Activities at Waterside Court Care Home

This afternoon, Waterside Court was delighted to welcome acclaimed author Carolyn Kirby as our very special guest. Carolyn joined us to launch her latest novel, Ravenglass, and treated our residents to a fascinating journey into the art of storytelling.

She shared insights into the writing process, brought her characters to life through engaging readings, and held thoughtful discussions that sparked plenty of curiosity and conversation. To make the afternoon even more memorable, Carolyn personally signed copies of Ravenglass and presented them to our residents – a truly treasured gift.

Today, our residents enjoyed a truly wonderful outing to the Waterfront Café, joined by our sister home, Oxford Beaumont Care Community - Barchester Healthcare.

From sharing stories to forming new friendships, the atmosphere was buzzing with joy. There’s nothing quite like a warm cuppa, a slice of cake, and the best company to make the perfect day out! 

Thank you, Oxford Beaumont, for joining us it was a joy to share time, and we look forward to many more joyful gatherings ahead.”

Waterside Court proudly marked International Dog Day with a spectacular Community Dog Show, bringing together residents, families, and members of the local community for a joyful afternoon celebrating our four-legged companions.

The competition featured seven exciting categories, including Prettiest Bitch, Best Trick, and Best Pedigree. From playful Dachshunds to elegant German Shepherds, and from lively Fox Red Labradors to loyal Black Labradors, dogs of every shape and size took centre stage, delighting the audience.

The judging panel, made up of three of our very own residents, added a special touch to the day as they proudly presented rosettes and prizes. Each winner received a rosette and a goodie bag filled with tasty treats, while the overall champion was awarded a beautiful Dog hamper.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone whose support and involvement made this event such a wonderful success, including Blakes Pet Foods and Benson Tack and Feed for their lovey donations. A very special thank you goes to Sami, whose dedication and creativity helped make the day truly memorable.

We had such a wonderful time visiting Middletown Grange Care Home to see Reji's Wildlife Photography Exhibition. Our residents were truly captivated by the stunning collection of 125 photographs, each one capturing the beauty and spirit of nature. 

From puffins and albatrosses to breath-taking landscapes, the images sparked conversations, memories, and a real sense of joy among everyone who attended. It was inspiring to see how Reji has combined his passion for photography with such a meaningful cause, raising money for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation. 

His warmth and enthusiasm shone through as he spoke about his work and his love of nature, making the experience even more special for us. 

Thank you so much to Reji and everyone at Middletown Grange for their warm hospitality and for giving us the opportunity to enjoy such a beautiful exhibition. We look forward to seeing where the exhibition travels next so that many more people can share in its beauty.

Today at Waterside Court we travelled back in time to the swinging 60s as we gathered around to explore some everyday items from that decade. Every story told brought us closer to understanding how life was back then.

Our reminiscence session gave everyone the chance to reflect, connect, and celebrate those precious memories together. One resident summed it up beautifully:

“Thank you so much for making me relive those memories — I remember spending time with my children.” 

Moments like these remind us how powerful it can be to look back and share life’s journey.

What a truly memorable day we’ve had! Our residents enjoyed a beautiful boat trip on the Thames, guided by the wonderful Captain Lucy and supported by the River Trust team. 

The river sparkled in Henley-on-Thames, laughter filled the air, and everyone raised a glass of prosecco as we cruised along the river. The calm waters, stunning scenery, and great company made it an afternoon to remember.

A huge thank you to Captain Lucy for making our trip so special — your warmth and knowledge brought the journey to life.

This morning our residents had a fantastic time exploring our Magic Table Games. From playing the drums, flower matching, to favourite food games.

It was wonderful to see everyone engaged, supported by our amazing team who made sure each resident was involved and enjoying themselves. 

The Magic Table is a brilliant way to bring people together, encourage interaction, and create joyful moments for our community. Come and discover the magic for yourself here at Waterside Court – where fun, connection, and wellbeing are always at the heart of what we do.

This morning, residents enjoyed a special Classic Car Visit featuring Tim’s beautifully preserved Alvis models — one from 1924 and another from 1934. The 1934 car, affectionately named “Mike & Mary” as a loving tribute to Tim’s parents, was the star of the morning.

The visit sparked so much joy, with residents reminiscing, sharing stories, and admiring the timeless elegance of these motoring treasures. We’re thrilled to announce that Tim will be bringing his classic car every Wednesday offering everyone the chance to enjoy coffee, conversation, and another chance to step back in time.

