Celebrating life at Barchester

We want to give a huge shout-out to Phillip Clegg and the wonderful team at Daniel Robinson & Sons! 

Phillip recently dropped off some gorgeous hydrangeas plants for our residents to enjoy. Community support like this means the world to us, and we can’t wait to see these settled into their new home in our garden.

Thank you for thinking of us and for your continued kindness!
 

Our residents and volunteers have been busy bees, and it’s so exciting to see these colorful blankets finally taking shape. Every square represents a conversation, a laugh, and a lot of heart.

These will soon be heading off to their new homes to bring a bit of comfort to those who need it most. A big thank you to our volunteers for your help and kindness as always.

Proof that we're the loudest house on the block! 

Our residents don't just "listen" to music, they take over the show. This involved 10% singing, 40% dancing, and 50% wondering where they get all this energy from. Check out the photos for some serious sass and world-class smiles.

We'd tell them to keep it down, but we were too busy joining in the fun. 

Paternoster House was delighted to host the Mayor of Waltham Abbey in honor of International Women’s Day.

Our lovely Mayor took the time to speak with our residents, sharing insights into her role and listening to the many diverse histories of the women living here. 

It was a memorable event that truly highlighted the strength and wisdom of the women in our care.
Thank you Maria Markham for your time and visit in Paternoster.

It was an absolute pleasure to host the wonderful ladies from the Much Wenlock Women’s Institute yesterday for Afternoon Tea in recognition of ‘International Women’s Day’. 

With this years’ theme being "Give to Gain" inviting this group of inspiring local women to meet our fabulous lady residents gave us all the opportunity to share memories and insights. 

Head Chef Martin laid on a fabulous Afternoon Tea which consisted of savoury hors d'oeuvres, a selection of finger sandwiches, sweet treat sponge cakes including rich chocolate brownies and home-made scones with jam, fresh cream and lashing of tea! 
It was an afternoon full of conversation, and the laughter rang out. We can’t thank the ladies of Much Wenlock WI enough for taking the time to dine with us today, helping remind us of the importance of collaboration, and lifting each other up.

"Empowered women empower women".

Senior General Manager, Lea-Ann Littler met with everyone, to chat about the home’s history, our current refurbishment, and how we are welcoming the local community, and charitable groups to utilise our home and facilities in support their services.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon and we all look forward to meeting more of the WI group in the coming months.

It was wonderful to meet Lou Madeley, and Brian Norris from Community First Responders - Much Wenlock and surrounding areas (MWCFR) who popped into the home earlier today. It was good to learn all about the vital service they provide across our wider community. 

MWCFRs are a volunteer group that work alongside the West Midlands Ambulance Service to provide emergency response and care. They're dedicated to saving lives and providing medical assistance to those in need and we look forward to supporting the service through our future event fundraising efforts.

Lou and Brain took time to meet with our residents and guests before viewing resident Catherine Downes' artwork exhibition.
Catherine's amazing artwork remains on display until Thursday 12th March. Everyone is welcome, please join us for a cuppa and slice of cake between -10.30am and 4pm daily to visit and view.

Residents quite often enjoy a little quiet reading of their favourite novel or a history book of a once admired regal figure in the corner and discussing how they are enjoying quiet reflection time.
 
Some mindful colouring while chatting to their fellow residents, enjoying refreshments and discussing the beautiful sun shining in the room, a reminder that Spring is just around the corner, which in turn brings smiles and radiance to the residents. 

Today we transformed our quiet lounge into something truly magical — a tranquillity spa right here in the heart of our home, in celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD).

Our Home Manager Joanna Mosses, a qualified reflexologist, led a beautiful wellness day for our residents and guests - creating a fully immersive experience with sound bath meditation rhythms and a twinkling night sky across the ceiling. The space became a sanctuary of healing and mindfulness, inspired by this year’s IWD theme: ‘Give to Gain’.

Activities Assistant; Trisha from the homes’ Life Enrichment Team was on hand treating guests to relaxing foot spas, while Joanna’s expert reflexology touch did the rest.

The feedback from our guests said it all:

Phyliss said it was the best respite care she has ever had — and that the bubbles and foot spa were just lovely.
Bill had a laugh about being surrounded by women, saying they were all enjoying the posh way of living.
Anne shared wonderful stories from her time working at Champneys, and the famous faces she met there — what a life!

It was so warmly received that Joanna is making this a regular event - open to residents, staff, and members of the local community who could do with a little well-deserved pamper time. 

On Sunday 8th March the world marked International Women's Day - a moment to celebrate progress and stand in solidarity with women and girls everywhere.

The ladies were presented with flowers to show how much they are appreciated and how much each of them inspire one another, we're truly grateful for the kindness, and hard work each of you brings every day. Your passion and teamwork make our workplace brighter and stronger. 

Together, let's keep lifting each other up and giving support, so women and girls everywhere can gain in moving forward.
International Women's Day has been around for over a hundred years, let's celebrate women's achievement.