Celebrating life at Barchester

This Thursday, our residents experienced something truly wonderful. Thanks to Cycling Without Age, Mick and Tim brought two trikes to Waterside Court, giving five of our residents their first-ever trike ride. The journey took them through Winterbrook Meadows, the town centre, the riverside, and OU Rowing Club. Along the ride, residents also made new friends and connected with the wider community, strengthening bonds beyond Waterside Court. 

The ride offered much more than fresh air—it brought a sense of freedom, adventure, and connection to the outdoors. Some residents rediscovered familiar sights, while others savoured the gentle thrill of being on the move again, sharing stories and laughter with one another. 

To cap off this wonderful day, we were thrilled to hear that Cycling Without Age Wallingford received £500 from the Wallingford and Didcot Rotary Club, helping to create more opportunities for our residents to enjoy experiences like this and continue engaging with the community.

What a truly wonderful evening we shared at Waterside Court as we celebrated Bonfire Night!

Residents were treated to a live musical performance by the talented Doug Loveridge, whose songs brought joy and nostalgia to the room. The evening was made even more special as we gathered to wish our lovely Dotty a very happy birthday!

To indulge our sweet tooth, we enjoyed a decadent chocolate fondue, complete with fluffy marshmallows and a selection of fresh, fruits – a delicious treat that everyone enjoyed. As the night drew to a close, residents stepped outside to enjoy the gentle sparkle of hand-held sparklers, adding a magical finishing touch to a truly memorable celebration!

Today at Waterside Court, we had a Cat Walk with a twist!

Our fabulous staff brought Halloween flair to the runway, turning it into a showcase of creativity and character. From the mischievous Joker to the legendary Robin Hood, a peaceful Monk, and a mysterious Black Angel, each costume added its own unique charm and personality.

Residents stepped into the role of judges, carefully observing each look and casting their votes for Best Dressed. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation and playful energy as everyone embraced the spirit of the season.

"The occasion underscored our community’s flair for creativity and connection, leaving a lasting impression."

Today at Waterside Court, we were treated to a truly special visit from Shelley and her charming companion, TJ the Parrot. With his bright feathers and playful personality, TJ quickly captured everyone’s attention — and even greeted us all with a cheerful “hello!”

Shelley delighted residents and team members alike with fascinating insights about parrots — from their remarkable intelligence and mimicry skills to their social nature and long lifespans.

A big thank you to Shelley and TJ for bringing colour, joy, and learning to our day here at Waterside Court. 

We embraced the season in style this afternoon with a wonderful Autumn Flower Arranging session. 

Our residents created their own pumpkin floral displays, combining vibrant autumn blooms with lots of creativity and enthusiasm. It was a joy to see everyone’s unique designs come to life. Their stunning arrangements are now on display throughout the home for everyone to enjoy and admire.

A big thank you to the families who joined and supported us — your presence made the afternoon extra special!

The residents enjoyed our weekly visit to the dementia friendly choir at Winchester House School where they had a wonderful time singing.

It was Evelyn's first time and she was having a fine time singing and clapping along to 'Sweet Caroline'. The School team then treated everyone in attendance to delicious buffet of sandwiches and cookies!

What an exciting day we had at Chacombe Park when Lottie from ZooLab visited with an array of mini beasts!

We were able to meet some fantastic and intriguing creatures up close, from snakes to slithering cenipeades. Resident Pat said she thought she would never touch a snake but 'Banana' the snake was just too cute and tempting not to have a feel!

It was a day of smiles and brave moments all round.

The residents and their family members enjoyed a lovely autumn walk around the grounds of Chacombe Park today, having a chat and a laugh whilst enjoying the beautiful surroundings and fresh air! We are extremely lucky to have all this natural beauty on our doorstep for everyone to take advantage of... at any time of the year.

Our wonderful residents had a fantastic time this week enjoying a lively skittles game on Monday followed by an energizing exercise class on Tuesday! There were plenty of smiles, laughter, and even a bit of friendly competition. 

Staying active and social is such an important part of life here at Chacombe Park, and it’s always lovely to see everyone joining in and cheering each other on. Here’s to more fun, fitness, and friendship!