Celebrating life at Barchester

Our residents recently enjoyed a gardening day at the home with some indoor plant potting!  These regular sessions have proved to be very popular with our residents and guests that we are now looking to purchase our very own potting shed.

We do our best to provide a wide range of activities and entertainment at Chestnut Gardens as part of the lifestyle enrichment programme and this has provided residents so much joy! living in a care home doesn’t put a stop to celebrating life, and our engaging activities are designed to be enjoyed by all who want to join in.

The sun always shines on the righteous, in fact, even when its cloudy outside the sunshine leads the way for the staff and residents at Mortain Place Care home in Eastbourne. This week, we escorted some of their Gentlemen residents to enjoy a Jolly Boys Outing! What could be better than a strong coffee served alfresco and a slice of cake, admiring the outlook across the amazing Sovereign Harbour and out to sea.

Not content with a few drinks and snacks whilst out and about, the team at Mortain Place, also managed to snag a great white shark. Good job it was only a baby 6-footer, as they would have needed a bigger boat! The thoughtful staff of Di lieto’s restaurant, provided the shark with a saucer of milk.  An impressive achievement by anyone’s standards, given it was just an inflatable version, caught locally.

You cannot beat a little sunshine brought into everyone’s lives, or even a little jolly madness. Great fun is what Mortain Place make of the experiences with their residents. The interaction with the general public and other local businesses were priceless. As the courageous explorers made their way around the delightful Sovereign Harbour, with a shark in tow, all happy people with beaming smiles and not a care in world.  Perfect! Positive fun interaction events such as these, enriches the lives of all our residents, especially those facing the challenges of dementia from their Memory Lane area. If you would like your relative or loved one to sample more of the same jolly positivity and stimulation you may contact Mortain Place on 01323 465150 . We will be happy to guide you on what we offer and how we can enhance your loved ones lives, with a stay with us.

We were delighted to throw celebrations in honour of a wonderful milestone: Residents Graham and Barbara's 70th Wedding Anniversary!

The home prepared a special cake, card, bubbles and flowers to mark the impressive occasion, as we all wished the happy couple our heartfelt congratulations!

We recently enjoyed a visit from our friends at Browells Pet Therapy who brought along little lambs and their fluffy pal to meet our residents and team. This certainly put a Spring in our step!

Resident, Connie had wanted to be able to attend a Lincoln City Football team match, so staff at the home made her wish a reality proving the old adage, it’s never too late even at 95 years old!

Connie has lived at Tennyson Wharf for two years and is beloved by staff and residents alike for her sense of humour.  Staff at the home were delighted to be a part of making her dream come true, as they knew how much it meant to Connie, and they all wanted to be there to see the smile on her face when her dream was realised.

Staff have long known of Connie’s love of Lincoln City Football team and wanted to surprise her with a trip to the stadium. Connie was also accompanied by Chef Polly who is a Lincoln City super fan and arrange the trip with the help of Alan, Lincoln City Fan Liaison Officer, both were there to witness this momentous occasion.

Residents, staff and family members came together this week to celebrate a special milestone: 15 years of dedicated service from their much-loved Activities Coordinator, Carly Chesney.

The occasion was marked with a heartfelt surprise party in recognition of the joy, creativity and compassion she has brought to the community over the years.

For the past decade and a half, Carly has been at the heart of resident engagement, designing meaningful programs that promote wellbeing, connection and fun. The surprise event was filled with appreciation and included live music, speeches, celebratory cake, and a presentation of long service award. 

Staff and residents hosted a special Easter Eggs-travagnza event inviting the local community for an ‘egg-citing’ day during the Easter school holidays bringing generations together.

Local children and their families joined residents and staff for a family fun filled Easter day. Enjoying egg hunts with Flopsy the Station bunny, Easter bonnet making, themed games and races and egg-cellent treats.

Residents enjoyed an eggs-tensive range of Easter activities, from hosting a lively Easter Hop event getting all shook up with Elvis impersonator, Mike Memphis performing the king of rock n’ Rolls greatest hits to special deliveries of Easter eggs from the Station bunny proving your never too old for fun, laughter and chocolate! 

In the lead-up to Easter, our residents had a wonderful time making their very own Easter bonnets. The home was filled with colour, laughter, and creativity as everyone chose decorations to design something truly unique.

It was lovely to see residents supporting one another, sharing ideas, and enjoying the activity together.

Activities like this are so important for our residents’ wellbeing, helping to encourage creativity, social interaction, and a strong sense of achievement. They also provide a calming and meaningful focus, while often sparking lovely conversations and cherished memories of past Easters.

We are so proud of everyone’s beautiful creations, which helped bring extra joy and springtime spirit into our home 

Every Tuesday morning the residents look forward to taking part in the lovely Allysons exercise sessions. This varies from upbeat seated cardio to strength fitness and is a great way for the residents to stay in shape!