Celebrating life at Barchester

The talents came out to shine as our residents helped our Chef to create the most wonderful Christmas Cake.

Making a sponge base and adding Kit Kats around the edge to make the trunk, then by building up cupcakes into the shape of a tree.

We enjoyed decorating the tree with icing, cherries and sparkles.    

A great afternoon out at Chessington Garden Centre for some Christmas retail therapy. Our residents were delighted to have a look at all the beautiful Christmas decorations and buy some goodies for their relatives. 

We enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea in the café and searched for all the Christmas Lights on our way home.        

Wow! A fantastic start to Christmas with The Jingle Bells singers performing from the Rah Rah Theatre Company. Delicious Minced Pies and Mulled Wine followed by our 2025 Christmas Light Switch on.

Residents sang along to some old time favourite Carols and feeling festive. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!     

This week, two of our lovely residents were reminiscing about strolling by the river in the winter, and our amazing team jumped into action! Despite the chilly weather, we took them on a trip down memory lane, and they had the BEST time! 

At Shelburne Lodge Care Home - Barchester Healthcare , we're all about tailoring activities to our residents' wishes and interests. Whether it's a walk by the river or a festive craft session, we're here to make memories!     

Happy Birthday to our lovely resident, Margret! 

We had such a wonderful time here at Shelburne Lodge celebrating with Margret this week. Surrounded by her amazing family and our caring staff, the day was filled with smiles, laughter, and lots of love.

Thank you to everyone who helped make her birthday extra special — here's to another year of joy and beautiful moments!      

An Afternoon of Music, Memories, and Joy at Shelburne Lodge. Last week, we were treated to a beautiful afternoon of Singing for Memory with the wonderful Nik Stoter! 

It’s amazing how music can bring back the words we thought were lost, and our residents proved just that – singing every word to the melodies that took them back to happy days filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. 

We saw so many smiles, and a few dance moves too, as Nik’s tunes filled the room and brought so much joy to everyone here. It’s moments like these that remind us just how powerful music can be.       

After days of wonderful preparation, our residents, together with the Maintenance Team, Activities Team, and staff from across the home, transformed Marnel Lodge into a festive winter haven. From decorating the lounges to lighting up the gardens, everyone worked with so much heart to make the season truly magical.

On 1st December, our home came alive as our much-loved Resident Ambassador, Ian, proudly lit up the Christmas lights. The moment the home sparkled, smiles filled the room — a memory we will treasure throughout the season. Residents, families, and staff enjoyed warm mulled wine and freshly baked mince pies, creating the perfect cosy atmosphere to welcome December.

Home Manager Anju extended her heartfelt thanks to every resident and team member who contributed to the preparations, saying how proud she is of the shared effort, creativity, and festive spirit shining through Marnel Lodge. Here’s to a joyful December ahead, filled with celebration, community, and Christmas cheer!           

Residents at Marnel Lodge Care Home in Basingstoke have taken part in the Veterans Hub In Hampshire Clinic as a part of Men’s Health Awareness.

During the visit, Consultant Urological Surgeon Dr Richard Hindley delivered an informative presentation on prostate cancer, outlining the key signs and symptoms, the impact of prostatitis, available treatment pathways, and the emerging role of AI technology in early diagnosis and research. The session aimed to raise essential awareness of health issues affecting men, particularly within the veteran community.

Marnel Lodge residents John Boucher and Raymond Gardner, both veterans, enjoyed reconnecting with fellow servicemen and engaging with the wider community.

Raymond’s daughter Sue, who accompanied Dad, expressed her appreciation, noting how valuable such visits are for maintaining her father’s interests and sense of identity.

Home Manager Anju Abraham commented:
“Maintaining meaningful community links is vital for our residents. Supporting them to take part in activities they have enjoyed throughout their lives is central to enhancing wellbeing and delivering truly person-centred care.”

Marnel Lodge expressed gratitude to The Hampshire Clinic and Dr Hindley for hosting the session and for their ongoing commitment to promoting men’s health awareness.

Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.        

The Christmas spirit is truly alive and glowing here at Marnel Lodge as our residents have once again come together to prepare this year’s traditional Christmas cake. What began as a simple baking activity has grown into a cherished annual ritual that brings friendship, purpose, and joy to our home.

From soaking the fruits weeks in advance, to carefully mixing the batter, to the excitement of baking day itself, every step has been filled with laughter and wonderful conversations. Our residents now take great pride in the daily “feeding” of the cake — a much-loved tradition that adds richness and depth to the final creation. The process is not just about baking; it is about shared experiences, memories of Christmases past, and the warmth of doing something meaningful together.

Our lovely resident Pam summed it up beautifully when she said, “I always love baking and enjoy doing it.” Her enthusiasm reflects the feelings of many who have taken part.

These moments perfectly highlight why person-centred celebrations matter. By keeping familiar traditions alive, we support our residents’ identity, independence, and emotional wellbeing. Activities like this provide structure, comfort, sensory stimulation, and — most importantly — a sense of home.

Now, as the cake matures beautifully, excitement is building across the home. Our residents cannot wait to unveil and share their delicious creation with everyone on Christmas Day.

At Marnel Lodge, traditions like this are not just events; they are heart-warming reminders of the joy, connection, and togetherness that make our home so special at this time of year.