Celebrating life at Barchester

We had a lovely trip on a lovely sunny day to Port Eynon beach, we went on the mini-bus singing to songs all the way there and then had a lovely little walk. 

We took residents for fish and chips by the beach, which they really enjoyed. The residents we took, one had been before and one had never been and they both said they had a wonderful afternoon and can't wait to go back again. We were very lucky with the weather, so it was nice to spend the afternoon outside by the sea.

We had a lovely trip on the bus to folly farm last week. We was very lucky with the weather and the residents we took had a fantastic day. We visited the zoo area, with the penguins being one of the favourites, with one of our residents enjoying giving them all different names. 

We walked around the zoo area and visited the Giraffes, Lions, Rhinos and meerkats. We also went into the farm area looking at the horses and rabbits, we even had a go at milking the pretend cow, Later we went on the land train around the whole farm to make sure we hadn’t missed anything which was lots of fun.

We had a lovely afternoon with residents enjoying a visit from Jimmy Elvis. We have a lot of residents who always request Jimmy Elvis so we like to book him regularly. Residents enjoyed having a glass of wine, and family members and friends came in too for a sing a long and a dance. 

One of our residents always likes to request her favourite Elvis songs, which he always encourages. Jimmy Elvis always interacts really well with the residents and we look forward to having him back in December.

Everyone loved meeting Rochelle and fully joining in with a sing-a-long and some seated dance moves! Amazing introducing new singers to everyone and fully seeing how wonderful it is. 

Music really does have a magical effect on everyone, acting as a powerful tool to unlock memories, reduce stress and fully improve emotional well-being. 

Thank you so much to Rochelle we are so looking forward to seeing you again already!

Some of our residents enjoyed a lovely trip into Fareham to visit our local library , a simple outing, but one that offers so many wonderful benefits.

For one of our ladies in particular, visiting the library is an important part of maintaining her independence and interests. She is still a library member and loves choosing a new book each month to loan, take home and enjoy at her own pace.

It was lovely to bring some of our other residents along too, giving everyone the opportunity to browse the shelves, have a good look through the books and choose something based on their own individual interests. There’s something very special about having that freedom of choice and discovering a book that catches your eye!

The library is also such a wonderful community space. Our residents enjoyed sitting, relaxing and reading, as well as seeing local families and children enjoying the different groups and activities taking place.

Trips like this are about much more than simply choosing a book ,they support independence, personal interests, decision-making, cognitive stimulation and connection with our local community.

Another brilliant Saturday exercise class with our lovely Alice!

This week, our residents got moving to some classic rock & roll, turning exercise into a fun chair-dancing session full of music, movement and plenty of smiles!

Alice then spent time working one-to-one with residents using resistance bands, helping to build strength, support mobility and keep those muscles working – all adapted to each resident’s own ability.

We had another fantastic turnout, and we are so incredibly proud of the effort our residents continue to put into these sessions. Every stretch, movement and dance is an investment in their own health, strength and wellbeing, and it is wonderful to see so many residents embracing the classes and feeling the benefits.

We also really value the feedback they give us – it helps us continue shaping sessions that they genuinely enjoy and want to come back to.

Well done everyone, and a huge thank you to Alice for another energetic, fun and beneficial for all. 
 

What an afternoon it was! Our team completely embraced our vintage theme and went all out with their outfits, creating such a fun and memorable atmosphere for our residents and guests.

It was particularly special to welcome Councillor Connie Hockley, who was actually present at the opening of The Fernes 10 years ago – how lovely to have her back with us to celebrate this milestone! We were also delighted to welcome Mayoress Tina Ellis and her consort Robert to join our celebrations, which we thank you for your time. Charlie Cole for the beautiful music which set the scene perfectly!

Our home was filled with residents, families, friends and members of our local community, including nurses and representatives from local businesses and places our residents have visited on their minibus adventures. Seeing so many people come together to support The Fernes made the afternoon incredibly special.

Ten years of memories, friendships, laughter and community - and plenty more still to come!
 

We are thoroughly enjoying our Weekly Baking Club! Each week, we bake something different, from delicious cakes to tasty pastries, and then sit down together to enjoy a lovely afternoon tea. 

It has quickly become one of our favourite activities for both our residents and their relatives. It’s a wonderful opportunity to spend time together, get creative, share laughter, and, of course, enjoy some delicious treats! 

Last week, we were also delighted to welcome Divisional Clinical Development Nurse Patrick McCrossan, who enjoyed watching and taking part in the atmosphere of our Baking Club. He shared how much he enjoyed seeing our residents involved in this lovely activity. 

We’re already looking forward to next week’s baking adventure.