Celebrating life at Barchester

Family members attended the home’s Halloween party, enjoying monster mashing to Halloween hits performed live by musical memories. Residents headed out on the care home’s mini bus and joined the local community and friends at Full Circle Food Group for a special Halloween-themed afternoon tea and the home hosted a special event inviting local children and their families from the community for a fun-filled day of themed games, pumpkin painting, scavenger hunts and trick or treating around the home.

A big ‘fangs’ to everyone who joined us and made Halloween a spooktacluar time for all our residents!   

As every year, our home comes together with residents, families, friends and staff and the local community to honour those who served our country.  

We took part in the parade along the town, to the church for a Remembrance service and to the Cenotaph to lay our poppy wreath. It was a special day and all the residents involved had a great day, and they expressed a sense of pride in contributing to the commemoration.           

Our home was filled with joy as we celebrated Jean’s 103rd Birthday. We all gathered together for a special celebration. We decorated the room and everyone enjoyed a special birthday cake made with love by our chef, Karen.  

Jean told us lots of stories and the room was full of laughter and memories. Reaching 103 is truly extraordinary, and it was a privilege for us to celebrate such an amazing lady who lived such full and inspiring life, and continues to inspire all of us today.         

Annie’s visit brings so much joy into the home, and we always get so excited, and we can’t wait to see her.  Annie made her way through the lounges and bedrooms, happily greeting residents and posing for photos.  

Annie is very calm and affectionate, creating a relaxing and uplifting atmosphere, encouraging conversation and laughter.  Our residents were delighted to interact with her stroking and feeding.  Annie’s visit was just wonderful and very therapeutic, and she brightened our resident's days. 

Brothers Tony and Mike, of singing duo “Dim*Sum” entertained residents, visitors and staff with a fabulous live musical performance.

We sang along to a variety of our favourite songs, and it was a very uplifting and enjoyable afternoon.

They dedicated the lovely song “The Fields of Athenry” to our lovely Irish resident Patricia, which was a very moving experience for her.

Dim*Sum means “Touch the Heart” and they certainly did! We look forward to their next visit in 2026.   

Residents at Barchester Lotus Manor have been getting into the Christmas spirit this week, enjoying a series of heart-warming seasonal activities that have filled the home with laughter, conversation, and a wonderful sense of community.

The celebrations began with the decorating of the home’s Christmas tree. Pat and Kristiina were all smiles as they helped add the final decorations, complete with a festive Christmas hat or two to mark the occasion. The tree now stands proudly in the lounge, bringing sparkle and cheer to everyone who passes by.

Alongside the decorating, residents took part in a classic Christmas family favourite: the “Who Am I?” guessing game. This simple and familiar activity brought plenty of joy, inspiring lively conversation, shared memories, and bursts of laughter throughout the afternoon..

The game was a lovely reminder that it is often the simplest activities that create the most special memories. As the festive season continues, Lotus Manor looks forward to sharing many more moments of togetherness, connection, and Christmas cheer with residents and loved ones alike.

We kicked things off with some frightfully fun Halloween-themed cupcake making from spooky sprinkles to ghostly icing, our residents got creative and had a fantastic time. Kitchen workshops are a favourite on our weekly life enrichment programme.   

We were absolutely delighted to celebrate a truly special milestone — our much-loved Admin Assistant, Anne’s 80th birthday! 
Anne is such an important and cherished part of our Balclutha family. She has been a constant source of warmth, laughter, and kindness throughout her time here, and we were all so thrilled to make her day as special as she is.

We marked the occasion with fizz, cake, and plenty of nibbles, surrounded by friends, residents, and colleagues who were eager to celebrate with her. The atmosphere was full of joy and appreciation, with smiles all around as we shared stories, laughter, and heartfelt moments together.

Anne truly is the heart of Balclutha Court. She’s the friendly face that greets everyone, the calm voice on the phone, and the helping hand behind so much of what we do. She knows every resident by name — and more importantly, she knows what makes them smile. Her caring nature and cheerful personality brighten every day for residents, families, and staff alike.
Anne, we want to say a huge thank you for everything you do — for your dedication, kindness, and the warmth you bring to Balclutha Court. You inspire us all, and we couldn’t imagine the home without you.

Here’s to you, Anne — to your 80 wonderful years, and to many more filled with happiness, laughter, and love.   

Our residents had a fantastic time in the kitchen this week, rolling up their sleeves to make traditional cloutie dumpling during a hands-on workshop with our new Head Chef, Mark!

There was plenty of laughter, stories shared, and delicious smells filling the home as everyone got involved. Mark has already made such a lovely impression, and we’re excited for many more foodie activities to come.

A huge well done to all our resident bakers — we can’t wait to taste the final result!