Celebrating life at Barchester

Our monthly quiz night is always so much fun with everyone testing their wits against our quizmaster Godfrey and their fellow team mates. With residents and members of the community coming together to enjoy some delicious refreshments it really is the perfect way to spend the evening.   

We finally saw some sunshine this week and made the most of it by getting out in the garden to enjoy the spring bulbs . It was glorious to be able to dust away the cobwebs and what a difference it makes to our mood just to feel the sun on our face  and see some blue sky . 

The residents and staff  were treated to a truly unique and glamorous experience as they hosted their very own London Fashion Week pop-up shop.

Residents welcomed Anne and Julie from ‘Count down Cares’, who have been bringing fashion to care homes and surrounding communities for over 12 years. Anne and Julie’s passion for style and their devoted commitment to reaching diverse communities shone through as they transformed a section of Elm Bank care home in to a treasure trove of delightful clothes.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “The residents had a truly wonderful time browsing through the racks of colourful clothes, all within the comfort of their home surroundings. It was lovely to see residents discussing colours, patterns and reminiscing about their own fashion choices throughout their lives. It was not just about the clothes, it was about the joy and the fun residents had, the chance for them to indulge in some personal pampering and self-expression.”

Larisa Bledea, General Manager said: “It is lovely to see everyone together, and celebrating London Fashion Week was important here at the home, and to have Anne and Julie bring the whole shopping experience to Elm Bank was brilliant. The residents had the opportunity to try clothes on and it was great to have family come in to join in.”
 

What a brilliant turnout today for our Healthy Hearts Event! It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces from the local community joining our residents for a day dedicated to heart health. 

We had Seated Exercise with Jo Symons Move Together Manager from Cherwell District Council. We’re not sure what worked harder our muscles or our laughter! Jo had us all "puffing and panting" through some great stretches and lifts. The biggest giggle of the day? Let’s just say a certain hole in Jo’s sock provided some unexpected entertainment! 

A huge thank you to Edward Frape, Senior Healthy Place Shaping Officer from 'Cherwell District Council for visiting and sharing vital information on how Cherwell District Council supports our local neighbours. It’s so important to know what help is available right on our doorstep. Edward left lots of leaflets so please pop in to collect.

Our Registered Nurse stayed busy providing free blood pressure checks, while our CRM Louise Ramage hosted a fascinating discussion on how food impacts our bodies. Did you know walnuts don't just look like the brain, but are amazing for it too? 

We then refuelled with a delicious spread of nutritious smoothies, fresh fruits, honey-drizzled avocado toast, and refreshing flavoured waters. Who knew healthy eating could taste this good? 

Residents at Overslade House enjoyed traditional Burns Celebrations. Staff and residents at the home were involved in a number of activities, including Scottish Documentaries, Scottish Quizzes, watching the art of Scottish Country Dancing and the Ceilidh.  

There was live entertainment in the afternoon from One Girl and The Piano Man with songs from many Scottish Artists and, of course, Auld Lang Syne written by Robbie Burns, to mark the Scottish institution, including giving the time-honoured address to the ‘Great chieftain O’ the pudding race’ – the haggis. Our residents enjoyed a hearty meal of Scotch broth, prepared by our stellar Chef, Corey Leake. Residents were joined by friends and family and enjoyed a toast during Auld Lang Syne.

Shirley, resident of Overslade House Care Home, said: “I enjoyed the live entertainment and having lived in Glasgow in Scotland for many years, I was thrilled to sing I belong to Glasgow on the microphone and hear many familiar songs like Loch Lomond and Flower of Scotland.”       

Residents had a wonderful afternoon being entertained by Rugby School students, who are studying music at Rugby School.  Many thanks to Andrew Davey for arranging this for our residents.

The students sang and played for us, and we even heard publicly, for the first time, self-composed pieces. Andrew tells us that this student has been mentored by Hans Zimmer, a well-known German film composer and music producer.

Resident Nathan said, “It’s wonderful, absolutely beautiful." Other residents commented on how talented the students were. Once again, thank you so much to the students and Andrew Davey for a wonderful afternoon. We hope to see you again.        

Residents at Overslade House enjoyed learning about the year of the Fire Horse and discovering what animals they were. Residents and relatives watched Chinese celebrations and also enjoyed a quiz on China, while enjoying Chinese nibbles and a glass of wine.

These are some of the traditions that Have Lasted 3,000 Years:-

Before 17 Feb, The Great Sweep, every home is deep-cleaned before the new year — sweeping out bad luck, literally and symbolically. 

Red: The Colour of Everything. Red is not just a decoration — it's armour. Rooted in the legend of the Nian, a fearsome beast repelled by red and loud noise, the colour dominates doors, clothing, lanterns, and envelopes. It represents luck, joy, protection, and prosperity.

Hóngbāo (Red Envelopes) is one of the most beloved Lunar New Year traditions globally. Red envelopes — filled with money — are given by elderly and married adults to children and younger relatives. The Reunion Dinner on New Year's Eve, the most important meal of the year. Families travel across the country — across the world — to be together. 

The streets roar. Dragon dances are performed to scare away evil spirits; lion dances bring luck and protection to homes and businesses.  3 March 2026 The Lantern Festival, The grand finale. On the 15th night — the first full moon — thousands of illuminated lanterns are released or displayed. Called Yuan Xiao, it marks both the end of winter and the end of celebrations.

Residents really enjoyed learning about which animal their year of birth symbolised and their personality traits and watching the vibrant colourful displays of red and gold.     

We went out to The Greyhound Park, Chester for coffee. We were celebrating our resident Karen's birthday and Jacqui, the Activity Co - Ordinator’s lead engagement.

Our ladies had a lovely morning and are already looking forward to our next one. These trips out always make everyone feel so much happier.  

Love was in the air at Sherwood court for our annual Valentine’s Day 3-course meal which our kitchen team had prepared for them. Our lovely administrator (Lynn) activities coordinator (Tamara & Morag) and care assistant (Vikki) had prepared for this occasion and put all hands on deck for this special night in order for husbands and wives to have the most romantic and relaxed evening. The café bar is where our families and residents started off with some glasses of prosecco to celebrate. 

They then went on to the upstairs dining area where staff had decorated in order to enjoy their three-course meal. Each of our couples received gifts which our residents and Lynn had created. Vikki created our personalised table pieces which they were very much in love with and Abigail in which she was playing the piano, in order for our residents to feel at most fulfilment. Our residents and families very much enjoyed this event and are hoping for the same next year.