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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Remembrance Sunday

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

We decided to mark Remembrance Sunday by doing something creative as our talented residents love to take part in arts and crafts.

To mark the day we made our very own Poppies 
 

Fur-ever friends....

Residents had a very special visitor in North Park today; one of their favourite four-legged friends, Peggy the Friendship Dog from Wag and Company!
 
With her wagging tail and loving heart, Peggy brought endless smiles, warm snuggles, and a lot of joy to our residents. From gentle head pats to cosy cuddles, it was clear Peggy’s visit was the highlight of the day! 
 
Thank you to Peggy, Peggy's Mum Joanne for kindly allowing Peggy to come see us, and to our lovely Administrator Carol for bringing Peggy in. We can't wait to see our pawfect pal again soon!

Remembrance Sunday

A day to reflect and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice — and those who returned but never forgot.

We stood proudly together with our local community today. It was an honour and a privilege to pay our respects.

Lest we forget.

The sound of bagpipes!

We were incredibly lucky to welcome two wonderful musicians; bagpiper Kevin and drummer David, to the home. The sound of the bagpipes brought back some very special memories for our residents, especially our Scottish residents, whose faces lit up as soon they started playing.
 
The gents filled the home with the sounds of Scotland, playing traditional melodies that touched the hearts of everyone present.
A huge thank you to Kevin and David for bringing such joy and for helping us create a truly unforgettable memory.

Barchester Care Awards

What a fabulous day everyone had yesterday for the Barchester care awards.  The home was beautifully decorated and everyone was so excited to be able to watch the event live via video link. 

Unfortunately, we didn’t have a National winner this year, but we are so proud of both Steven and Peter for placing as Divisional Winners. 

Both Steven and Peter bring a lot to North Park and from everyone at North Park we couldn’t be prouder of you both. 
Congratulations to all the National Winners this year.

Halloween armchair exercises

Residents look forward to their monthly visit from Jerome, who hosts our monthly armchair exercise classes. 

And what a class this was!!! With residents and staff dressed for the occasion, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon with Jerome. 

A sense of Freedom 'Cycling Without Age'

This Thursday, our residents experienced something truly wonderful. Thanks to Cycling Without Age, Mick and Tim brought two trikes to Waterside Court, giving five of our residents their first-ever trike ride. The journey took them through Winterbrook Meadows, the town centre, the riverside, and OU Rowing Club. Along the ride, residents also made new friends and connected with the wider community, strengthening bonds beyond Waterside Court. 

The ride offered much more than fresh air—it brought a sense of freedom, adventure, and connection to the outdoors. Some residents rediscovered familiar sights, while others savoured the gentle thrill of being on the move again, sharing stories and laughter with one another. 

To cap off this wonderful day, we were thrilled to hear that Cycling Without Age Wallingford received £500 from the Wallingford and Didcot Rotary Club, helping to create more opportunities for our residents to enjoy experiences like this and continue engaging with the community.

Bonfire Night Celebrations

What a truly wonderful evening we shared at Waterside Court as we celebrated Bonfire Night!

Residents were treated to a live musical performance by the talented Doug Loveridge, whose songs brought joy and nostalgia to the room. The evening was made even more special as we gathered to wish our lovely Dotty a very happy birthday!

To indulge our sweet tooth, we enjoyed a decadent chocolate fondue, complete with fluffy marshmallows and a selection of fresh, fruits – a delicious treat that everyone enjoyed. As the night drew to a close, residents stepped outside to enjoy the gentle sparkle of hand-held sparklers, adding a magical finishing touch to a truly memorable celebration!

Halloween Home of Fun

Today at Waterside Court, we had a Cat Walk with a twist!

Our fabulous staff brought Halloween flair to the runway, turning it into a showcase of creativity and character. From the mischievous Joker to the legendary Robin Hood, a peaceful Monk, and a mysterious Black Angel, each costume added its own unique charm and personality.

Residents stepped into the role of judges, carefully observing each look and casting their votes for Best Dressed. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation and playful energy as everyone embraced the spirit of the season.

"The occasion underscored our community’s flair for creativity and connection, leaving a lasting impression."