Celebrating life at Barchester

Our Memory Lane residents have recently enjoyed a visit from Bob's Buddies owls. We met Sam, Roo and Leo and learnt some fascinating facts about them. 

It was great to see the beautiful owls up close, and we even got the chance to have them sit in our arms and to give them a clap. 
Everyone was delighted to see them and it brought so many smiles.    

We have been inspired by the recent Grand National and decided to hold a wee horse race of our own! Residents had a great time donning some fancy headgear and trying their luck at our DIY horse racing game. 

A few lucky throws were all that was required to get your horse over the line in first place. This game also gave us a bit of a workout, as well as some healthy competition! Well done to all our competitors!   

We have a regular service at the home on a monthly basis. This month Pastor David led the service and worship, with elders and parishioners from Banbury’s Evangelical Church who joined us for a time to spend together and feel the power of faith.

David shared inspiring readings from the Bible, sang beautiful hymns, prayers and though provoking words that reminded us of the happiness of togetherness.

We are always so aware that our residents may have followed a faith of their own and were able to frequent church as often as they like, but health has limited their ability and we know that by having these regular worship times helps to spread love, kindness, and share a common bond in faith.

Having these regular church services is a big part of life enrichment and we extend our thanks to the Church for coming in to Glebefields every month.

We welcomed back Vintage Ruby to Glebefields. Ruby always brings such joy and fun to her performance, engaging with the residents and staff, bringing the room alive to her upbeat vocal renditions. Everyone had a wonderful time from singing and dancing along to a live Instrument edition from Bob. 

One of the cornerstones of our life enrichment program is live musical entertainment. Resident involvement in choosing genres along with feedback after each performance means that we are able to constantly improve our activities calendar.

The methods and mediums may change but the heart of live music - the communal joy, the shared emotions, the collective energy - remains untouched. As we look to the future, one thing is clear live music will continue to be a cherished experience at Glebefields, even as its form and format evolve.

Yesterday brought something truly special to our home, transforming an ordinary afternoon into one we’ll be talking about for a long time. We were delighted to welcome Katie Lewis from Tap about Dancing dancing who embraced our home with her West End flair! She filled every corner of the room with energy from the moment she began to perform!

Our residents very quickly became part of the show with Pat taking centre stage with sparkly top hats and dancing sticks, giving everyone a performance that had the room cheering. Meanwhile, Doreen embraced her inner rock‑and‑roll star, delivering an unforgettable air‑guitar routine that earned her first prize and plenty of applause!

During April, we all enjoyed a great few days celebrating Easter. From our church service and egg decorating to crafts and the appearance of the Kirkburn Easter bunnies – we all had a lovely time. 

A lot of chocolate was consumed and a lot of joy was spread!    

We marked National Tea Day with a whimsical Mad Hatter Tea Party that brought plenty of smiles and laughter to residents and staff. The home was transformed into a colourful wonderland inspired by Alice in Wonderland, complete with quirky decorations and playing cards.

Residents joined in the fun by wearing themed hats, while staff dressed as beloved characters from the story, adding to the magical atmosphere. The tables were set with mismatched China and an array of delicious treats and cakes baked by our amazing Head Chef Karen.

Lively music, games, and plenty of tea made the afternoon a joyful celebration. The event encouraged everyone to embrace their playful side and enjoy the simple pleasure of sharing tea together.

The Mad Hatter Tea Party was a huge success, leaving residents with happy memories.         

Residents at Fordmill enjoyed a wonderful afternoon celebrating their own Ladies Day Grand National. The home was filled with laughter, colour, and excitement as everyone joined in the fun.

Residents and staff dressed to impress, wearing elegant hats and fascinators that brought a touch of race-day glamour. The lounge was decorated for the occasion, and friendly bets were placed on favourite horses as the races played on screen.

A delicious afternoon tea with scones, and sweet treats added to the celebration. The event was a great success, giving residents the chance to socialise, share memories, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Ladies Day at Fordmill.           

 Easter at Fordmill was filled with laughter, friendly competition, and community spirit as residents celebrated the occasion with an interactive quiz hosted through the Oompf platform. The event brought everyone together for an afternoon of entertainment, teamwork, and festive cheer.

The celebration began with residents gathering in the D/Room, where the room was decorated with colourful Easter eggs, spring flowers, and handmade crafts created during recent activity sessions. The atmosphere was bright and joyful, setting the perfect tone for the celebration.

Using the Oompf platform, residents took part in a lively Easter-themed quiz that tested their knowledge of traditions, history, and fun facts about the holiday. 

After the quiz, residents enjoyed tea, cakes, and chocolate treats prepared by the kitchen team. Staff members joined in the fun, ensuring that everyone felt included and engaged throughout the event.