Celebrating life at Barchester

Our residents had an absolutely delightful pampering day this week at Ashford House Care Centre – Barchester Healthcare.    
Special shoutout to our amazing General Manager, Daisy, and activities team who rolled up their sleeves and personally treated our lovely ladies (and gents!) to some well-deserved TLC. From gentle hair cutting and expert washing to beautiful styling that had everyone feeling fabulous, they worked their magic like a pro!

The fun didn't stop there—we added relaxing manicures with pretty polish choices, lots of laughter, and good conversation all around. Seeing our residents relaxed, smiling, and looking their absolute best is what makes days like this so special.  

A huge thank you to Daisy and the Activities team for going above and beyond and bringing so much joy to our community. Who else needs a spa day? Our residents are proof that a little pampering goes a long way!      

Residents at Cossins House wished to grow their own Herb Garden, so we asked our fabulous gardener, Alex, to support us with doing this. Alex built us a planter and took us out to the garden centre to buy some herbs. We had a great afternoon out alongside afternoon tea, then came back and started planting our herbs. 

We are looking forward to watching them grow, being able to smell the scents as we walk our garden and use them in our daily meals.  

Our residents are overjoyed by the glorious change in the weather. We have been out walking in the garden, helping to pot fresh new plants and soaking up some vitamin D. We look forward to each day, seeing new buds appear on our trees, the colours of the flowers beginning to bloom and friendships growing whilst socially engaging in the garden. 

We are very lucky to have such beautiful grounds and nature to watch.   

The home had a smell of flowers and freshly baked cupcakes. Cards were spread around the entirety of the home. Many were blessed with visitors, some enjoyed video calls and some enjoyed the atmosphere of the day.

The residents were entertained by Melissa. They sang and danced the afternoon away before enjoying a homemade cupcake from second chef Kerrie. The home was filled with warmth and joy. All the ladies and gentlemen celebrated the day as we think it’s a day of showing love and care throughout.

Maisie and Julie really enjoyed the afternoon. Maisie said, “It was a wonderful day, the sun was shining, and the home was filled with flowers and chocolates, which are some of my favourite things in life.”

We headed out for a springtime drive and we had a blast. The ladies enjoyed a drive to Seaham and a picnic in the minibus away from the wind. We also had ice cream and then had a drive through Durham and along to Lanchester, where Betty used to visit often as she had relations there and wanted to see the village. 

The sun was shining, and the strong winds didn't stop us from having an amazing day out.   

We had an amazing party at Harton Grange with Caitlin Black singing and getting us on our feet dancing. 

Everyone was dressed up and enjoying the day and also enjoying the Guinness. The music was amazing and the party was loved by all.    

We celebrated Mother’s Day with some special cupcakes made by Helen the chef in the kitchen. The team worked hard to get all the cakes in lovely cake boxes and then gave them out to the ladies in the care home. 

It was a day filled with love, with family visiting and everyone enjoying getting gifts and spending time with loved ones.     

Our Mulberry Court minibus was out and about again this afternoon as we headed out with four of our residents and Miriam's friend Anne to St. Chads church in York.

Once a month, they hold afternoon "tea concerts" which are very popular in aid of charity – this time it was for the Alzheimer's society.

During the afternoon, we discovered that John had actually been a member of the choir at St. Chads church and after the concert he had a catch-up with an old friend who had promised to send his regards to everyone else in the choir.  

We gifted every lady within the home a bunch of fresh daffodils, in honour of Mothering Sunday. As some never became mothers themselves, they have all had an inspirational mother that we have reminisced about.

There were so many smiles on their faces as they received this beautiful gift, which took them straight to flower arranging, placing them in their bedrooms.

Everyone at Cookridge court wishes you all had a happy Mothering Sunday, as we remembered and celebrated all Mothers on this day.