Celebrating life at Barchester

We celebrate life through everything we do, from our thoughtful experiences and activities to our delicious food. We offer the latest technology as well as sensory engagement to nurture the wellbeing of our residents. With a wide variety of tailored activities and events we make sure our residents have the best physical, mental, spiritual and social stimulation, all bespoke to them. Take a look at what we’ve been up to…

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SPECTACULAR BEDSIDE CONCERTS

The residents were delighted to have live bedside room concerts performed just for them in their own rooms by the talented singer Gavin Spencer.

We all know the impact music can have on a person’s mental wellbeing, not only can it transport us to a different place, it provides a feeling of warmth. The residents were thrilled to have experienced the live bedside concerts, from the exceptional singer Gavin Spencer. Gavin went from room to room, delivering beautiful songs creating a truly memorable experience for each resident. The delight on the faces of the residents was just clear to see. Residents were lost in the moment, listening intently to each note, transported for a moment in to complete happiness.

Activities Lead Tina, said: “All of us here at the home would like to thank Gavin for adapting his lounge concerts, it has allowed for full inclusion and has given joy to our residents across the home. We are all looking forward to Gavin returning and doing this again for us.”

General Manager Larisa Bledea said: "It was lovely of Gavin to come to the home and perform his bedside concerts to our residents within their own rooms. Gavin has been to us and sang for all our residents in the main lounge, but to go the extra mile and adapt his performance for individual rooms was just amazing.”

Garden Centre Visit

Last month the residents enjoyed a lovely day out with a fun trip on the minibus to the Blue Diamond Garden Centre.
 
Our residents had a wonderful time browsing the colourful flowers and exploring the different stalls, admiring all the beautiful garden ornaments along the way. 
 
There was plenty to see, and lots of favourites picked out! The visit was topped off with a delicious lunch in the garden centre’s café, where everyone could relax, chat, and reflect on such an enjoyable outing

Easter Fun

The Easter Bunny paid a special visit to the residents at Braeburn Lodge, bringing smiles all around! 

With a bag full of chocolate eggs and thoughtful Easter cards made by local children, it was a truly heart-warming day.

Easter Pilgrim Cross Visit

We were delighted to welcome a wonderful group from the Midlands Leg of the Easter Pilgrim Cross to Hickathrift House this week. Having walked for several days, they stopped with us on their journey towards Walsingham Abbey this Good Friday.
 
Residents thoroughly enjoyed hosting the group, offering warm drinks and Easter treats while chatting about their journey, Easter traditions, and even joining together in singing hymns. It was a truly special and uplifting morning for everyone.
 
We were amazed to learn that Hickathrift House has been a rest stop for pilgrims for over 30 years, a tradition we are so proud to continue. Barrie, our Resident Ambassador, joined them in prayer and walked them out, wishing them all safe travels.

Baytree Garden Centre

What a lovely day out at Baytree in Hilgay! Residents thoroughly enjoyed exploring the vibrant displays, taking in the beautiful colours and scents, and reminiscing about their own gardens and favourite flowers. The decorative animals were a real highlight and sparked lots of conversation.
 
We also made the most of our visit by picking out some gorgeous flowers to bring back and brighten up our own garden and we can’t wait to see them bloom!
 
There was plenty of laughter along the way, and it was wonderful to relax together in such a cheerful setting.

Supporting our Local Church

We were so pleased to be able to present a donation to our wonderful local Vicar Phil from St Peter and St Paul Church, Bishops Hull, following our Easter Raffle on Friday.

Thanks to the kindness and generosity of our residents, families, staff, and community, we were able to raise funds to give back and say a small thank you for all the support, time, and care they give to our home throughout the year.
 

Animal Magic at Bayleaf

We spent a wonderful morning with Michelle's Animal Therapy & Petting Party where we got to spend some time with the most adorable cats, dogs (including a 10-week old puppy), cockerels, guinea pigs and even a gecko.
 
Our residents were absolutely transfixed with the animals and all took turns in carefully holding the animals.
 
Animal therapy plays such an important part of our lives at Bayleaf. There is something so therapeutic about animals and it is always very well received when we receive these special visits.

Fund Raising Day 23rd April

Ahead of our annual Barchester Cook Off on the 30th April, we will be raising funds for the Barchester Charitable Foundation.

Ladies Day

Our Ladies Day was a highlight, with residents dressing up in hats and enjoying a glass of prosecco together