Celebrating life at Barchester

The residents and staff thrilled to receive very generous donation from the students of Stone Lodge Therapeutic School for their Christmas Fete on Saturday 13th December.

The students have been busy working towards their Duke of Edinburgh and as a part of the project they created Christmas Hampers. The Hampers were created so that the students could raise money for the St Johns Ambulance, along with donating to other local causes. Freya is a student that attends the homes Friday morning Social Club, spending time with the residents, Freya attends alongside other students. Freya’s parents decided they would purchase additional hampers to donate to the home.

Activities Co-ordinator, Tina said: “The hampers are beautiful, the students attend our Friday morning social club here at the home with our residents and they bring so much joy to us all. This kind donation from the students and their family is so kind.”

General Manager Larisa Bledea said: “It is lovely having the students here at the home and it was a surprise to see the kind donation from the school for our Christmas Fete. We cannot thank the school enough for their generous donation.”

Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.
 

We were joined on Wednesday evening by Huntingdon East Councillor Mark Fearon for a very special evening. Mark was the winner of a recent competition for a 'Three Course Meal for Two' experience at Bayleaf Care Home so Mark, along with his wife Catherine, came to the home for a evening of fine dining.

The meal, prepared by our skilled kitchen team, consisted of a starter of either Cream of Tomato Soup with Garlic Croutons or Brie with Toasted Bread with Salad followed by a main course of Roast Pork Belly served with Creamy Potato Mash, Honey Glazed Carrots, Spinach and Sautéed Mushrooms. The dessert was a Lemon Pie served with Homemade Ice-Cream.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and an event that we hope to repeat in the very near future.

Thank you to Mark and Catherine. We hope you enjoyed your Bayleaf culinary experience.

Taking in the festive atmosphere at St Thomas’s Church in Salisbury. The Christmas Tree Festival takes place each year in the beautiful church that is located at the heart of the City. Residents created a bright and colourful tree that featured the art they had made over the last few weeks. 

Here at Milford House, residents are encouraged to express themselves through various arts and crafts mediums and thoroughly enjoy these inclusive sessions delivered by the home’s activities team, Gale and Jane. 

The Mayor of Salisbury, Cllr John Wells opened the festival and commented; ‘All of these trees reflect the values of the groups that have produced them." The Choir from Forres Sandle Manor School entertained visitors and filled the church with uplifting melodies. Resident, Joy, was visibly moved by the performance.

A trip to Café Nero followed as residents, their families and staff enjoyed a warm drink and chatted about the trees and the themes behind them and chose their favourites.

We are proud to be part of the festival for the third year running and look forward to creating next year’s entry.

The talents came out to shine as our residents helped our Chef to create the most wonderful Christmas Cake.

Making a sponge base and adding Kit Kats around the edge to make the trunk, then by building up cupcakes into the shape of a tree.

We enjoyed decorating the tree with icing, cherries and sparkles.    

A great afternoon out at Chessington Garden Centre for some Christmas retail therapy. Our residents were delighted to have a look at all the beautiful Christmas decorations and buy some goodies for their relatives. 

We enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea in the café and searched for all the Christmas Lights on our way home.        

Wow! A fantastic start to Christmas with The Jingle Bells singers performing from the Rah Rah Theatre Company. Delicious Minced Pies and Mulled Wine followed by our 2025 Christmas Light Switch on.

Residents sang along to some old time favourite Carols and feeling festive. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!     

This week, two of our lovely residents were reminiscing about strolling by the river in the winter, and our amazing team jumped into action! Despite the chilly weather, we took them on a trip down memory lane, and they had the BEST time! 

At Shelburne Lodge Care Home - Barchester Healthcare , we're all about tailoring activities to our residents' wishes and interests. Whether it's a walk by the river or a festive craft session, we're here to make memories!     

Happy Birthday to our lovely resident, Margret! 

We had such a wonderful time here at Shelburne Lodge celebrating with Margret this week. Surrounded by her amazing family and our caring staff, the day was filled with smiles, laughter, and lots of love.

Thank you to everyone who helped make her birthday extra special — here's to another year of joy and beautiful moments!