Celebrating life at Barchester

Over the years, staff have listened and learnt so much from our residents and peers about VE Day memories and experiences.

We sat alongside them listening to Paul Webster’s VE Day presentation and case studies.

We listened, absorbed, and reflected together. The session sparked so much feedback, conversation, and personal stories from everyone in the room. It was emotional, educational, and inspiring to hear individual experiences being shared so openly.

A truly engaging and educational afternoon for all.  

Our residents enjoyed an afternoon filled with wonderful music that brought back so many happy memories of the good old days. There was plenty of singing, dancing, flag waving, smiles and laughter all around! 

A huge thank you to our amazing chefs for the beautiful snacks and delicious food that everyone enjoyed. A truly special day shared together celebrating joy, friendship and wonderful memories.  

Twice a month, we take a trip to our local community, Forget me not Café in Hethersett, which is always fantastic. This time we had a lovely time singing, dancing and shaking our Pom Poms. We were joined by Louise Elder, vocalist… who sang some brilliant songs from the Beatles, ABBA, Neil Diamond and many more. We all enjoyed a nice cuppa with some tasty biscuits and had a really happy morning. It was lovely to meet some other residents from St John’s care home who also got up and danced the morning away. 

We have invited St Johns to come along to our care home in the summer.   

Here at Mulberry Court, we have been remembering the significance of the 8th of May on the 81st anniversary, as it is one of the most important days in world history. We will not forget the sacrifices made to mark VE Day!

Our residents enjoyed an afternoon tea with scones filled with cream and jam after watching a short video of the celebrations of the time for VE Day in London in 1945.

Our residents also made the most of another sunny afternoon and got out into the garden and enjoyed reminiscing all while waving the flags.      

The Mulberry Court minibus has been out on its travels again today.

At a previous residents' meeting, several people expressed a wish to visit Burnby Hall Gardens in Pocklington, so today we took a group including family members to enjoy the last day of the annual event.

"Tulip festival". Everyone had a marvellous time wandering around admiring the many types of tulips as well as all the other plants and flowers on display before tucking into a fantastic picnic especially prepared this morning by our chef Ian.

After lunch, we had another look around before browsing in the gift shop where several people purchased mementos before heading back.  

We opened our doors to the community.

We were delighted to welcome back Jeremy, whom for many of the residents at Chater Lodge it was their first time seeing him. 
From toe-tapping classics to sing-along favourites, the room was filled with smiles and laughter, with residents requests and raising the roof with ‘Sweet Caroline’.           

It was truly a fabulous morning that created many beautiful moments together. The residents can't wait for Jeremy's return. 

Sheila spent the morning doing her accounting.

Counting her coins and putting the correct amounts in the money bags. Sheila used to do accounts for many businesses in Stamford, we also found out that she was excellent at spelling! We're interested in residents' history, their life stories, the things they love. Every resident is unique.

From spending time and learning about each one, we can support positive well-being through a wide range of tailored activities.      
 

Today at Chater Lodge we were delighted to host our Parkinson’s Awareness Event and welcome local community members Elizabeth Knowles and Margaret Berrisford from Stamford Parkinson’s group.

It was an opportunity to raise awareness, share specialist knowledge and have meaningful conversations.

Thank you to everyone who attended. We look forward to hosting more community events soon.     

Residents, families, and staff at Waterside Court came together for a wonderful VE Day Street Party to remember and celebrate the day peace was declared in Europe in 1945, marking the end of the Second World War in Europe. 

Residents enjoyed a traditional high tea with scones, jam, and clotted cream while the talented Enigmas Band entertained everyone with wonderful live music and sing-alongs. The band performed a selection of much-loved wartime classics, including We’ll Meet Again, The White Cliffs of Dover, and Pack Up Your Troubles, with residents happily singing and clapping along to the familiar songs. Many residents shared fond memories as the music filled the home, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.       

The celebration brought back many happy memories for residents and created a lovely sense of community throughout the home.