Celebrating life at Barchester

Over the weekend, The White Lodge hosted a festive coffee morning for friends, family and the wider community. The residents were delighted to welcome so many loved ones, as well as the Swindon Veterans Group. The veterans always bring joy and laughter with them into the home, and this visit was no exception.

Residents who served in the forces, or who are family members of those who did, came together to share stories and talk about the good old days. The veterans also shared their own happy and proud memories, filling the room with warmth, camaraderie and a wonderful sense of connection.

The morning felt even more special thanks to a wonderful spread of festive treats. Delicious cakes, mince pies, and plenty of tea and coffee were enjoyed by everyone, adding a cosy and celebratory touch to the event.

Moments like these highlight just how important it is to reminisce. Reflecting on past experiences not only brings comfort and joy, but also helps strengthen identity, spark conversation and deepen bonds within the community. It was a truly special morning, filled with smiles, memories, good food and togetherness.

A wonderful morning for our residents at St Anthony's Church service, along with holy communion. What a great way to start the New Year.

The White Lodge recently welcomed families from across our community for a wonderfully festive toddler group, held in collaboration with Magical Musical Moments by Lucy Self. 

The morning was filled with joy, as local mums arrived with their little ones, babies as young as four months up to energetic toddlers of two and a half. Together they sang cheerful Christmas songs, giggled through peek-a-boo under the parachute, and delighted in a flurry of soft “snow” baubles. The room was filled with music, movement, and countless shared laughs, a true celebration of the season.

One of the most touching parts of the morning came after the session, when the toddlers visited our residents for some special one-to-one time. These intergenerational moments are incredibly meaningful. For older adults, connecting with young children can spark joy, stimulate memory, and provide a sense of purpose and belonging. For the little ones, it builds confidence, empathy, and an early understanding of community. The smiles exchanged between the children and residents spoke louder than words, bridging generations in the most beautiful way.

To finish, everyone gathered for refreshments and a comforting cup of tea, chatting and enjoying the warmth of being together. It was a simple morning, but one filled with magic, the kind that comes from community, connection, and the shared spirit of Christmas.

It is always a pleasure to attend the Cricklade Memory Café and meet new faces. They served delicious cakes along with hot drinks, and the residents really enjoyed both the journey and their time in the café. We had the opportunity to meet so many lovely new people.

Memory cafés offer great benefits for individuals living with dementia they provide a safe, welcoming space that supports social connection, reduces isolation, encourages reminiscing, and stimulates cognitive wellbeing through friendly conversations and activities.

The White Lodge residents enjoyed a truly lovely Elf Day celebration, made even more magical by Sheila and her group, who treated us to a private concert filled with beautifully played piano pieces and classic Christmas songs. Celebrations like these mean so much to our residents they bring joy, comfort, and a sense of togetherness that brightens the entire home.

Families joined their loved ones to share in the afternoon’s festivities, creating precious moments that will be remembered long after the season ends. Both staff and singers dressed in cheerful festive outfits, adding an extra sparkle and helping everyone feel the holiday spirit.

Our chef completed the experience with freshly baked mince pies and biscuits, all enjoyed with a warm cup of tea the perfect treat on a winter afternoon. It was a day filled with music, laughter, and love, a gentle reminder that the simplest moments, shared with the people who matter, are often the ones that touch our hearts the deepest.

To kick off the Christmas season, our residents enjoyed a magical surprise today a visit from an adorable miniature pony from Happy Hooves Equine Ltd - Equine Assisted Therapy.

The looks of joy and disbelief as the little pony trotted down the corridor and gently peeked into residents’ rooms is unbelievable. The atmosphere instantly lifted; smiles spread, laughter filled the air, and for a moment the whole home felt wrapped in pure holiday wonder.

For our residents living with dementia, the visit was especially meaningful. The pony’s calm presence offered comfort, connection, and a soothing sense of peace. Many residents reached out to stroke its soft coat, and you could see the stress melt away as they interacted with this gentle companion.

It was a beautiful reminder of how small moments can create big magic and how bringing a bit of Christmas cheer can brighten hearts in the most unexpected ways.

We had yet another wonderful day celebrating a birthday at Mill Court! Surrounded by family, friends, and lots of laughter, it was truly a special occasion filled with love, smiles and of course, plenty of cake.

At Ashfields Care Home our Team is dedicated to creating special memories for our Residents at this special time of year.

Our Residents enjoyed a very special Christmas Day. First opening their presents to see what Santa had delivered, enjoying a sumptuous three course Christmas lunch with all the trimmings before settling down for to enjoy the rest of the day.

National celebrations and family-friendly events are just some of the ways that we ensure the residents at Ashfields remain connected with their loved ones.