Activities at Cadbury Hall Care Home

Faith, Fellowship and Community Connection

As part of our commitment to supporting spiritual wellbeing and community connection, residents were pleased to be joined by Felicia in welcoming members of the Methodist Church, Yatton.

The gathering began with coffee and conversation after the service, providing a relaxed and welcoming space for residents to meet friends from the local community, share stories, and enjoy familiar company. This informal time together was just as meaningful as the service itself, strengthening relationships and reinforcing a sense of belonging.

The service included the singing of well-loved hymns and a thoughtful reflection on developing a personal relationship with God, exploring how faith can be expressed and praised in individual and personal ways. This inclusive approach resonated with residents, supporting reflection, comfort, and choice.

Moments like these highlight the importance of faith, friendship, and continuity of community life, ensuring residents remain connected to the people, traditions, and values that matter most to them.

Our Residents have been asked - 

What its like to live at Cadbury Hall and well in a Care home- 

They wanted to share 

It is supporting comfort, connection and wellbeing every day.

Make Your Space Your Own

Bring favourite photos, blankets and keepsakes to create a space that feels warm and familiar.

Stay Social

Join activities you enjoy, share stories with neighbours, and welcome visits from family and friends.

Keep Moving

Gentle exercise, walking groups, stretching or music-and-movement sessions all help keep body and mind active.

Enjoy Mealtimes

Good food, shared company and a relaxed atmosphere make mealtimes a highlight of the day.

Look After Your Wellbeing

Rest when needed, keep comforting routines, and enjoy calming hobbies like reading, knitting or puzzles.

Stay Curious

Quizzes, crafts, talks, music and seasonal events add purpose, fun and something to look forward to.

Your Voice Matters

Share your preferences and what helps you feel comfortable. Your choices shape your day.

Celebrate the Seasons

Festive days, birthdays and special events bring colour, nostalgia and community spirit.

Find Joy in the Little Things

A favourite song, a warm drink, fresh air, or a friendly chat — small moments make a big How to Live Well in a Care Home

Living in a care home can be a new chapter — one filled with comfort, connection, and meaningful moments. Here are gentle ways to make the most of each day and truly live well.

1. Make Your Space Your Own

   •            Bring favourite photos, blankets, books or ornaments

   •            Add small touches that feel familiar and comforting

   •            Keep lighting soft and cosy

A room that feels like you helps you feel settled and calm.

2. Stay Social in Your Own Way

   •            Join group activities when you feel up to it

   •            Share stories, memories, and laughter with neighbours

   •            Welcome visits from friends and family

Connection brings joy — even small chats can brighten the day.

3. Keep Moving, Keep Active

   •            Try gentle exercises, stretching, or movement-to-music sessions

   •            Join walking groups or simply stroll the garden

   •            Celebrate small wins: every bit of movement helps

Staying active boosts mood, strength, and independence.

4. Enjoy Good Food and Mealtimes

   •            Savour freshly prepared meals

   •            Try new dishes but keep your favourites close

   •            Enjoy the social buzz of shared dining

Mealtimes are often the heart of the day.

5. Look After Your Wellbeing

   •            Rest when you need to

   •            Keep to familiar routines

   •            Enjoy calming hobbies: reading, puzzles, knitting, crafts

   •            Make time for fresh air

Wellbeing is built from small moments of care.

Poetry Club is a well-established and much-loved activity at Cadbury Hall, originally created by Sally and growing steadily in popularity. It offers residents a rich, intellectually stimulating experience, celebrating language, learning, and lifelong curiosity.

Each session brings together a diverse mix of poetry and poets to suit all tastes — from the great classics such as Browning and Tennyson, to lighter pieces, short verses, and the occasional playful or cheeky poem, all shared in good spirit.

For many residents, Poetry Club evokes fond memories of school recitals, learning poems by heart, performing monologues, and university days, with English Literature knowledge often coming proudly to the fore. These shared experiences spark thoughtful discussion, laughter, and meaningful connection.

