Celebrating life at Barchester

Ello, ello, ello what do we have ere then...

We were delighted to welcome back David, who is a retired police officer who runs the Mobile Police Museum, for an afternoon of a historical journey of over two centuries in policing. This session was about the police mounted department from over the years. 

Mr. David Hardcastle provided a captivating presentation, showcasing numerous artifacts and objects acquired throughout his extensive career. He talked us through the evolution of police horsing equipment, including truncheons and handcuffs, and demonstrated their operational use, along with some interesting stories within the mounted police force, were particularly engaging. The afternoon proved to be highly informative and enjoyable for residents, families, and staff – we had so much.    

We stepped back in time as residents explored the Boots UK Memory Box. We looked and reminisced at various items ranging from the 1930s right through to the 1980s that were included in the box. The Memory Boxes are multisensory kits designed to support people living in care homes and/or living with dementia by sparking conversation and recalling memories. 

A number of familiar, nostalgic items such as vintage toiletries, old photos, and sensory objects like powder compacts were all explored. We are so grateful to Boots UK for granting Cookridge Court  a lovely memorable box for our residents to use. It was a lovely morning enjoyed by all.    

At Tyspane Care Home, keeping elderly residents active is crucial for their overall health and wellbeing, and this is why we include at least three exercise classes on our weekly activities' timetable. The classes are delivered by our Head of Physiotherapy Department, Babs Spear, and are well attended. The classes allow residents to socialise, be supported whilst keeping fit, healthy and support residents' mobility.

However, recently we felt something was missing. What you may ask. Well, the answer is simple, children and young adults. It is commonly accepted that when elderly residents engage with children and young adults, they foster relationships that allow for growth, increased wellbeing, offer a sense of belonging, and emotional stability for both parties.

So today, Tyspane Care Home welcomed Braunton Academy, and arranged an exercise class (one our residents would normally complete) with Babs Spear. Residents and Year 8 students participated in a lively armchair class, and wow, the atmosphere was electric. Smiles, cheers, and singing could be heard all around the home. The class was followed by talks from George (Assistant Physiotherapist) about her passion for Art and Bertha (Unit Lead Nurse), who talked about Nigeria, which was absolutely fascinating.

The morning was one of high spirits, fun, excitement, and shared interests. A massive thank you to everyone who made this so special.     

Residents at South Grange were treated to a well-deserved cheese and wine afternoon. Residents were pleasantly surprised to see the activity girls making their way throughout the home, with a well-prepared cheese and wine tuck trolley. 

Eyes lit up and smiles spread as they made their way around the home, going room to room and through the lounges, making sure everyone, even those who prefer to relax in their own home comforts, had the offer of a little treat. Residents enjoyed slices of cheese served with a range of different crackers and an optional spoonful of pickle on the side. 

To top it off, they were offered a small glass of red or white wine to wash it down. The visit brought laughter, conversation and a lovely social moment, turning a simple afternoon into a special and memorable experience for everyone involved.      

It is so beautiful where we live, and the spring flowers are popping up even though it seems to never stop raining. There are daffodils all over the countryside, so we decided to go on a Daffodil Safari to see what we could find. Google will tell you that ‘Many of these wild-blooming plants are remnants of the 19th-century commercial flower industry, where old bulbs were discarded and naturalised along roadsides and in countryside banks’. 

We set off to find them, and they are just about everywhere. We had a lovely trip out, and we were able to sit in the warmth of the bus and be comfortable.       

We were delighted to welcome a beautiful display from Charmworth Miniatures, showcasing stunning 1980s evening wear inspired by the iconic style of Princess Diana.

Residents thoroughly enjoyed admiring the intricate detail, elegant fabrics, and timeless designs — it certainly brought back memories of big hair, bold colours, and glamorous occasions.

The craftsmanship in these miniature creations is truly remarkable, and it sparked so many lovely conversations about fashion through the decades.

A wonderful afternoon of nostalgia, style, and shared memories.