Celebrating life at Barchester

We are pleased to announce a collaboration with Richard Penrose, a financial advisor from Watch Oak Private Wealth.  Richard specialises in later-life planning, helping people and their families make informed, confident decisions around care funding, long-term financial security, and protecting independence for as long as possible.

His role is to simplify complex choices around care costs, pensions, assets, and entitlements, so families can focus on what really matters: quality of life and peace of mind. On a personal level, family is central to Richard and that strongly influences how he approach’s his work. He understands how emotional and challenging conversations around ageing and care can be, having supported clients through some of the most important decisions of their lives. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active, spending time with his family, and keeping a balanced perspective beyond finance.

He believes good later-life advice should be compassionate, clear, and practical. His aim is always to support residents and families with calm, straightforward guidance at a time when reassurance and trust matter most. Richard can be called upon at Mortain Place care home, Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne on the last Monday of every month, between 11am and 3pm.

We celebrated our third Dementia Disco which brought music, laughter and connection to their local community, as residents living with dementia, their families, and carers came together for an uplifting morning of dance and nostalgia.

The Dementia Disco transformed the Care home into a welcoming dance floor that was filled with classic hits, sing-alongs and smiling faces. Residents and guests enjoyed refreshments, socialising and connection through the power of music.

Residents and guests enjoyed a live music performance that took place at the home. Local singer Jeremy performed a selection of classic hits including ‘The Story of My Life’, ‘You Are My Sunshine’ and ‘Magic Moments’ to a full room- there was standing space only!

Residents joined in with the singing, and clapped along as the band performed their finale song ‘Happiness’, and the smiles reflected the song perfectly. Dorothy requested Jim Reeves, and was treated to not one but two of his most popular tunes; and Dr McGregor was very happy singing along to one of his favourites- ‘True Love’. 

Lesley Ann is a regular in our home and brings joy to the residents and staff with her renditions of music through the years. The singing soon got everyone involved with tapping hands and feet with many singing along and joining in the fun.

Our Activities Team is dedicated to ensuring that we organise events that encourage our residents to host their families and friends at Brampton View Care home. Our home is always to open to loved ones who wish to take part in our life enrichment program.

We have recently celebrated our fabulous Head Chef, Ian and Care Assistant, Michelle, for their long service! With an amazing combined total of 25 years’ service between them. Ian has been a part of our care home family for 10 years, and Michelle for 15 years! WOW – incredible.

Thank you both for everything you do and for being such valued members of the team here at Crabwall Hall and caring for our residents with such care and compassion, which they so rightly deserve. Congratulations! And here's to many more years to come.   

Healthy Heart Event Highlights: We had a wonderful Healthy Heart event at Appletree Grange, filled with learning, healthy choices, and movement. A big thank you to our Head Chef and kitchen team for preparing such a colourful selection of fruits and salads. The presentation was eye-catching and clearly showed how healthy food can look and feel appealing. 

Our appreciation also goes to the staff and our guest speaker from Age UK for their preparation and for delivering an excellent talk on nutrition and its benefits. It was informative and encouraged positive lifestyle choices. To finish the day, we enjoyed some gentle chair yoga, bringing relaxation and smiles all round.   

Age Is Just a Number at Appletree Grange, one of our incredible residents, who is nearly 100 years young, continues to inspire us every day by actively engaging in the activities he truly enjoys. With a wonderful sense of enthusiasm and determination, he still takes part in meaningful activities that bring him joy, purpose, and a sense of independence. Whether it’s spending time chatting, engaging in familiar routines, or enjoying his favourite pastimes, or a friendly game of snookers, he reminds us that a fulfilling life doesn’t stop with age.

We believe in supporting our residents to live life their way, focusing on strengths, interests, and personal choice. Seeing our residents continue to do what they love is a true reflection of person-centred care in action.