Activities at Lotus Manor Care Home

We are delighted to share a heart‑warming moment from life in our home this week, when our residents enjoyed a truly uplifting session with our monthly dementia‑friendly choir.

From the moment the wonderful Nina Bromham struck the first note, the atmosphere was transformed. Familiar melodies filled the room, voices blended beautifully, and smiles spread from one resident to the next. Music has a remarkable way of unlocking memories and creating connection, and this session was no exception.

This month brought an extra touch of excitement as our residents had the chance to play the drums and join in with the instrumental side of the morning. The rhythmic fun quickly became the highlight of the day, sparking lively conversation around the lunch table as everyone reminisced about their favourite songs and musical moments.

Our dementia‑friendly choir meets on the second Tuesday of every month, offering a warm, informal and welcoming space for anyone who would benefit from shared music and companionship.

 Next session: 10th March, 10:30–11:30am

 RSVP: lotus.manor@barchester.com

This week, Lotus Manor was delighted to host the Silver Friends Group for an afternoon filled with conversation, laughter, and good company. Guests enjoyed tea, freshly prepared sandwiches, and scones straight from the oven, creating a welcoming atmosphere that brought everyone together.

The gathering was a wonderful opportunity for friends old and new to connect, share stories, and enjoy time together in a relaxed setting. The room was alive with smiles and conversation, making it clear how much these moments mean to everyone involved.

We are pleased to announce that the Silver Friends Group will now be joining us at Lotus Manor every third Thursday of the month for afternoon tea. It’s a chance to enjoy delicious treats, meet new people, and be part of a friendly community.

 To book or find out more, please call: 01483 359340

Residents at Barchester Lotus Manor have been getting into the Christmas spirit this week, enjoying a series of heart-warming seasonal activities that have filled the home with laughter, conversation, and a wonderful sense of community.

The celebrations began with the decorating of the home’s Christmas tree. Pat and Kristiina were all smiles as they helped add the final decorations, complete with a festive Christmas hat or two to mark the occasion. The tree now stands proudly in the lounge, bringing sparkle and cheer to everyone who passes by.

Alongside the decorating, residents took part in a classic Christmas family favourite: the “Who Am I?” guessing game. This simple and familiar activity brought plenty of joy, inspiring lively conversation, shared memories, and bursts of laughter throughout the afternoon..

The game was a lovely reminder that it is often the simplest activities that create the most special memories. As the festive season continues, Lotus Manor looks forward to sharing many more moments of togetherness, connection, and Christmas cheer with residents and loved ones alike.

We are delighted to share a wonderful moment from life in our home last week, when our residents enjoyed a much‑anticipated shopping trip to Marks & Spencer.

Outings like these are always a highlight. They offer the chance to explore something new, enjoy a change of scenery, and spend time together. This visit was no exception. Our residents had a fantastic time browsing the latest fashion, admiring the new seasonal displays, and chatting about their favourite styles and memories of shopping trips over the years.

And of course, no trip to M&S would be complete without a stop at their café. A warm drink, a sweet treat, and plenty of conversation made the perfect finishing touch to a lovely afternoon.

Creating opportunities for our residents to stay connected to the wider community, enjoy meaningful experiences, and share moments of fun and companionship will always be at the heart of what we do. We’re already looking forward to planning our next adventure together.

This week, a few of our residents enjoyed a lovely morning out at the Ferma Farm Shop and Bistro in Ripley. It turned out to be exactly what we all needed to brighten a chilly January morning. Doreen and Pat treated themselves to the luxury hot chocolate, and it really was every bit as delicious as we had heard. Rich, warming and wonderfully indulgent, it lifted our spirits straight away and helped chase off the January blues. We do love our sweet treats here at Lotus Manor, and this one certainly didn’t disappoint.

We spent time looking out over the beautiful views of Ripley village while chatting about old memories and sharing stories that always make us smile. There was something very comforting about the whole moment, the kind of simple pleasure that stays with you long after you return home.

The luxury didn’t end with the hot chocolate. At Lotus Manor, that sense of comfort and enjoyment is part of everyday life.  The perfect combination of Luxury living but with a relaxed family feel. 

We are already looking forward to our next outing and perhaps another visit to Ferma for more of that unforgettable hot chocolate.

Over the weekend, residents enjoyed a lively and heart-warming afternoon as pupils from George Abbot School joined them for a special visit filled with board games and laughter.

The atmosphere was buzzing as tables were set up with a variety of games, from Scrabble and dominoes to chess and draughts. Pupils and residents paired off or formed small groups, quickly finding common ground as they shared strategies and stories. It was wonderful to see friendships forming across generations, with residents delighted by the pupils’ energy and pupils fascinated by the residents’ experiences and wisdom.

The afternoon was filled with cheerful conversation, gentle competition, and plenty of smiles. For many residents, the visit brought back fond memories of playing these games with family and friends, while for the pupils it was a chance to learn new skills and enjoy the company of people from a different generation.

As the games drew to a close, everyone agreed that the visit had been a great success. The room was full of laughter and a real sense of community spirit. Residents expressed how much they valued the time spent together, and the pupils shared how much they had enjoyed the chance to connect in such a meaningful way.

Plans are already underway for another visit in the new year, with both residents and pupils looking forward to more shared activities and the chance to build on the wonderful connections made during this memorable afternoon.

Residents at Barchester Lotus Manor were delighted to welcome children from Send CofE Primary School for a heart-warming visit filled with creativity, conversation, and plenty of shared excitement for the future.

