Celebrating life at Barchester

We welcomed the New Year with the joyful return of our furry friends from Performing Pets, Budgies and Cockatiel Jack. Residents were amazed by their beautiful, vibrant colours and the delightful sounds that filled the room. 

Many found themselves engaged in what felt like meaningful conversations, while others were greeted with warm smiles. Their visit brought comfort, joy, and a wonderful sense of connection, making the start of the year truly special.     

We welcomed the New Year at Beaufort Grange with plenty of energy, laughter, and fun. The celebrations kicked off with karaoke, where residents showed off their singing skills and cheered each other on. There was lots of dancing, smiles, and a great sense of togetherness as everyone joined in the fun.

To start the year on a positive and active note, residents then enjoyed a New Year walk around Stoke Park. It was a refreshing way to celebrate fresh beginnings, enjoy the outdoors, and reflect on the year ahead.

The day was full of joy, movement, and community spirit, a fantastic way to step into the New Year together.      

Beaufort Grange was filled with festive cheer as we welcomed a very special visitor, Father Christmas himself! Residents were delighted as he arrived to personally deliver gifts, bringing plenty of smiles, laughter, and Christmas magic with him.

Adding to the celebration was the wonderful George Reid, whose singing created a truly joyful atmosphere. Residents joined in, sang along, and enjoyed familiar festive favourites that brought back many happy memories. The combination of music, gifts, and good company made the day extra special.

It was heart-warming to see so many smiling faces and to share such a lovely moment together. A huge thank you to Father Christmas and George Reid for helping make this festive visit one to remember.     

Our local library delivers a variety of books to suit our residents every six weeks. Some of our residents have enjoyed reading and looking through some of the books which have been delivered this month. 

One of the gentlemen enjoyed looking at the pictures in a wartime book and sharing his personal stories with staff and others, while another, who worked on the railway, chose to read one about British trains. This local resource is great for our residents to continue hobbies or learn something new about themselves or one another.    

On New Year’s Eve, our residents spent time reflecting on 2025 and all the great times we have shared together. 

In the afternoon, our Memory Lane community enjoyed a hand, jive, twist dancing session to the rocking 50s, and to end the day, we came together with a glass of fizz and some lovely singing.

New Year’s Day saw our residents following some of their own traditions. One is to go for a walk. In the morning, some of our residents braved the cold for a stroll around the garden. It was lovely to stretch our legs, get some fresh air and listen to the birds chirping. 

Residents who missed the fireworks on New Year's Eve have enjoyed watching the London highlights on the TV today and discussing New Year’s resolutions and wishes for 2026.   
 

During December, we hosted Christmas parties in all of our individual communities. Residents enjoyed singing, dancing, playing games and some delicious party food prepared by our kitchen team, and let’s not forget a glass of fizz or two. 

Residents have said it was lovely to spend time with their neighbours and most enjoyed dressing up and getting in the Christmas spirit. Singing and laughter filled the home, and we cannot wait to make next year's parties even better.          

The festive vibes were in full swing here! 

Our residents have been working hard making adorable Gingerbread houses for Christmas, and they look absolutely delicious! 

We're so proud of their creativity and enthusiasm. Who needs a holiday cookie when you can have a whole house made of gingerbread?      

Happy New Year from all of us here at Shelburne Lodge Care Home – Barchester Healthcare.

We want to take a moment to say a massive THANK YOU to all our amazing friends, families, and community for your love and support over the past year. We're so grateful to have you all on this journey with us!

Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and wonderful 2026.      

Our residents had a cracking time at the Cheese and Wine tasting event! Loads of laughs, great company, and of course, amazing cheese and wine.

Just what we needed to get the good vibes flowing!