Celebrating life at Barchester

The visit was part of the Professionals Business Lunch that the home hosts bi-monthly to provide networking opportunities within the community. Of course, residents were also surprised and delighted to see the alpacas.

General Manager Sarah Noutch said: “Our residents have really enjoyed their unusual visitors today. We knew that having the farm here would be a bit of fun for all our residents, especially as some find it difficult to go on many outings in our minibus.  We are always looking for new activities for the residents, and today we have seen the enjoyment and the therapeutic influence animals can have on people. It was also a fun way to launch our inaugural Professionals Business Lunch. Tennyson Wharf has fabulous facilities in a wonderful location overlooking the Marina. Networking could not be made easier!”
 

At Claremont Parkway our residents love to help and this week was no exception when Santa's Helpers joined in and helped get the home ready for Christmas.

With Carols playing in the background several of our residents helped decorate trees in our lovely communal areas, reminiscing about times they put decorations up at home with their own families over the years and the different traditions that they had.

The residents enjoyed a celebration of Scottish culture and fare to mark St Andrew’s Day. In honour of Jesus’ first disciple, who promoted kindness and is laid to rest in Edinburgh, head chef Sarah baked traditional Scottish foods including haggis, neeps and tatties, shortbread.

In the afternoon, some of the residents enjoyed a highland dancer who performed The Fling, Sword Dance, Dhean Truibhas and The Highland Laddie. The young dancer, Katie, encouraged all the residents to give it a go. 

At Waterside Court, our Knitting and Natter Club has become a cherished space where creativity flourishes and friendships grow. Guided with passion and patience by Shirley, our residents have dedicated countless hours to crafting something truly meaningful.

We’re delighted to unveil our first completed blanket—a beautifully woven piece that captures the warmth, care, and shared moments of everyone involved. This milestone marks the beginning of an ongoing journey, with many more blankets already being created, each destined to bring comfort and reassurance to children in hospital settings.

Shirley’s talents also brighten our wider community. Her recently knitted Christmas decoration for our post office has added a festive touch that brings joy to residents, visitors, and staff alike.

From the hands of our Waterside Court community to children in hospitals and beyond, our kindness continues to reach those who need it most—carried gently in every stitch.

Our residents and staff were delighted to welcome members of Pickled Pink Production company to our home for a festive Christmas performance. Their latest show brought a lot of fun and giggles creating a fantastic atmosphere which our residents absolutely loved. The performers engaged our residents through lively singing, humorous panto-style interaction that had everyone singing and clapping.

The members of the group took the time to interact with residents, encouraging them to sing-along and adding their own lines- we didn't even know we had so many talents in our home.

We look forward to welcoming Tickled Pink Production company again in the future and continuing to bring memorable experiences to our residents.

Today we had the pleasure of delivering a beautifully prepared hamper to Ripon Community House, a gesture made possible thanks to the incredible generosity of our staff, residents, relatives, and friends. Each item in the hamper was kindly donated, reflecting the kindness and thoughtfulness of our home community.

This act of giving is more than just a collection of goods — it represents the compassion, teamwork, and shared values that bring us together. By contributing, everyone has played a part in supporting those who may need a little extra help, especially at this time of year.

In November, our home came together in a wonderful show of community spirit to raise funds for Children in Need. Staff, residents, and relatives all joined in the fun by spending the day in their pyjamas, creating a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere that brought plenty of smiles.

The day was filled with laughter and joy as everyone took part in a variety of activities designed to entertain and bring people closer together. 

Thanks to the enthusiasm and generosity of all involved, we successfully raised £25 to contribute towards this important cause

We had a wonderful afternoon celebrating the Willow Walk Community at Elm Bank! 
This small, and cosy environment on our ground floor is designed for people seeking the best of both worlds, with independence but still with the peace of mind of dedicated support and care.

Our VIP guests, including the Mayor of Kettering , Ben Jamieson, and Andy from Dignity, and also special guest joined our lovely residents for a special tour. 

The was big smiles from the prospective residents who are now closer to making this exciting lifestyle change! We were also joined by Jon Spinner who provided beautiful music from his violin. 
General Manager Larisa Bledea said “We understand that making decisions in changing your lifestyle can be difficult, our Willow Walk is unique and intimate with just 9 beautiful rooms which offers a cosy tight knit community which is less over whelming than the larger communities in the home”. 

For couples we have a special linked bedrooms which can be adapted to have a separate en-suite bedroom and lounge which also features a kitchenette and private French doors. 
If you’re ready to explore a lifestyle that offers independence, companionship, and support? Contact the home today to secure your tour, we have limited availability in this exclusive community, do miss out on this quality opportunity. 

Guests were also treated to some beautiful canapés prepared by our very own talented head chef Sophie