Celebrating life at Barchester

Celebrating International Women’s Day 08 March 💐
On Sunday we came together to mark International Women’s Day in style, celebrating the wonderful women around us and sharing fascinating stories. 
We were thrilled to be joined by Helen Burt from Saxonwood Women's Institute who gave a fantastic presentation about the history of the society and inspirational women from our local community

Celebrations have been in full swing at Hazel Lodge care home in Battle, as they recently celebrated the 100th birthday of resident and former Wren, Olive Tompsett.

Olive who moved to Hazel Lodge 18 months ago having kept a close eye on the construction and opening of the new care home in December 2022, was joined by friends and family as she celebrated her landmark birthday with champagne and a tea party held at the home.

Olive was born in London on 16th March 1926, a good year for notable, early “girl power”! Our late Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn Monroe to name just a few. Olive was one of many who supported their dear country during wartime by joining the WRNS and completed her training at Warrington, Lancashire before heading to her first posting at Scapa Flow followed by Simonstown, South Africa. Some 80 years later and she is still a member of the Wren’s Association.

Among those relatives attending was Olive’s daughter, Barbara, who had organised the celebration along with the Hazel Lodge team said: “Mum, was so excited to see familiar faces again and to have them all together around the table with her, going over past times, she still holds great affection in her heart for her time in the Wrens. As you will see, one of her birthday gifts was a Jenny Wren ornament!  Thank you to all at Hazel Lodge who made 16th March 2026 a very happy and special day”

Spring arrived at Denmead Grange Care Home this morning, carried in on wobbly legs and  with the softest bleats imaginable. On a bright cool morning 2 lambs; Barney & Bambam from Em’s Farm arrived and brought with them the special delight and excitement that somehow only animals can conjure.

Residents enjoyed a cuddle or stroke, a display of football no less, some enthusiatic corridor touring and sprinting and very keen bottle feeding. This is a morning which brought both joy and sunshine.

At Denmead Grange Care Home food is never just about eating- it is about comfort, connection, pleasure, wellbeing and sheer joy. During Nutrition and Hydration week extra time has been taken to acknowledge and celebrate the vital role that good for and drink play in keeping our residents feel their best every day.

From mocktail making to an icecream sundae Sunday, from fruit kebabs to a smoothie bonanza great fun was had sampling and enjoying, just tickling those tastebuds!