battled it out to find out who would prevail.

Staff and residents alike at the Exmouth care home, Raleigh Manor were treated to a unique visit from new Exmouth based pony therapy company, Tiny Hooves.  Minnie, the miniature Shetland pony was the celebrity guest and the smiles and cuddles flowed!
"It is  not often you see a pony stepping out of the lift at Raleigh Manor” said Acting General Manager Skye Jones “The look on residents faces as Minnie stepped out to greet them was just priceless.”
 

Another busy day at Hilton, where our residents took part in an exercise session with Coach Warren.

Once again, Warren's enthusiasm was contagious and the residents were fully engaged. These sessions help keep our residents active and give them the opportunity to stretch their muscles.

One of our residents, Gill, always looks forward to it and it is a personal highlight for her.

A big thank you to Warren for giving our residents another great experience. 

As part of Volunteers Week, residents and team members hosted a special lunch and were delighted to welcome the Chair of Laverstock & Ford Parish Council, Councillor Laura Jones and Councillor Nick Baker who is also our Wiltshire Councillor, to share in our celebrations. Following a heartfelt message from Nick about the important role of volunteers in our communities, Chair Laura presented all the volunteers present with a certificate and a small token of our appreciation for all they do here at Milford House.

We are truly grateful to all our volunteers and the varied ways in which they support Milford and our residents and, judging by the chat and laughter around the table, a good time was had by all! Thank you to everyone who took time out of their busy day to come, and a special mention to our chef team and Glenys and Jane who put everything together and created such a wonderful celebration.

We started the day here recognising all of our gentlemen, presenting each with a special Father's Day gift on behalf of us all here at Mulberry Court.

Then it was time to be entertained by popular vocalist, Nikki Humberstone, with a medley of hits including 'the locomotion'.

I'm the 'King of the swingers' from the Jungle Book and many more to our full lounge! We hope all of our gents have enjoyed their day.

As part of getting Barchester Moving Week, the residents enjoyed a week of fun physical games and a visit from Rise Sports to teach us to play seated cricket. 

The residents really enjoyed the chance to get physical and have fun at the same time. They really enjoyed the cricket as it was quite competitive, and we had our resident Ken winning man of the match. 

Hi, I’m Barchy, and I am the Mascot here at Westvale House. My role is to Bring Smiles and Happiness to our residents and families, to promote independence and social engagement.

I joined the team in June 2025 and by far the best part of the role is getting to know our residents and their families.

Barchy has brought so many smiles to Westvale house already, and we look forward to many more to come.

Our residents were delighted to get out on the Solent on Sunday morning in the sunshine. The clouds had parted, and the wonderful charity running boat, the Alison MacGregor, set sail! The residents at the Cedars had a fantastic time taking in the sights of Southampton’s busy shipping lanes and then into the calm waters with beautiful swans, black and white, along the river and up to the mill at BItterne. 

One resident wanted to be the skipper and, with the help of the staff on board, she was able to steer the boat calmly back to the boat’s home in Hythe Marina.

There’s nothing quite like a good pamper session – our lovely ladies couldn’t agree more. Many of them once enjoyed a regular trip to the salon, so we brought the experience that they loved so much to them.

From relaxing treatments to a fresh blow-dry, it was a day of well-deserved indulgence that brought back fond memories sitting in the salon chair and being truly cared for.

It’s these thoughtful touches that help our residents feel confident, relaxed, and right at home.

When Pat and Ann shared their love of baking, we knew it was time to get the rolling pins out. Together, we made a batch of delicious jam tarts – a sweet treat that brought back fond memories of baking for their loved ones.

It’s moments like these that turn simple activities into something special, making Kingswood Court feel truly like a home.

At Kingswood Court, we’re always looking for ways to enhance the everyday for our residents – and our latest addition has done that. We’re delighted to share that we’ve recently opened our very own bar, nestled alongside our inviting ground floor café and restaurant.

Since its opening, the new space has quickly become a favourite gathering spot for many of our residents. Everyone has been enjoying freshly cooked meals from the kitchen, refreshing drinks, and the opportunity to socialise in a relaxed, stylish setting. 

For our residents, these shared dining experiences go far beyond food and drink. They create moments of joy, connection, and familiarity – the kind of meaningful moments we believe make the difference.

We celebrated Father's Day with a pop-up pub event! On Sunday, June 15, we treated residents and their families to a special lunch, before transforming part of the home into 'The Kings Park Arms'.

Residents and relatives enjoyed a selection of drinks including Guinness and cider, along with traditional bar snacks. There was also a snooker competition and darts match. One relative said the 'snooker table made Bert's day'

What a memorable Tuesday it was for our residents! David McFegan brought a captivating live music show that took everyone on an incredible journey through three decades of musical hits, filling the room with an infectious excitement!

David effortlessly navigated through the eras, from the lively dances of the 1940s to the timeless classics of the 1970s, his silken voice serenading our residents with each note. The atmosphere was steeped in nostalgia, with soft harmonies that evoked tales of love and laughter from a bygone era.

Live musical entertainment is one of the cornerstones of our life enrichment program, and we are committed to enhancing the experience. By involving residents in selecting genres and gathering feedback after each performance, we continually strive to improve our activities calendar, ensuring that everyone’s preferences are taken into account.