Celebrating life at Barchester

During September, we celebrated all things country music. 

As well as listening to our favourite songs and enjoying a few country tunes at our Calum concert, we also had a wee bit of fun with some cowboy games. The cactus ring toss turned out to be a firm favourite, with some stiff competition! Our props gave everyone a good giggle – especially the inflatable horses! Ye Ha!       

Gary, our head of maintenance, and Cyril lead the monthly gardening club.

This summer, the residents in a meeting expressed that Geraniums were their favourite bedding plant to see in the garden. Our colour scheme this year was red, white and blue.

However, due to the long hot summer, the Geraniums lasted the longest. Cyril is now planning for Autumn with a new colour scheme.

Ashminster's pat dog Jessie won best in show at the Windmill pet awards on Bank Holiday.

Jessie was awarded best in show for her great interactions in boosting residents' well-being. Jessie visits here at Ashminster House every week for cuddles, brushes, and, of course, lots of treats.

Happiness, love and joy are shown in our residents' faces when Jessie is visiting.   

It was a very special day as our resident David’s wish came true! We headed out for a lovely trip to Zak’s American Diner, where David enjoyed a delicious blue cheeseburger with curly fries — and he certainly enjoyed every mouthful! Cynthia and Peter joined us too and had a wonderful time enjoying their meals and the atmosphere. 

It was so lovely seeing everyone enjoying themselves, sharing smiles, good food and making special memories together. These are the moments that make our trips so worthwhile! 

David had his 90th birthday in August and said to us all he wanted for his birthday was a good burger. We try to make as many wishes come true as we possibly can.     

Barbara took a trip down Memory lane at Hythe Canal. Residents took the scenic route by the stage coach bus to Hythe.

We visited the shops, had a coffee and watched the paddle boats on the canal. Barbara shared memories of walking her dog along the canal with her husband as well as feeding the ducks.    

What a wonderful morning bringing our local community together for dementia awareness.

In partnership with Dementia Forward, Radfield Home Care Harrogate, The Rainbow Care Group and Red Kite Nursery, we enjoyed autumn-themed activities, an inspiring intergenerational session and the chance to share information about local dementia support.

Getting Creative with Wreath Making

Our residents enjoyed a wonderfully creative afternoon at Fountains making their very own decorative wreaths.

With plenty of materials to choose from, everyone was able to create something personal, with each finished wreath looking completely different from the next.

The session was a lovely opportunity to get creative, spend time together and enjoy seeing everyone's individual ideas come to life. We think the finished wreaths look fantastic – our residents certainly have an eye for design!

There’s nothing quite like the smell of home baking on a Sunday!

Our residents rolled up their sleeves for another Sunday Baking Club, spending time together mixing, decorating and, of course, sampling their creations.

Baking is a lovely way for residents to continue enjoying familiar skills and traditions while sharing memories and favourite recipes along the way.

The best part came at the end when everyone could sit back with a well-earned cup of tea and enjoy the results!

Music & Memories at Fountains

There was music, singing and plenty of smiles at Fountains when our residents enjoyed another fantastic Music & Memories performance.

Residents were treated to a wonderful selection of familiar songs, with plenty joining in, singing along and even having a little dance.

Music has an amazing ability to bring people together and spark special memories, and it was lovely to see residents enjoying songs they know and love. The room was filled with laughter, conversation and some brilliant voices – a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon for everyone!