Celebrating life at Barchester

As we have been unable to go out as the weather has been so terrible, on Sunday the sun was shining so we had a great idea to jump on the mini bus and enjoy the bright weather.

We were driving through the local village and noticed an indoor boot fair taking place so we hopped off the mini bus and had a browse around the stalls.

It was a lovely outing which the residents really enjoyed!              

Arbour Court held a pancake parlour where residents had a choice of traditional toppings, such as Lemon and Sugar, Golden Syrup, Chocolate topping and raspberries.

Afterwards, we played 2 games, a pancake-flipping competition as well as using our online platform Oomph to play the game ‘Flippin’ Pancakes’–a memory recall game in which the aim of the game is to match two numbered pancakes correctly.           

Residents enjoyed marking this Chinese New Year with crafts - colouring dragon face masks as well as learning their Chinese Zodiac animal, learning about this year’s animals of 2026 the Horse, known for its energetic and dynamic nature. 

It symbolises vitality, speed, and perseverance. Ending the day watching Chinese New Year parades and celebrations around the world.           

Residents, staff and loved ones definitely felt the love in the air this Valentine’s Day as we celebrated Valentine’s crafting, writing and exchanging cards with our loved ones and then parting with the best love songs with singer, Sam Jones.      

We celebrated pizza day in style. What a delight to see everyone rolling their sleeves up and crafting their own pizza and, of course, with Valentine’s Day coming up, we had to make it heart-shaped! 

After crafting their own pizzas and waiting patiently for them to cook. Residents enjoyed tucking into their marvellous creations.       

We celebrated Australia Day it in style with Australian-themed activities including a virtual tour down under of Sydney Opera House and went deep down exploring the Great Barrier Reef! But the biggest hit was the Australian themed I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of here!” 

The aim of the game was to find hidden starts within the box of soggy Weetabix! Of course, no celebration is complete without some Australian tunes and a quiz.          

In January, we celebrated Burns night by hosting a Scottish themed day. In the morning, we celebrated Hogmanay day by hosting a Scottish-themed party with the lovely singer Katy, who joined us for a sing-a-long which everyone loved and joined in with whilst tasting well-known favourites from across Scotland. 

We continued the themed day after lunch with an afternoon packed with activities, from reciting a Robbie Burns Poem, creative colour work, quiz questions as well as discussing if the Loch Ness Monster really exists. A great day ending with a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne.        

Another incredible visit from the PNE Community and Education Trust! This time our residents were taken back to the 1950s with football memorabilia, photographs and replicas. 

Many warm memories were brought up of going to their first matches in Deepdale Stadium, recalling growing up near iconic football figures, and reminiscing on their siblings who played football with gear similar to what was shown today. What a wonderful way of reminiscing and bringing back the excitement and joy that football brings to the community.         

Happy Pizza day to all who celebrate (in Sherwood Lodge that’s EVERYONE!)   

Together our kitchen staff and residents prepared an amazing selection of pizzas for all to taste. The residents had a great time comparing pizza toppings and trying new combinations! Everyone was delighted to get such a delicious treat, clear to see from their big smiles.