Poetry Club reflects our commitment to providing activities that nourish the mind as well as the soul, proving that intellectual engagement and a love of words continue to flourish at every stage of life.

We have linked with in the Hayes Literature Festival and enjoyed online Virtual poetry session with some famous faces.

Our Garden Club is proving very popular with James Co ordinating the group and activties they also enjoy trips  to Cadbury Garden Centre to pick up seeds and bulbs, with plenty of time to explore all it has to offer.

There is also time for some shopping at the concession stands, where residents recently  found a variety of lovely items. Suzanne was amazed at how much the centre has expanded and commented on how tastefully decorated it now looks, with so much to feast the eyes on.

She purchased an Aloe Vera plant for her bedroom along with the beautiful book The Secret Garden – a perfect choice.

We cant wait for Spring to see the fruits of James Labour, planning andhard work

Cadbury Hall was honoured to welcome MP Tessa Munt and her Parliamentary aide for a special visit, offering them the opportunity to meet with our residents and experience the warmth of our community.

During the visit, they enjoyed meaningful conversations with several remarkable residents, each with an inspiring life story:

• Anne Vincent – a true pioneer lady in the diplomatic service, whose career helped shape pathways for women in international relations.
• Trefor – a talented ballroom dancer and former RAF serviceman, sharing stories full of charm and discipline.
• John Burgess – former Headteacher of Yatton, now proudly celebrating an incredible 101 years of life, with wisdom spanning generations.
• Paul – a respected surgeon and fine linguist, whose knowledge and life experience captivated all present.

The morning was truly special, filled with engaging conversations, warm connections and plenty of refreshments

Wellbeing Menus Designed with Nutrition in Mind

As part of our recent Wellbeing Day, residents and guests enjoyed specially curated Wellbeing Menus, created by our Head Chef Paul, with a clear focus on nutrition, balance, and enjoyment.

At Cadbury Hall, food is more than a meal — it is a vital part of supporting health, independence, and everyday wellbeing.

Nourishing Choices, Thoughtfully Prepared

The Wellbeing Day lunch and evening menus were designed to:

• Support energy, digestion, and heart health
• Offer balanced protein, fibre, and healthy carbohydrates
• Provide choice, ensuring meals feel enjoyable rather than restrictive
• Reflect seasonal, wholesome ingredients prepared freshly on site

Dishes included options such as:

• Homemade soups rich in vegetables and natural goodness
• Poached salmon with parsley sauce, supporting brain and heart health
• Mixed bean and vegetable casserole for plant-based nourishment
• Wholemeal toast, brown rice, vegetables, fruit, yoghurt, seeds, and oats to support sustained energy and digestion

Desserts focused on natural sweetness and nourishment, including fresh fruit, yoghurt, honey, oats, and lighter mousse options — proving that wellbeing food can still feel indulgent.

Food That Supports Whole-Person Wellbeing

Our Head Chef works closely with the wider team to ensure menus:

• Cater for individual dietary needs and preferences
• Promote hydration, digestion, and balanced nutrition
• Support residents’ long-term health while celebrating flavour and choice

This approach aligns closely with the wellbeing themes of the day, reinforcing the message that good nutrition is a cornerstone of healthy ageing.

A Lifestyle That Feels Considered and Enjoyable

The positive feedback from residents, families, and visitors highlighted how much our wellbeing-focused dining is valued. For many, it offered reassurance that life at Cadbury Hall supports not just care needs, but quality of life, enjoyment, and dignity.

Our wellbeing menus reflect the lifestyle we are proud to offer — nourishing, inclusive, and led by expertise.

Baking Memories with June 

We enjoyed a lovely baking session with June this morning, reminiscing about the days when she used to bake for all the children she looked after. With her experience, enthusiasm, and wonderful baking skills, it quickly turned into a little baking masterclass!

