Celebrating life at Barchester

We were recently honoured with a visit from the Surrey Fringe Harmony group who got us in the Christmas spirit by singing some festive Christmas favourites, alongside barbershop and pop tunes.

We were delighted to bring a little pantomime magic into our home this week. 

Swapping uniforms for costumes, our team put on a special fun performance, complete with panto humour, for our residents to enjoy. 
 

It was great to see all the residents tapping away and swaying to the music and enjoying the classical Christmas hits of years gone bye. There was smiles and laughter all afternoon as Tracy brought so much joy as she has done all year and the residents look forward to seeing Tracy back again in 2026. 

We teamed up with Huntingdonshire NOSTALGIA Trust yesterday for a very rewarding and humbling afternoon visiting the children's ward at Hinchingbrooke Hospital NHS to bring presents for the children and a very specially homemade cake for the amazing staff.

We then went next door to the MacMillan Woodlands Centre where we also had a cake for the equally amazing staff, which was very well received and appreciated.

We would like to wish everybody at Hinchingbrooke and The Woodlands a very Merry Christmas.

At our care home, we believe it’s the little moments — and sometimes the extraordinary ones — that make life truly special. One recent festive trip reminded us just how powerful kindness, teamwork, and shared experiences can be.

We were honoured to help make a Christmas wish come true for Alex by taking him and his wife, Haddie, on a special trip to London to see the Christmas lights. Wrapped in festive cheer and surrounded by familiar faces, Alex was supported throughout the journey by his devoted carer, Varsha, who was by his side every step of the way.

This memorable outing was made possible thanks to Georgia, Activities Coordinator at Wilsmere House Care Home, who went above and beyond by driving the minibus to Bushey House to collect everyone before heading into the heart of London. Fellow resident Haldene also joined the trip, adding to the sense of companionship and shared joy that made the evening so special.

As the city sparkled with lights and festive spirit, the smiles and laughter said it all. Seeing the joy on Alex’s face — a smile that never faded — was a powerful reminder of why experiences like these matter so much. They create connection, spark happiness, and leave memories that will be cherished long after the lights come down.

Moments like this capture the heart of life in our care home: compassion, dedication, and a commitment to ensuring every resident feels valued, supported, and able to enjoy meaningful experiences — especially at Christmas.

The home welcomed two local Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs). PCSOs Fiona and Emma visited the home following a special invitation from Snobia the homes activities lead for breakfast, which was hosted by Glebefields’ Customer Relationship Manager, Louise Ramage. The visit aimed to strengthen ties between local police and the care home community.

There was a sense of "family" which was highlighted during breakfast, where the officers were joined by Tony, the husband of a former resident who sadly passed away in August. Despite his wife no longer being at the home, Tony visits frequently, citing the deep bond he shares with the staff and residents who have become his extended family.

During the tour, the officers were introduced to General Manager Benazir and Deputy Manager Jeni, discussing the vital role the home plays within the Drayton and Banbury community.
Both officers expressed their admiration for the home’s environment, noting they were "in awe" of the high standards of presentation and the warm atmosphere provided for the residents.
A highlight of the morning was a meeting with Resident Ambassadors Fiona and Joan. The ambassadors explained their unique roles as the "voice" of the home, advocating for their fellow residents to have a platform to share creative ideas for home activities and improvements.

There was also some hilarity as the residents got to try on the officers hat and even the dog statue in the main café had a go! whilst the officers talked to residents and visitors this morning.
Thanks to Fiona and Emma and we cant wait to have you back to the home soon. 

At Glebefields, we know that providing the best care for our residents is a team effort that goes far beyond our own front doors. Our General Manager, Benazir Shakir, recently spent the day visiting some of our wonderful local partners to hand-deliver hampers filled with goodies as a token of our massive appreciation.

A huge thank you for your tireless hard work and partnership to:
The Discharge Team at Horton Hospital 
The team at Windrush Surgery 
Our colleagues at Cherwell Hospital 
The dedicated staff at Amos Court

We are so proud to work alongside such incredible professionals in the Banbury community. Thank you for all that you do!

The residents and staff were delighted in attending the local ‘Dementia Sings Out’ group for their amazing Christmas Party. The group is held every Thursday at the Compass Church in Wellingborough.

The group is a community choir that meets every week for those living with dementia, and for their carers, to sing songs that are not only uplifting but also inspirational. It was a party like no other, full of Christmas magic, with live music from the talented Community Wellingborough Gospel Choir and Gareth Fuller, who certainly had all up on their feet dancing and singing. It was an enjoyable morning that allowed for residents to simply let their hair down and immerse themselves in the wonderful festive atmosphere. The volunteers at the group certainly made the morning extra special, Elm Banks residents and staff will definitely be returning weekly.

Activities Co-ordinator, Tina said: “We were so happy to have been invited to this magical place that gives so much to the local community with the work they do for all those living with dementia and for the carers. The party was amazing, so festive and everyone had a wonderful time.”

General Manager Larisa Bledea said: “It is lovely to see our residents and staff enjoying a morning with ‘Dementia Sings Out’, the enrichment this group creates in the lives of all living with dementia is recognisable. It is very important to have links with local groups, it not only allows for good community relationship, but also the impact these groups have on residents here at the home is truly amazing”.

The residents and staff were thrilled to receive a very generous donation of Christmas gifts from Jeremy and business partner Antonia.

Jeremy runs the business Treasure Hunting Brothers with business partner Antonia, the business also has a YouTube channel that explains how the business works.

The business buys abandoned storage units and the contents of which are sold off to keep the business running. The business also donate a lot of the items they obtained to those who need.

Jeremy, business owner, said: “Our belief is that. It is good to be kind and every little helps, and we as a business like to help others as it is not about the money for us it is about helping others.”

Activities Co-ordinator, Tina said: “The wonderful donation of gifts from Jeremy and Antonia mean so much to us and they certainly will be spreading the joy of Christmas to all our residents. We are looking forward to working with Jeremy and Antonia moving forward in to the New Year.”

General Manager Larisa Bledea said: “We cannot thank Jeremy and Antonia enough for their generous donation. The gifts they have donated will all be going to our residents and it is wonderful to see a community that is wanting to be so involved in the home and all we do.”