Celebrating life at Barchester

We had a fantastic day out with one of our residents, John, who is a huge football fan, at Reading Football Stadium. We enjoyed a wonderful community event in such an exciting setting. There was plenty to see and do, with stalls to browse, refreshments to enjoy, classic songs performed by a talented singer, and fun games to join in with throughout the day.

It was also lovely to see the academy footballers and, of course, spend time soaking up the atmosphere and views around the stadium itself. It was a truly enjoyable outing filled with music, entertainment, and smiles all around. ???

West Oak celebrated in style today as we marked VE Day.  With Vera Lynn music playing in the background, a glass of fizz, union Jack flags, with war time memorabilia, our Residents had a  great time reminiscing together, to share memories and reflect on this important moment in history.  It was a fabulous day enjoyed by all , and everyone said how important this day was.

Glebefields brought residents, families, and staff together today to celebrate International Nurses Day, shining a spotlight on generations of nursing dedication.

The event focused on the incredible compassion, professionalism, and hard work demonstrated daily by the home's nursing team thanking the home’s frontline clinical team for going above and beyond to provide comfort, kindness, and support to residents and their families.

As a token of appreciation for their patience and genuine compassion, gift bags were presented to nurses Jeni, Beena, Sheela, Parulben, and Home Manager Benazir Shakkir. The afternoon event also looked back at the history of the profession by giving an honourable mention to two Glebefields residents, Betty and Rhona. Both women spent their working lives as dedicated career nurses, bringing a deep sense of shared history to the day's celebrations.

There was a delicious celebratory buffet for staff, residents, and visiting families, prepared by the homes head chef Vincent, with a celebration cake with both Betty and Rhona had the honour of the first cut.

Benazir Shakkir, General Manager said "Every single day, our nurses go above and beyond to provide comfort, care, kindness, and support to our residents and their families. Their patience, professionalism, and genuine compassion make such a difference. We are truly grateful for everything they do, and it was equally wonderful to celebrate the incredible residents, Betty and Rhona."
 

A cocktail corner was set up. The garnishes were colourful and the beautifully prepared drinks gave residents the chance to enjoy responsibly. From the fruity favourites ( Chambourd spritz to Watermelon cooler to timeless favourites ‘Snowball anyone?’) residents had a chance to mix, shake and sample a variety of drinks whilst reminiscing about holidays, celebrations and favourite nights out from years gone by.

Today we were treated to a truly special visit as our fabulous Senior Carer, Hannah, brought along her beautiful horses, Rosco and Ola, to spend time with our residents. 

Hannah was born into horse riding, growing up on a farm with her parents, and her passion for horses has been part of her life from the very beginning.
Rosco is an 8-year-old Irish Draught often known as the “poor man’s horse.” Traditionally, Irish Draughts were bred to do it all, take families to church, plough the fields, and excel in sporting activities too. Calm, strong, and gentle, Rosco certainly won everyone over today.

Ola is an Irish Sports Horse, well known for her athletic ability and fantastic jumping skills. These horses are commonly used in three-day eventing and are admired for their versatility and energy.

Residents absolutely loved meeting them, fussing over them, feeding them apples, and asking Hannah lots of questions. There were smiles all around as everyone enjoyed getting up close to these wonderful animals.
Our Deputy Manager Josh, along with some family members, even joined in for a ride on these beautiful horses! 

Hannah shared, “Horse riding is like breathing to me,” and said today was such a special experience. She couldn’t believe how much joy Rosco and Ola brought to everyone and said seeing the smiles on residents’ faces truly made her day.
Thank you Hannah!! 

Happy International Nurses Day to all the incredible nurses who work within our care home, those who come in from the community to support us, those we now have the privilege of caring for who once dedicated their own lives to nursing, and those who are patiently awaiting their nursing PIN, thank you.

Today is about recognising your compassion, kindness, strength and dedication. The care, comfort, reassurance, and dignity you provide each and every day never go unnoticed and are truly appreciated by residents, families, and colleagues. We are so grateful for everything you do.

A heartfelt thank you as well to our lovely residents who kindly helped put together little gift bags as a small token of appreciation. And a special thank you to Pat E Cakes for the beautiful and delicious cupcakes that everyone thoroughly enjoyed.

Wishing all nurses a wonderful International Nurses Day , today we celebrate you and the difference you make every single day.