Celebrating life at Barchester

We celebrate life through everything we do, from our thoughtful experiences and activities to our delicious food. We offer the latest technology as well as sensory engagement to nurture the wellbeing of our residents. With a wide variety of tailored activities and events we make sure our residents have the best physical, mental, spiritual and social stimulation, all bespoke to them. Take a look at what we’ve been up to…

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Baking Day

We enjoy all types of activities whether its a trip to the pub, garden centre or an exercise class we make sure we are having meaningful and enjoyable activities.
 

Today we decided to put our hand to baking and so we did just that!

Shepreth Wildlife Reserve

Residents were filled with joy during their visit to Shepreth Wildlife Reserve. Residents were able to see animals from all round the world in person, and had a chance to enjoy watching feeding time. 

Residents were able to spend the day at the zoo, and enjoyed a packed lunch and snacks provided by the home’s hospitality team, and singing songs on the way home on the home’s minibus. 

Anne our Activities Lead “Our residents have really enjoyed their day out at the zoo. Trips out in the homes mini bus are a regular event for the residents, and we always ask for ideas on where they would best like to go. The day was a lot of fun, residents were able to pet certain animals on the day which was quite therapeutic, and we had great weather for the outing.”

Residents enjoy a day by the sea!

Residents boarded the minibus for a wonderful day by the sea, taking in the fresh sea air and enjoying a fish and chip lunch - of course! After a stroll along the promenade residents found room for a cheeky 99 to finish the day. A lovely day was had by all. 

Mythical Creatures at Wells Cathedral

A group of our residents were accompanied to Wells Cathedral recently to see the Mythical Creatures exhibition.
 
We were treated to a wonderful tour of the Cathedral by our highly knowledgeable resident John who is a former Revered. When John retired from service he became a tour guide for the Cathedral, so we were in expert hands and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. 
 
We're lucky to live in such a wonderful city with a rich history, heritage and culture. 

Ice Cream Treat

What a perfect end to a fantastic summer we had, when Abby from Abbys Ice Cream Treats visited us. There were all sorts of ice creams, 99’s, tubs, lollies and knickerbocker glories and a huge selection of flavours. 

Abby brought Nessa, her pink van, and served residents, visitors and staff whatever they liked. Huge thank you, Abby, for adapting your ice cream menu to suit our needs, so everyone could have a special treat.   

Kew Gardens

A resident's wish came true, when a group of residents from Atfield House visited Kew Gardens yesterday. She wished to see the Henry Moore exhibition and yesterday was her day. Her wish came true. We were all delighted to see these massive sculptures in the grounds of Kew with their dynamic and often organic forms. They looked impressive in the landscape. We walked through beautiful flowerbeds and smelled the invigorating scent of trees and flowers after the rain. 

The sunshine and passing clouds were beautiful to behold, and we all gathered in front of the ponds, with a view to the most vibrant colours of flowers, to have a pick-nick. Afterwards, some went into the palm house and others enjoyed the rose garden and more fantastic sculptures. Then we made our way back to the minivan. Everyone enjoyed the outing and quality time spent with special chats with their loved ones and staff members too!     

Atfield House, visit by the Therapy Dog Mopsa

Mopsa, the Therapy Dog came to see us at Atfield House. She remembered some of us from a previous visit and greeted us joyfully! 

She made the rounds with us from room to room and enjoyed the attention of each person. Everyone smiled when they saw this small and cheerful dog come to their room. She visited the people in the dining rooms and lounges and gave much joy and received many cuddles! 

Residents and staff members alike shared their own dog stories when they met Mopsa. We are looking forward to meeting the dog and owner team again soon! 

What a kind of team they are indeed.

Afternoon tea at the Elizabeth Patisserie

A group of residents, friends, family members and staff members enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at the Elizabeth’s pâtisserie on St. Johns Road. Daniel, the pastry chef there, takes pride in making wonderful tasting cakes and tartlets and more. When everyone had their pick from the wide selection, they were served on plates, embellished with sweet designs, like artwork. We sat down outside, enjoying these delights with sunshine, warm wind and lots of cheerful chatter. The residents were smiling, content, to be in such cheerful and chatty company, enjoying everything together on such a lovely day. 

What a special place to visit, just a short walk away from Atfield House!

Atfield House Carnival Ball

We had a wonderful time together enjoying our Carnival Ball at Atfield House. Friends and family members joined us in their lovely colourful garments and staff members joined us for a dance in their most beautiful and elaborate dresses.

Residents joined with masquerade masks and danced and waved colourful pom-poms. 

Everyone enjoyed the songs that Mark played on his steel pan drum. Many residents enjoyed a dance and more and more guests and staff members joined the fun. The atmosphere was lively and cheerful.

The food and drinks were lovely and everyone enjoyed each other's company.