Baking is a fantastic activity, especially for those living with early dementia. It supports memory, concentration, fine motor skills, confidence, and emotional wellbeing, while also encouraging conversation and connection through familiar routines and sensory experiences.

June is now very much looking forward to enjoying a cupcake and a cuppa later.

 Cadbury Hall came alive with the sights, sounds, and flavours of Romania. Carmen, Team Leader, and Isabela, Regional Director, invited residents and staff on a journey through their heritage, dressed in stunning traditional outfits and sharing stories that brought the culture vividly to life.

The celebration began with Carmen introducing Romanian winter traditions, explaining the customs and their significance. This was followed by Isabela sharing personal insights into Romanian wedding traditions, accompanied by beautiful photographs from her own wedding — a glimpse into family, celebration, and connection.

The day truly came alive through food prepared with love. Carmen cooked a traditional Romanian lunch entirely from scratch, offering:

• Zacuscă and Romanian pâté on toasted bread
• Stuffed peppers with meat and vegetables, served with polenta, beetroot, horseradish, and sour cream — with spicy peppers for those feeling adventurous
• Cozonac, a sweet Romanian bread, served with cream
• Home-baked Romanian sweet cookies, served alongside the tea trolley

Romania Day was more than a celebration of food and customs — it was a reminder of the power of diversity and inclusion. At Cadbury Hall, we cherish the stories, cultures, and traditions that residents and colleagues bring, knowing that sharing heritage enriches lives and creates lasting memories.

And this is just the beginning of our cultural adventures for 2026. Next stop: South Africa in February, where we’ll explore new flavours, traditions, and celebrations, continuing our journey of learning, connection, and celebration of global cultures.

This Remembrance Week, Cadbury Hall proudly celebrated the life and service of one of its most distinguished residents — Mr. Arthur Spencer DFC, aged 104, a Royal Air Force veteran whose bravery and dedication helped shape the course of history.

Arthur’s extraordinary story is captured in his book “A Pathfinder in the Peenemünde Raid,” a first-hand account of his experiences as a navigator with the RAF’s elite Pathfinder Force during the Second World War. He completed 50 operations over Nazi-occupied Europe, including the pivotal Peenemünde Raid — one of the most significant missions of the war.

Now, in the winter of his life, Arthur calls Cadbury Hall his home — a place where his achievements are recognised, his memories honoured, and his spirit continues to inspire both residents and staff.

Arthur’s family shared that they chose Cadbury Hall for its warmth and compassionate care:

“From the moment we walked through the door, we felt an atmosphere of kindness and calm. We knew this was the right place for Dad — somewhere that respects who he is and values the life he’s led.”

December at Cadbury Hall was a wonderful celebration of the festive season, bringing together residents, families, and the wider community to share moments of joy, connection, and tradition.

The month was filled with festive highlights, including a much-loved pantomime, seasonal cocktails, and garden centre shopping, where residents enjoyed selecting decorations and embracing the sights and sounds of Christmas. Together, residents and staff decorated the home, creating a warm, welcoming, and festive atmosphere throughout Cadbury Hall.

A variety of Christmas parties filled the home with music, laughter, and cheer, while family days offered valuable opportunities for loved ones to come together and celebrate. Christmas Eve celebrations provided a special time of reflection and togetherness, followed by the excitement of Santa’s visit on Christmas Day and a memorable family Christmas lunch shared by residents and relatives.

Residents also enjoyed enriching cultural and creative experiences, including the Age UK concert at Wells Cathedral, Christmas poetry sessions, festive floristry activities, and a special visit from The Note  Warehouse Orchestra, who performed a beautiful production of The Snowman, creating a truly magical and moving experience for all.

Strong links with the local community remained central to life at Cadbury Hall. Throughout December, residents enjoyed meaningful connections with local groups including the WI, Yatton Library, and Yeo Valley Lions. We were delighted to take part in events hosted by the Methodist Church and St Mary’s Church, and to join in wider community celebrations such as Strawberry Line activities, the local school fete, and the festive Christmas light switch-on.

