Celebrating life at Barchester

We were delighted to welcome the talented singer Amanda Jane Bintage to our home this week for a very special musical afternoon. Amanda treated us to a beautiful performance of classic songs from years gone by — timeless tunes that brought back many fond memories for our residents.

The lounge was filled with smiles, laughter, and plenty of singing along as Amanda’s lovely voice carried familiar melodies through the room. Residents reminisced about days past, sharing stories sparked by the songs they knew and loved so well. Some of the ladies also complemented Amanda on her beautiful outfit. 

It was truly a joyful and uplifting afternoon enjoyed by everyone. We’d like to say a big thank you to Amanda Jane Vintage for bringing such warmth, music, and happiness to our home. We look forward to welcoming her back again soon!

We all love it when the Rural Past Times tractor run visits Hazel Lodge. There was a slight nip in the Autumn air but what a beautiful morning we had.

Thank you to everyone who came along to our Women's Wellness & Menopause . It was an amazing evening arranged by Lorraine from One You East Sussex and hosted by Hazel Lodge . Special Thanks goes to all of our guest speakers Sunshine & Wellness, Fiona Coffee Trichology, Link Beauty Martins Oak Surgery and Rural Rother PCN who were on hand to offer information and advice on nutrition, skincare,  HRT treatments, hair loss and anything else that we were worried about . It really was a super evening and great to see such a wonderful bunch of ladies all there to support one another .

This week, we had the pleasure of taking our wonderful resident Brian on a seasonal outing to the Saddlers Arms, a local pub beautifully adorned with autumn and Halloween decorations.

The setting was perfect for a crisp autumn day. Brian settled in by the crackling fireplace with a comforting cappuccino and a few biscuits – a simple yet delightful treat that added to the cozy atmosphere.

What made the visit even more special was a surprise encounter with one of the pub’s friendly four-legged regulars. It was a lovely moment that truly brightened Brian’s afternoon.

It was a heart-warming outing filled with seasonal charm, good company, and memorable moments. We’re already looking forward to planning more trips like this and continuing to create joyful experiences for our residents.

Our residents recently welcomed the change of season with a joyful and artistic Autumn Painting Afternoon, celebrating the vibrant colours and cosy atmosphere of fall.

Gathering around tables filled with colourful leaves, brushes, and paints, our residents spent the afternoon creating beautiful autumn-inspired artwork. The session encouraged self-expression, creativity, and connection — all while sharing stories and laughter over cups of tea.

Our residents had a wonderful afternoon recently when a travelling animal farm came to visit. We welcomed a delightful selection of furry friends, including ferrets, rabbits, and guinea pigs, much to the delight of both our residents and staff.

The animals were gentle and friendly, and everyone had the opportunity to stroke, hold, and interact with them. Our residents enjoyed the calming presence of the animals and the joy they brought to the room.

What a delightful sight it was to witness our residents knitting and chatting away! It was heartwarming to see them effortlessly slip back into a beloved pastime, as if they had never stopped. They didn't even need to glance at their needles or yarn once they got into the groove. It was a peaceful and rejuvenating afternoon, with the added pleasure of watching TV while indulging in their creative pursuits.

One resident, when marveling at their own knitting skills, fondly shared, "I used to knit all of my children's clothes." It's truly heartening to see them reconnect with this craft that holds such fond memories.

What a delightful afternoon it was with the Zing Singers! Carole and Pete continue to bring smiles to our residents' faces with their uplifting musical performance. From toe-tapping to clapping, everyone had a wonderful time singing along to well-known tunes. The highlight was a heartwarming group sing-along of 'Happy Birthday' for one of our special residents who will be celebrating tomorrow.

As one resident put it, "That was the best musical entertainment ever! I've had a wonderful afternoon." Another resident shared, "Their energy is so positive and fun. We love to see them both!"

Thank you again, Zing Singers, for spreading joy in our community. We can't wait to have you back soon!

What a fantastic day we had at Bell Plantation! Our residents had a wonderful shopping trip, and it was made even more special with the visit from family members. June, one of our lovely residents, was accompanied by her son and his wife all the way from Vietnam. It was heartwarming to see them spend quality time together at the home and on the outing to the garden centre.

The afternoon was filled with so much joy as we roamed around, taking in the sights, smells, and textures of the garden centre. Everyone left with bags full of treasures, just in time for supper! It's clear that Bell Plantation is a popular destination, and we're already looking forward to our next visit.

We invite everyone to join us on our future adventures!