We were delighted to start a brand-new yoga session here at Waterside Court, led by the wonderful Esther Abrey Yoga. 

The class offered gentle, accessible movements designed to improve flexibility, balance, and relaxation. Residents found the session both calming and uplifting, with several commenting on how refreshed and energised they felt afterwards.

Beyond the physical benefits, the session created a lovely sense of togetherness. Residents enjoyed sharing smiles, stretches, and a few laughs along the way. Many have already expressed how much they are looking forward to the next class.

Well done to everyone who took part — and a big thank you to Esther for guiding us through such a positive and enjoyable start to our yoga journey.

A Celebration to Remember at Waterside Court

This afternoon, we had the absolute pleasure of honouring Heather Woollard, our Divisional Winner 2025 – Resident Ambassador of the Year. With her sister and closest friends by her side, Heather stood proudly as we celebrated her incredible dedication and the lasting impact she has made within our community.

Since moving into Waterside Court, Heather has become an integral part of our home. Her leadership of the Gardening Club and her care in looking after the Bistro have made a real difference to daily life here — bringing people together, creating joy, and nurturing a true sense of belonging.

Thank you, Heather, for all that you do. Your commitment, passion, and positivity continue to inspire us all.
Once again, congratulations from everyone at Waterside Court — now go for the big one at the National Awards in October. You have all our support… You’ve got this!

We had a truly special treat in early celebration of International Cat Day — a surprise visit from the delightful Eve and Cassie! 

These charming feline guests brought joy, cuddles, and plenty of smiles to our residents. For Pam, one of our dearest residents and a lifelong cat lover, the moment was nothing short of magical. Her connection with cats runs deep, and seeing her light up with happiness was a beautiful reminder of the comfort and joy animals bring.

Eve and Cassie made themselves right at home — weaving between chairs, accepting gentle strokes, and even posing for a few pictures. A huge thank you to our furry friends for making the day very special! 

In celebration of International Beer Day, we hosted a delightful "All About Beer" quiz and tasting session! 

Our residents had a fantastic afternoon  enjoying lively conversations, spirited competition and, of course, some delicious beer. 
From testing their knowledge about brews to savouring different styles and flavours, it was the perfect blend of fun and refreshment.

Cheers to good times, and great company!

At Waterside Court, we celebrated a truly extraordinary milestone Shirley’s 90th birthday! The day was filled with meaningful company, sweet surprises, and moments to remember.

Surrounded by her loving family, dear friends, and our devoted team, Shirley was the picture of elegance. Her favourite Matt Monro tune set the perfect mood, and we all joined in a chorus of Happy Birthday—a moment that brought the biggest smile to her face.
Shirley received beautiful gifts and warm wishes from everyone, but it was her grace, wit, and sparkle that made the day unforgettable.

Here’s to 90 years of wisdom, style, and spirit. Shirley, you are truly one of a kind.

A huge thank you to David Wickens AKA 'Wick's Whippy' for joining us and bringing such a wonderful treat to our residents. The familiar jingle of the ice cream van created a real buzz of excitement—and smiles all around!

It was more than just ice cream—it was a trip down memory lane. Rosemary shared how hearing the music took her straight back to her school days, running with her friends to catch the van before it drove off. Moments like these remind us how powerful small joys can be.

From classic 99s to chocolate cones, there was something for everyone. Thank you again, Dave, for helping us create such great memories!

What a fantastic day we had at Waterside Court’s Summer Fair – a true celebration of sunshine and community spirit!

The courtyard came alive with vibrant stalls showcasing local produce, handcrafted treasures, jewellery, charming garden ornaments, local honey etc – a little something for everyone. A huge thank you to all our wonderful stall holders who brought their magic and creativity to the day!

The incredibly talented Ellie from Mini Concerts lit up the afternoon with her dazzling performance of the "Summer of Love" Show, filling the air with music, nostalgia, and pure joy. Her voice had everyone swaying, singing, and dancing along – it truly was a showstopper!

The event was a beautiful mix of generations as members of the community joined our residents in laughter, conversation, and celebration.

And let’s not forget the excitement of Tombola – with many lucky winners going home with big smiles and fun prizes!

From dancing feet to happy hearts, Waterside Court’s Summer Fair was a day full of connection, creativity, and cheer. Here’s to more days like this – where memories are made, friendships bloom, and joy is shared by all!