Intergenerational activities were a particular highlight of the season, bringing together residents and younger members of the community to share stories, creativity, and festive fun, strengthening bonds across generations.

To ensure everyone could take part in the celebrations, we hosted a range of live virtual events, including festive bingo, charades, and a lively New Year’s Eve celebration. The festivities continued into January with a New Year’s Day lunch shared with families, marking a joyful close to the festive season.

Alongside our group activities and celebrations, we remained focused on individual wellbeing and inclusion. Room visits and one-to-one activities were provided to ensure every resident felt engaged and supported throughout the festive period. Residents also benefited from regular functional fitness sessions, including seated exercise, yoga, and Pilates, supporting mobility, confidence, and overall wellbeing in a safe and inclusive way.

We also took time to celebrate what matters most to each individual, marking residents’ birthdays with personalised celebrations, ensuring everyone felt recognised, valued, and celebrated during the festive season.

December at Cadbury Hall truly reflected the spirit of Christmas — a season filled with warmth, celebration, meaningful connections, and person-centred care.

Wellbeing Day at Cadbury Hall

A Showcase of Holistic Living, Community & Choice

Our recent Wellbeing Day was a vibrant, full-day event designed to showcase the enriching lifestyle, holistic care, and strong community connections that define life at Cadbury Hall.

Welcoming residents, families, and members of the local community, the day demonstrated our commitment to proactive wellbeing, meaningful engagement, and choice-led living.

A Day Designed Around Whole-Person Wellbeing

Nutrition & Wellbeing with Ruth  Seymour

Root & Renew

The day began with an insightful Nutrition & Wellbeing talk led by Ruth, a Registered Nutritionist from Root & Renew. Her session explored the vital links between gut and brain health, hydration, and sleep, offering practical, evidence-based guidance to support everyday wellbeing. The talk prompted lively discussion and thoughtful reflection, empowering residents, families, and visitors to make informed, positive health choices.

Led by Nutritionist Ruth Seymour, the morning began with an informative and engaging talk exploring the gut–brain connection, hydration, sleep, and everyday health foundations. The session sparked lively discussion, empowering attendees with knowledge and practical insights.

Holistic Therapies Experience

Residents enjoyed Indian head and hand massages, many for the very first time. These gentle therapies brought visible relaxation, confidence, and joy, highlighting our commitment to offering enriching, alternative wellbeing options. By Kate and Angela

 Functional Fitness with Simon Flett

3C Mentoring

Simon from 3C Mentoring led our functional fitness session, highlighting the powerful benefits of movement, outdoor activity, natural daylight, and fresh air. The session focused on gentle, purposeful exercise to support mobility, confidence, and overall wellbeing. Delivered in a relaxed and inclusive way, the activity encouraged connection, enjoyment, and participation across generations, reinforcing the importance of staying active at every stage of life.

Outdoor functional exercise was led by Simon, joined by a local group of young people with learning difficulties. This intergenerational session beautifully reflected our values of inclusion, movement, and shared wellbeing.

Nourishment & Enjoyment

A delicious, nutritious lunch was prepared by our Head Chef Paul, featuring homemade healthy treats such as banana, walnut and seed flapjacks, and beetroot & chocolate cake with crème fraîche — a clear favourite on the day.

Aromatherapy & Sensory Wellbeing

Aromatherapy with Lisa 

Priddy-Presence

The afternoon featured a beautifully engaging aromatherapy session led by Lisa Priddy of Presence, focusing on the power of scent to support relaxation, emotional wellbeing, and physical comfort. Residents enjoyed a hands-on experience exploring carefully selected essential oils, sharing stories and laughter throughout the session. Lisa’s bespoke blends — including a specialist arthritis blend — proved especially popular, demonstrating how personalised, sensory-based therapies can enhance everyday wellbeing.

The day concluded with a warming cacao experience, offering a nourishing alternative to traditional hot chocolate and reinforcing our focus on wellbeing that feels both enjoyable and accessible.

