Celebrating life at Barchester

This year, our wonderful Resident Ambassador, Pauline, had the honour of switching on our Christmas lights. Residents, visitors and children all gathered to see the magical moment, when all the lights got turned on. 

There were a lot of cheers heard in the building and a "wow”, as the golden reindeers lit up the hidden Nativity scene behind them! Refreshments and carols by the joyful voice choir followed and everyone enjoyed themselves. The food served was delicious and delightful and lots of thanks to all the staff, visitors and children, dressed up as elves, who contributed to the wonderful cheerful atmosphere that evening.

The smiles, the sparkle, and the sense of togetherness made it a truly magical moment. Here’s to a season filled with joy, community, and festive cheer!  

Megan's Petting Paradise visited Paternoster House today & our residents were thrilled with all the different animals. 

What a wonderful day we had at our Christmas market. Our car park was absolutely full. We had so many friends and family visit us. The atmosphere was just incredible, very festive lots of happy faces. Thanks to all the stallholders coming along to spend their time with us, we really appreciate the effort you all put into all your handmade items.

Thanks for your amazing bacon rolls and hot chocs which were enjoyed by our residents, guests, staff and the public.
Juli Mobbs, you are always a pleasure to be around and we love you. Juli was selling our residents' paintings which they have worked hard on throughout the years. All the money raised for the paintings will go to a special charity, Priscilla Bacon.

Jean purchased one of Robbie’s paintings. It was a very special moment. Robbie’s face lit up. She couldn’t believe it. Jean was very happy with her new painting. 

We had a fantastic day. It gets busier and busier every year. Thank you all so much for your support. The next market is the Easter market on the 27th of March 2026!!  

We've had the best possible time here at Bayleaf thanks to the children and staff at The Anchor Day Nursery and Pre-School in Kings Ripton as they came to the home to perform their nativity play.

The residents were absolutely captivated throughout the performance and there was lots of laughter, cheering and even some happy tears!! The residents then enjoyed spending time with the children after the play, listening to what they wanted to Christmas and finding out if they have sent their letters to Father Christmas.

A special thank you to Jo and Katie from The Anchor for giving our residents such a memorable experience. We can't wait to welcome you all back to Bayleaf!!

On the 8th of December we had the pleasure of listening to the beautiful music by The Denis Light Orchestra. Everyone was singing along to all their favourite Christmas carols. It was such a lovely Christmassy experience. 

All our residents said how much they enjoyed it and thought it was brilliant.  

We all had some yummy mulled wine and mince pies to share.    

Just when we thought the month couldn’t get any better, along came the time for our Christmas Choir!

Preparing for a magical Christmas performance, we gathered together for the Newton House Choir, which was filled with laughter, music and movement!

Resident Mike said ‘cooorrr this is going to be the best Christmas Choir ever! And we don’t doubt that for a second.'       

Our monthly Dementia Café was full of warm and friendly hustle and bustle as we learnt all about Thanksgiving, and the reasons behind this special day.

Tucking into some delicious pumpkin pie and hot beverages, whilst engaging in some fabulous Thanksgiving’ themed wordsearches, created lots of interesting conversations.

Kathy said, “We would always have Pumpkin Pie when we lived in Canada. Although we celebrated Thanksgiving on a different day to America, the celebrations were very much the same."

Residents at Newton House were overjoyed, as they welcomed the incredibly talented students from the amazing Grantham School of Dancing, for a Christmas Spectacular.

This is always one of our favourite shows of the year, as they always bring so much joy and happiness to both residents and our fabulous care home staff.

We would like to say a huge thank you to the wonderful Michelle, all the incredible dancers and their parents.

Resident Ambassador Janet said, ‘What a marvellous performance. We are so lucky to be chosen to see such a beautiful performance!’

What a beautiful way to start the Festive Season at Newton House.     

Thank you to everyone who joined in the festive fun. We had an amazing Christmas Jumper Day here at The Cedars Care Home, and the creativity this year was fantastic. From jingling bells to sparkling tinsel, our residents and team truly brought the Christmas spirit to life. Our General Manager, Anish Abraham, awarded prizes to the winners.

Thank you to everyone who took part — you made the day bright, joyful and full of Christmas sparkle.