Celebrating life at Barchester

It’s been an action-packed week here at Glebefields, and our residents haven’t missed a beat! From staying active to enjoying the simple pleasures of home, there is always something happening in every corner of our community. We kicked things off with our popular exercise classes to get the heart rates up, followed by a much more relaxed afternoon of intricate colouring-in sessions. 

The smell of fresh-baked cookies filled the home earlier this week—and they tasted even better than they smelled! We also made the most of the sunshine with refreshing walks through our beautiful gardens. 

It’s the little things that make Glebefields special. Whether it’s our care team supporting residents through a busy lunchtime or our kitchen assistant, Bose, taking a moment to brew the perfect "cuppa" for a resident, there’s always a helping hand nearby. 

And the Winner is... A huge congratulations to our very own Chef Bose, who beat the odds and picked the winner for the Grand National! Whether we’re baking, walking, or cheering on a horse race, life here is all about community, laughter, and great company.

Had such a lovely morning at Tiny Steps Petting Farm today

We got to see and spend time with so many adorable animals, goats, sheep, pigs, horses, and even alpacas! Each one had its own personality, and it was such a joy being up close with them

It was the perfect little escape from the usual routine, peaceful, wholesome, and full of smiles. We had so much fun!

If you’re looking for something simple and heartwarming to do, I’d definitely recommend a visit. We’ll definitely be back again soon!

Thank you to the staff and volunteers there for being so friendly and helpful

Spring has officially sprung at Hampton Grove, as residents traded their lounges for the lakeside this week with a series of revitalising nature outings across the local area.

The week’s highlights included a tranquil morning at Ferry Meadows, where residents enjoyed a gentle stroll around the lakes. The group took in the fresh air and watched the local wildlife, with the resident ducks providing plenty of entertainment as they glided across the water and waddled along the paths.

The nature therapy continued with a special mini-bus trip to Bury Lane Farm Shop. Residents was treated to a spectacular display at the farm’s famous tulip fields, which are currently in full bloom. The vibrant sea of colours proved to be a major hit, sparking nostalgic conversations and bringing smiles to every face.

Residents said "It was such a calm, relaxing place to unwind and truly appreciate nature, The fresh air and the scenery did us all the world of good."
 

Residents had a fantastic time at Colin's Tea Dance this week, enjoying toe-tapping music, laughter and even a lively tug of war. It's always a highlight when Colin visits, bringing back happy memories and creating new ones for all to share.

What a beautiful day it was with so many lovely people visiting as we celebrated Mother’s Day - there were flowers, cards, laughter and smiles oozing happiness throughout our home.

High tea using the best China and a glass of bubbles!  Wishing all of our Mam's, Mum's, Nana's, Mama's and Granny's a truly magical Mother's Day 

The residents, relatives and staff at Challoner House had a lovely Easter Bank Holiday weekend, celebrating with a lovely Easter Lunch followed by Hot Cross Buns. We had staff dressed in Easter clothing and accessories which were shared amongst the residents, and we had a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny, who kindly gave each resident an Easter treat. 

Throughout the bank holiday weekend, we were able to enjoy some Easter-themed activities, including our homemade Easter selfie station where which the residents helped to plant springtime flowers around the base. We also held an Easter competition to win an eggcellent Easter Hamper. Residents and relatives have said how much they enjoyed all the celebrations that we had arranged throughout the home.          

At Highview, we are keen for residents to take a leading role in designing their own activities calendar.  Our regular residents’ forum meetings are a chance for residents to express their voice in the running of the home.  Residents get the chance to select minibus trips from a range of options, choose future entertainers, and establish clubs and societies.  In consultation with the activities team, our residents are encouraged to become involved in their activities programme – just another example of the resident-centred care that you can expect at Highview House.    

When residents on Memory Lane expressed an interest in assisting with the afternoon tea rounds, we called our Baking Club into action and, in conjunction with the kitchen team, decided to prepare a selection of sweet treats that would supplement the afternoon trolley.  With more resident-led programmes due to start in the very near future, Highview residents are able to enjoy an activity calendar specifically tailored to their own interests and ambitions.