Why Events Like This Matter

Our Wellbeing Day created a genuine buzz across the home and received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many attendees requesting more holistic, health-focused events.

Residents continue to enjoy the comfort and privacy of their en-suite rooms, where hobbies and personal interests are very much encouraged.

 Andrew filled the corridor with the sound of his beautiful guitar playing and singing as he practised a new piece of music — a moment that stopped both residents and staff in their tracks.

He later ventured into the lounge to explore the piece further, adding an accompaniment on the piano, creating a relaxed and uplifting atmosphere for everyone nearby.

These spontaneous moments of creativity are a joy to witness and a reminder that life at Cadbury Hall is about individuality, expression, and shared pleasure — enjoyed by residents and staff alike

Here’s an occupancy-focused version — aspirational, lifestyle-led, and subtly selling the experience of living at Cadbury Hall:

Life at Cadbury Hall is shaped around individual choice, comfort, and wellbeing. Residents enjoy the privacy of their own en-suite rooms, where they are supported to continue the hobbies and interests that matter most to them.

Today, Andrew’s beautiful guitar playing and singing drifted along the corridor as he practised a new piece of music, before he moved into the lounge to explore an accompaniment on the piano. These moments of spontaneous creativity are shared and enjoyed by residents and staff alike.

It’s this balance of independence, encouragement, and a vibrant shared community that makes Cadbury Hall a place people are proud to call home.

Cadbury Hall proudly hosted its inaugural Veterans Lunch on Monday 10th November, bringing together residents, family members, and honoured guests to celebrate and remember those who have served in the Armed Forces.

Distinguished guests included Rob Lewis and his wife from the Yatton branch of the British Legion, who joined residents in sharing stories, memories, and reflections from service life.

The event was co-hosted by Matthew Harley, Head of Maintenance at Cadbury Hall and an ex-Naval serviceman . Residents from all branches of the armed forces were represented, proudly displaying their medals and photographs, and recounting their personal experiences.

A delicious lunch, prepared by Chef Ross, was enjoyed by all, with family members also joining to mark the occasion. The gathering concluded with a traditional port toast in remembrance of those who have served and continue to serve — and to The King.

Angela Grace, Home Service Advisor who organised and co-hosted the event, said:

“It was an honour to bring everyone together for such a meaningful occasion. The sense of pride, camaraderie, and remembrance was truly special.”

Extra Special Visitors and Trips out this December.

Included Cadbury Garden Centre to experience the festive delights.

Handbell rings a first for Cadbury Hall.

One of our therapy dog Gwen and her owner who delights everyone residents and staff alike.

No two days are ever the same with activties to suit everyone 7 days per week.

October was a month of creativity, connection, and new beginnings at Cadbury Hall, with a focus on enrichment, culture, and community engagement.

Team & Volunteers:

• New Activities Co-ordinator: Sally joined the team, bringing fresh ideas and energy.
• Team Development: Steph and Felicia focused on enhancing teamwork and planning engaging activities.
• Volunteers: Phil and Mary supported residents, contributing their time and enthusiasm.

Resident-Focused Activities:

We continued to cater to a wide spectrum of interests, hobbies, and life experiences, ensuring residents could share meaningful moments with each other and their visiting relatives. Activities were person-centred, reflecting individual preferences and promoting engagement.

Autumn Offerings & Community Events:

• Seasonal activities embracing autumn themes
• Participation in events within the local community
• Birthday celebrations to mark special milestones

Diversity & Inclusion:

Our focus this month took residents on a cultural journey to Italy and Hungary, exploring:

• Music, art, and artists from these countries
• Traditional cuisine and cultural experiences

Welcoming New Residents:

October also saw new residents join Cadbury Hall, each bringing a wide range of hobbies and interests, further enriching our community and activity offerings.

A Month of Enrichment:

The month highlighted our commitment to fulfilling lives, celebrating diversity, and encouraging social connection, in line with Barchester principles.