The pupils joined residents for a fun and engaging brainstorming session to explore new intergenerational projects for the year ahead. Together, they discussed a variety of thoughtful and imaginative ideas, including the creation of an Intergenerational Gardening Club, planning music concerts, and launching a brand-new Book Buddy scheme. The room was full of enthusiasm as both generations exchanged stories, suggestions, and lots of smiles.

A particularly charming highlight of the visit was the introduction of Lotus Manor’s beloved mascots, who were officially named by the children as Mr Whiskers the cat and Cooper the dog. The mascots proved to be a wonderful icebreaker and added an extra touch of fun to the morning’s activities.

The visit was filled with warmth, laughter, and genuine connection, leaving everyone feeling inspired. As Lotus Manor and Send CofE Primary School continue to grow this lovely partnership, residents and pupils alike are looking forward to all the joy, friendship, and meaningful shared experiences that 2026 will bring.

It was game on at our home this week as we launched our Staff vs Residents Scrabble Tournament. The lounge was filled with friendly competition, laughter and a real buzz of excitement as everyone took their turn to find the winning words.

Our wonderful respite guest, Sheila, stole the show by winning the very first match of the tournament. Sheila was absolutely delighted with her victory and was presented with a lip gloss in her favourite colour as a small prize to celebrate her win.

The competition is already heating up as both residents and staff prepare for Round Two with our Activities Coordinator Kristiina going to take on Resident Ambassador Ann. 

The tournament has sparked great conversation, teamwork and smiles all around and has been a fantastic way to bring everyone together.

We look forward to sharing more updates soon as the Grand Scrabble Tournament continues. Who will take the title next?

We are delighted to share a heart‑warming moment from this week at our home, when we had the pleasure of welcoming the wonderful Nigel Lawson for one of his engaging musical and historical talks.

Sessions like these mean so much to our residents and team. Nigel’s warmth, passion, and gift for storytelling created an atmosphere that felt both nostalgic and uplifting. Together, we travelled back through time, reminiscing about favourite musicians, cherished memories, and the songs that have shaped different chapters of our lives.

It was a joy to see how animated and connected everyone became as we shared joy in old time favourite tunes, sharing personal stories, and celebrating the power of music to bring people together.

We are truly grateful to Nigel for joining us and making the afternoon so special. Creating opportunities like this, where residents feel inspired, valued, and part of something meaningful, will always be at the heart of what we do. We look forward to welcoming him back for another fantastic session very soon.

As the year came to a close, we were delighted to recognise Bibek as December’s Employee of the Month! 

Throughout December, Bibek demonstrated exceptional pride in keeping our home clean, tidy, and welcoming. Much of his work took place quietly behind the scenes, yet its impact was felt by everyone who lived, worked, or visited here. His commitment to maintaining the high standards we strive for at Barchester made a noticeable difference to the daily life of our community.

What truly set Bibek apart was his unwavering willingness to help anyone who needed support. Whether a colleague, resident, or visitor, he was always ready to pause what he was doing, offer a smile, and lend a hand. His kindness and positivity created a warm atmosphere that did not go unnoticed.

We are incredibly grateful for everything Bibek brought to our home during December and throughout the year. He has been an invaluable part of our team, and this recognition reflects the appreciation felt by all who have had the pleasure of working alongside him.

Please join us in congratulating Bibek on being named our December Employee of the Month.

Today we were delighted to welcome the Year 3 choir from Send CofE Primary School, who came to perform their Christmas songs for our residents and the local community. Their lovely voices brought warmth and festive cheer to the home and provided a perfect start to the season.

A particularly touching moment was seeing our care team member Becky watching her son Jackson take part in the choir. It was a proud moment for both mother and son.

After the performance, residents, staff, families and the children enjoyed a cosy treat together, including hot chocolate, tea, and homemade chocolate biscuits and pastries. The children even helped to serve the biscuits, which our residents greatly appreciated.

Today was a wonderful reminder of what makes Send such a special, close-knit community. When the care home and the primary school come together, it highlights the very best of the festive spirit.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the event so memorable.

Residents at Barchester Lotus Manor enjoyed a delightful seasonal outing this week as they visited a local garden centre to explore its Christmas displays and enjoy a spot of shopping.

The trip offered plenty of opportunities for residents to browse a wide range of seasonal treats, gifts, and decorations. Everyone enjoyed taking their time looking around the displays and soaking up the gentle festive atmosphere while chatting with staff and one another.

A highlight of the day was a relaxing visit to the garden centre’s charming tea rooms. Residents settled in with warm cake and a choice of comforting hot drinks .The perfect way to enjoy a winter outing together.

The visit was filled with good company, laughter, and plenty of seasonal cheer, a wonderful way to begin the countdown to Christmas at Lotus Manor.

We’ve been celebrating another special moment here at Lotus Manor — the birthday of our wonderful Resident Ambassador, Ann!

The day was filled with joy as everyone gathered to share in the celebrations. There was a delicious chocolate cake, thoughtful gifts, and plenty of smiles all around as we marked Ann’s special day together.

Here we have our lovely resident, Ann, who radiated happiness as she enjoyed her cake and opened her presents. Her warmth and cheerful spirit brought so much joy to everyone, reminding us just how lucky we are to have her as part of our Lotus Manor family.

Ann will be continuing the celebrations this Sunday with a family lunch in our private dining room — the perfect way to honour such a special occasion.

It was a beautiful day filled with laughter, love, and community — the kind of moments that make Lotus Manor feel like home.