Activities at Iris Court Care Home

Today at Iris Court we were delighted to welcome Zing hub for their very first visit!. 

Zing hub offer unique adapted sports to suit everyone, whilst increasing physical health, social and mental wellbeing.

We enjoyed a game of clock cricket, which created some friendly competition between the red team and yellow team, whilst bringing plenty of laughter and so much joy to our residents. 

We are already looking forward to welcoming back Zing hub for their next session with us. 

Residents and Staff explored Van Hage’s spectacular Christmas displays which was filled with sparkling lights, beautifully decorated trees and enchanting seasonal scenes. Smiles where everywhere as residents took their time admiring the decorations and reminiscing about there Christmases past.

One particularly heart-warming moment of the day was seeing a brother and sister from Iris Court attend the trip together. Sharing the experience side by side made the outing even more meaningful as they chatted over the displays and made new memories together.

Resident's at Iris Court Care Home said: “We have all had the most wonderful time visiting Van Hage’s.  How lovely to be able to visit places like this and enjoy the atmosphere, it has made us all feel so Christmassy!”

This week Iris Court was filled with joy as we welcomed St Ippolyts CE school in for their annual Christmas Carol Performance. Now in their second year of visiting us, the pupils once again bought their festive magic to our home with their beautiful singing. 

With our residents gathered eagerly to listen its safe to say the performance brought a smile to everyone's day. Once the performance had finished, the pupils stayed to enjoy refreshments and spend time chatting with our residents. It was a lovely opportunity for different generations to connect and celebrate the spirit of the season together. 

We are all incredibly grateful to St Ippolyts school for their performance and providing our residents with such a heart warming experience and we cant wait to welcome them back next year!.

Our wonderful residents at Iris Court Care Home wrapped up warm, embraced the crisp winter chill, and enjoyed a heart-warming trip to B&M! 

From the moment they stepped inside, the festive spirit took over. Residents wandered through glittering Christmas displays, explored aisles filled with twinkling décor, and picked out a few seasonal treats to make the holidays even more special. 

The outing was filled with smiles, laughter, and plenty of Christmas cheer, reminding us all of the magic this time of year brings. Whether admiring sparkling ornaments or sharing stories of Christmases past, everyone returned home glowing with joy.

It was a truly delightful winter adventure — and the perfect way to kick off the festive season at Iris Court

Our keen readers at Iris Court wrapped up warm and braved the cold to venture out to our local library to choose some new books to indulge in.  The chilly weather didn't dampen our spirits at all- especially with plenty of smiles and laughter along the way. 

Residents had fun browsing the shelves and posing Infront of the groovy 80's display, bringing back wonderful memories while discovering new reads to enjoy. 

Outings like these are about creating independence , supporting personal interests, and enjoying meaningful moments within our community. 

What a truly fantastic afternoon at Iris Court..

To celebrate this Christmas staff, residents and families performed for us our very own Peter Pan Panto!.

Our home was filled with laughter, joy, and Christmas magic.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part and helped make the afternoon so wonderful.

Residents and staff at Iris Court Care were delighted to welcome festive visitors from St Ippolyts Church for a special Christmas carol performance.

The Church group arrived wearing cheerful festive jumpers, instantly bringing smiles and Christmas spirit into the home. Residents and families gathered together to enjoy a selection of much-loved carols, singing along and clapping to the familiar tunes that evoked fond seasonal memories.

Following the performance everyone enjoyed refreshments together, creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. Visitors from St Ippolyts Church took time to talk to our residents and families, share stories and exchange Christmas wishes.

We are so lucky to have such a fantastic community here at Iris Court singing Christmas carols is such a lovely tradition, and we thank our community members for making our Christmas season such a special one.

Staff and Residents at Iris Court Care Home proudly welcomed members of local veterans group “ The Muster Point” for a special “ Ploughmans and Patriots “ afternoon, which celebrated service, sharing stories and community connection.

