Celebrating life at Barchester

One of our December highlights was our much-loved visit to the Hollybrook Country Inn for Christmas lunch. This year marked our third year visiting, and it continues to be a wonderful way to bring residents and families together to share some extra-special festive moments.

Gemma and Jacqui welcomed us with open arms, and the Inn looked absolutely beautiful, filled with festive decorations and Christmas cheer. We enjoyed a delicious roast turkey lunch with all the trimmings, followed by a fantastic selection of desserts. There was plenty of laughter throughout the afternoon, including Christmas sing-alongs, a few cracker jokes, and we rounded everything off perfectly with tea and mince pies.

We were lucky enough to visit twice this December, and on both occasions residents and families came together to enjoy a truly spectacular festive experience. As always, Gemma and Jacqui never disappoint.
A huge thank you to Jacqui and Gemma for another amazing Christmas at Hollybrook. We are so grateful for the warm welcome and wonderful memories — and we’re already looking forward to visiting again in the new year!

On the night of the 31st December and the morning of the 1st January, people in many countries all over the world will celebrate the beginning of a new year. However, at Tyspane Care Home, we believe that every day is a special day; at Tyspane we celebrate life through everything we do.

However, life is about more than just the care needed, so our teams are trained and committed to enriching the lives of all of our residents, through stimulating the mind, the body and the soul. Every resident is unique. From spending time and learning about each and every one, we can support positive well-being through a wide range and choice of events, outings, connections in the community and tailored activities. No two days are ever the same.

This year, 2025, has been no exception, activities and events have been completely fun-packed, person-centred, unique, not forgetting several Make A Wish Come true, have helped families, friends, community, professionals, and staff come together to support loved ones.

David Prior (Resident Ambassador) stated, “2025 has been incredible. It's been a happy and fun year, everyone is joyful. Thank you Aime.”

Here's to the year that lies ahead. Let's face it with laughter instead. With humour as our guiding light, we'll tackle each day with all our might! (Catherine Pulsifer).   

Debbie Miles, Ruby Ann, the Church Choirs and primary school children’s choir all came to deliver performances throughout the month of December and residents had a great time throughout, enjoying themselves with laughter, dancing and social enjoyment.       

We have been to Worcester Cathedral to see the Christmas Trees that are on display for businesses and communities. 

The residents had a lovely time going to the Cathedral, seeing the Christmas Trees and having refreshments in the Café. Our next visit is on the 6th January 2026.  

The residents that live with us got to visit the Panto to see Sleeping Beauty at the Swan Theatre in Worcester. 

They were invited to Nunnery wood secondary school for a Christmas Party having food and drinks, playing bingo and doing a quiz which was really nice to be invited to and the residents had a great time.        

We collaborated this year with Dunelm as they work with the communities and have a “Bringing Joy Campaign” where they have tickets from care homes and other places to invite people in the community to take a ticket and buy a present for someone, and they get to receive it for Christmas. 

Our residents enjoyed getting Christmas presents from the community to open on Christmas Day.   

Who doesn't love a day out shopping and soaking up the Christmas atmosphere among all the hustle and bustle at this time of year? Our residents certainly did when we went on a trip to Springfield’s Designer Outlet & Leisure.

Betty was so happy looking at all the wonderful Christmas Nativity bits and hearing the Christmas tunes. Betty loves to dance no matter where she is – the living embodiment of 'dance like nobody is watching.' It's a joyous thing to see. Roz enjoyed smelling all the scented candles and Alice and Margaret were happy looking at everything!

After such a busy morning we were very ready for lunch, which we enjoyed in Springfield’s Home & Garden Centre and Restaurants Thank you to the staff there for your lovely service. As always a huge thank you to our volunteers Cheryl and Laura & James from Wisbech Funeral Service for helping make our residents' day out so special.    

Residents, families and team members enjoyed a special visit with Santa in his grotto, where they each received presents.

It was a magical day with smiles, festive cheer, and photographs with Santa himself, and our residents loved seeing the children’s faces light up. A joyful experience enjoyed by all.      

Residents had the absolute pleasure of welcoming Emneth Nursery School into our home. The children had been busy practising different Christmas carols to sing to our residents and all their hard work paid off.

They sang beautifully, and it was so lovely to witness the connection between the different generations. A beautiful Christmas celebration.