Celebrating life at Barchester

The home was delighted to welcome local professionals to their community ‘Meet the Manager – Cream Tea’ event.

Taking place on Friday 16th January. Professionals from various organisations within the community had the opportunity to meet Emma Smith, General Manager of Stamford Bridge Beaumont, take a tour of the newly opened residential unit and network with one another.

The home was delighted to welcome representatives from Home Instead, Bryan Mills Funeral Directors, Link Village Magazine and representation from Stamford in Bloom and the Community Choir.
 

Our Residents have been asked - 

What its like to live at Cadbury Hall and well in a Care home- 

They wanted to share 

It is supporting comfort, connection and wellbeing every day.

Make Your Space Your Own

Bring favourite photos, blankets and keepsakes to create a space that feels warm and familiar.

Stay Social

Join activities you enjoy, share stories with neighbours, and welcome visits from family and friends.

Keep Moving

Gentle exercise, walking groups, stretching or music-and-movement sessions all help keep body and mind active.

Enjoy Mealtimes

Good food, shared company and a relaxed atmosphere make mealtimes a highlight of the day.

Look After Your Wellbeing

Rest when needed, keep comforting routines, and enjoy calming hobbies like reading, knitting or puzzles.

Stay Curious

Quizzes, crafts, talks, music and seasonal events add purpose, fun and something to look forward to.

Your Voice Matters

Share your preferences and what helps you feel comfortable. Your choices shape your day.

Celebrate the Seasons

Festive days, birthdays and special events bring colour, nostalgia and community spirit.

Find Joy in the Little Things

A favourite song, a warm drink, fresh air, or a friendly chat — small moments make a big How to Live Well in a Care Home

Living in a care home can be a new chapter — one filled with comfort, connection, and meaningful moments. Here are gentle ways to make the most of each day and truly live well.

1. Make Your Space Your Own

   •            Bring favourite photos, blankets, books or ornaments

   •            Add small touches that feel familiar and comforting

   •            Keep lighting soft and cosy

A room that feels like you helps you feel settled and calm.

2. Stay Social in Your Own Way

   •            Join group activities when you feel up to it

   •            Share stories, memories, and laughter with neighbours

   •            Welcome visits from friends and family

Connection brings joy — even small chats can brighten the day.

3. Keep Moving, Keep Active

   •            Try gentle exercises, stretching, or movement-to-music sessions

   •            Join walking groups or simply stroll the garden

   •            Celebrate small wins: every bit of movement helps

Staying active boosts mood, strength, and independence.

4. Enjoy Good Food and Mealtimes

   •            Savour freshly prepared meals

   •            Try new dishes but keep your favourites close

   •            Enjoy the social buzz of shared dining

Mealtimes are often the heart of the day.

5. Look After Your Wellbeing

   •            Rest when you need to

   •            Keep to familiar routines

   •            Enjoy calming hobbies: reading, puzzles, knitting, crafts

   •            Make time for fresh air

Wellbeing is built from small moments of care.

Baking Memories with June 

We enjoyed a lovely baking session with June this morning, reminiscing about the days when she used to bake for all the children she looked after. With her experience, enthusiasm, and wonderful baking skills, it quickly turned into a little baking masterclass!

Baking is a fantastic activity, especially for those living with early dementia. It supports memory, concentration, fine motor skills, confidence, and emotional wellbeing, while also encouraging conversation and connection through familiar routines and sensory experiences.

June is now very much looking forward to enjoying a cupcake and a cuppa later.

We rose to the occasion for National Pizza Week when Residents became master pizza-olas, choosing their own toppings while the dough flew through the air! 

Huge thanks to our amazing kitchen team for hosting this activity and a slice of applause for Head Chef Peter!

We recently enjoyed a truly heart-warming celebration as Bloomfield Care Centre marked a wonderful two-year anniversary of our special connection with Willow from Sing-a-ling, alongside families and friends from Little Star Nursery Paulton. The day was filled with laughter, music and meaningful moments as residents spent time with the children, sharing smiles, stories and festive fun together.

Intergenerational activities like these are incredibly special, bringing different generations together in a way that enriches everyone involved. Residents were delighted by the children’s energy and enthusiasm, while the youngsters enjoyed singing, chatting and celebrating alongside our residents. The atmosphere was full of warmth, joy and togetherness, creating memories that will be cherished long after the day itself.

Celebrations like this highlight the importance of community, connection and shared experiences, and we are proud to create opportunities that bring happiness and purpose to daily life at Bloomfield Care Centre.

We were delighted to welcome a truly special visit to Bloomfield Care Centre, as Kelly’s Donkeys joined us for a magical morning filled with smiles and festive cheer. Spike arrived with the wonderful Romeo, who quickly became a favourite as he trotted around the home, charming residents and team members alike. Romeo’s calm and gentle nature meant everyone could enjoy time with him, whether sharing a quiet moment, offering a treat, or simply watching him spread joy throughout the home. Residents were especially delighted to see Romeo happily enjoying his apples and carrots, and many spoke fondly about past memories of animals and countryside life. Visits like these create meaningful moments, spark conversation, and bring genuine happiness to our community, making the day truly unforgettable for everyone involved.

There was flower power at Bere Grove Care Home, as our lovely lady residents had a wonderful time taking part in an afternoon of flower arranging to decorate our café. They arranged tulips, roses, carnations and gerberas. There were plenty of smiles, conversations and something beautiful to admire at the end. They were then all entertained with songs on the piano played by a resident. Just another blooming great Bere Grove activity.

Residents continue to enjoy the comfort and privacy of their en-suite rooms, where hobbies and personal interests are very much encouraged.

 Andrew filled the corridor with the sound of his beautiful guitar playing and singing as he practised a new piece of music — a moment that stopped both residents and staff in their tracks.

He later ventured into the lounge to explore the piece further, adding an accompaniment on the piano, creating a relaxed and uplifting atmosphere for everyone nearby.

These spontaneous moments of creativity are a joy to witness and a reminder that life at Cadbury Hall is about individuality, expression, and shared pleasure — enjoyed by residents and staff alike

Here’s an occupancy-focused version — aspirational, lifestyle-led, and subtly selling the experience of living at Cadbury Hall:

Life at Cadbury Hall is shaped around individual choice, comfort, and wellbeing. Residents enjoy the privacy of their own en-suite rooms, where they are supported to continue the hobbies and interests that matter most to them.

Today, Andrew’s beautiful guitar playing and singing drifted along the corridor as he practised a new piece of music, before he moved into the lounge to explore an accompaniment on the piano. These moments of spontaneous creativity are shared and enjoyed by residents and staff alike.

It’s this balance of independence, encouragement, and a vibrant shared community that makes Cadbury Hall a place people are proud to call home.

Poetry Club is a well-established and much-loved activity at Cadbury Hall, originally created by Sally and growing steadily in popularity. It offers residents a rich, intellectually stimulating experience, celebrating language, learning, and lifelong curiosity.

Each session brings together a diverse mix of poetry and poets to suit all tastes — from the great classics such as Browning and Tennyson, to lighter pieces, short verses, and the occasional playful or cheeky poem, all shared in good spirit.

For many residents, Poetry Club evokes fond memories of school recitals, learning poems by heart, performing monologues, and university days, with English Literature knowledge often coming proudly to the fore. These shared experiences spark thoughtful discussion, laughter, and meaningful connection.

Poetry Club reflects our commitment to providing activities that nourish the mind as well as the soul, proving that intellectual engagement and a love of words continue to flourish at every stage of life.

We have linked with in the Hayes Literature Festival and enjoyed online Virtual poetry session with some famous faces.