Residents and visitors enjoyed a traditional ploughmans lunch whilst engaging in lively conversation, particulary with the homes residents who had served in the Armed Forces.

The Muster Point attendees expressed their gratitude for the homes hospitality and meaningful interaction with the residents this afternoon. The Muster point understand the importance of Veterans supporting Veterans and maintaining strong links In the community.

Following the success of the event, The Muster Point has confirmed it will return to Iris Court with its additional members in 2026, strengthening this growing partnership and ensuring continued support for local veterans.

Iris Court Care Home proudly opened its doors this week for a warm and engaging Meet the Manager Cheese & Wine Evening, bringing together residents, their families, and members of the wider community for an opportunity to connect, unwind, and celebrate the spirit of togetherness.

Hosted in our homes beautifully decorated reception area, the event welcomed residents and guests with elegantly presented cheese boards featuring a variety of artisan cheeses, fresh fruits, crackers, chutneys. Whilst residents and guests enjoyed a curated selection of wines, offering something to suit every palate—from crisp whites and smooth reds to a light, refreshing rosé.

The focal point of the evening was the opportunity for everyone to meet and chat with Iris Court’s Home Manager and Deputy Manager, who shared updates on upcoming activities, recent developments within the home, and the ongoing commitment to providing outstanding care. The relaxed, social setting encouraged open conversation, allowing families and community members to learn more about the home’s culture and values while getting to know the dedicated team behind the scenes.

The success of the event has inspired plans for future gatherings designed to further strengthen bonds among residents, families, local organisations, and the Iris Court team.

Iris Court Care Home extends a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who attended and helped make the evening so memorable.

Residents at Iris Court  welcomed in the New Year in a heart-warming style thanks to the generosity and community spirit of our resident Tony, who hosted a New Years Even open bar in his apartment. 

Tony invited fellow residents to drop by for a tipple and to celebrate the arrival of the New Year together. The gathering quickly become popular with residents enjoying drinks, conversation and plenty of laughter. 

With a Celebration as lovely as this it showed the true sense of friendship, and independence encouraged at Iris Court where residents are supported to create their own special occasions with friends and neighbours. 

It was a wonderful way to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new- with all raising a glass to friendship, generosity and a happy year ahead at Iris Court Care Home.

Staff and residents at Barchester’s Iris Court care home, in Hitchin, got in the Christmas spirit by inviting their families, friends and community to come and join in who all gathered in the home’s reception for the occasion.

There was mulled wine, hot chocolate, Mince pies along with lots of other Christmas treats all prepared by head chef Gemma to keep everyone warm.  The Christmas tree and all the lights looked amazing when the home’s General Manager, Tash Begum, flicked the switch for the big reveal.

Residents said We absolutely love Christmas here at Iris Court Care Home it is such a special time and we all love decorating the home and having a lovely big tree.  This is possibly the biggest we’ve ever had but then, it is Christmas so you have to go over the top!”

Iris Court staff and residents proudly celebrated World Kindness Day by opening our doors to the local community for a heart-warming Kindness Café, bringing our residents and community partners for a day filled with connection, companionship, and smiles.

The atmosphere here was warm and welcoming as guests joined residents for refreshments, conversations, and shared moments of kindness. Among the special visitors was Sharon Stevens from Caremark North Herts, who arrived with her two gentle King Charles Cavaliers. With their naturally therapeutic personalities and affectionate nature, the dogs offered comforting companionship, bringing joy and calm to everyone they greeted. Their presence truly highlighted the emotional benefits of friendly, four-legged visitors.

Adding to the occasion, local PCSOs from North Herts also joined the celebration. They spent time chatting with residents and taking part in a lively quiz, sparking laughter, friendly competition, and meaningful connections between generations.

The Kindness Café not only honoured the spirit of World Kindness Day but also strengthened the bonds between Iris Court and the wider community. It was a beautiful reminder that small acts of kindness—whether a warm conversation, a shared activity, or a wagging tail—can make a significant difference in someone’s day.