Celebrating life at Barchester

Inspiring words from our residents under the creative guidance of poet and performer, Ellen Renton. 

Along with Edinburgh Book Festival and Edinburgh Libraries,  we are delighted to have the opportunity to be part of a 5-week project whereby each week's theme is used as inspiration for sharing, reading, reminiscing or writing poetic prose. 

Our wonderful Care Assistant, Tina, organised a Cocktail Party for our residents. Different flavoured gins, prosecco, wines and piña coladas served with cheese and biscuits. 

Resident Shirley said, ‘It's just like being in the pub again.’ 

Tina served the drinks with fruit and played some music to enhance the Cocktail Party. Our residents had a wonderful afternoon and said they would love to do this more often and enhance it with a Family Quiz.   

Everyone at Cossins House really enjoyed a fruit tasting session with our Deputy Manager Marita. Tasting exotic flavours. Marita filled her basket with all different fruits and juices of all different colours. 

Some were delicious and some not so nice to taste. Our residents are very fond of fruit and really enjoyed themselves. We have recognised each individual's favourite fruits to deliver daily.    

Our local vicar popped in to say a prayer and hold a Holy Communion Service for all our soldiers who fought for our country and had a two-minute silence with our residents. 

We all came together to remember all those lost and loved and shared some treasured memories over a glass of Sherry. Wearing our Poppies with Pride and listening to some beautiful poems in their memory.

Staff and residents at Tyspane Care Home had a whale of a time when they spent time with Sophie from Wild Science. Residents had a brilliant time learning about all different kinds of animals and their habitats.

Paula Quin, a resident, said, “I love all animals so it was such a treat to meet the snakes, guineapigs, snails, and quails.”

June, a resident said, “I used to breed guinea pigs, so it was wonderful to spend time with the guinea pigs, thank you.”

Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.          

Today we spent a wonderful and emotive morning learning and handling objects from WWI and WWII. So many objects to learn about and understand why and what they were used for.   

Thank you to Renia for sharing some beautiful stories and really got us thinking about life in wartime.

We had a wonderful evening at Christchurch Priory for the remembrance concert.

It was a great chance to reminisce about their experiences as children and share stories of the past. We look forward to visiting the Priory again soon!