Celebrating life at Barchester

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.        

At Appletree Grange, we are proud to celebrate one of our wonderful residents who has called Appletree Grange home for over 20 years.  She is a strong Catholic and a true Newcastle local. To gently gain her attention, when staff walk into her room, we simply call her name and remind her that she’s from Geordie. Instantly, she responds with the most beautiful smile — one that truly warms the heart and lights up the room.

We are committed to ensuring that all residents feel valued, included, and engaged, including those nursed in bed. Our dedicated staff take time to deliver meaningful 1-to-1 activities, thoughtfully tailored to each resident’s individual needs, preferences, and life history. It’s these special moments and personal connections that make our home such a caring and loving place to be.     

This afternoon in our Memory Lane unit, flower arranging became so much more than a creative activity. As hands selected colours, textures, and familiar scents, conversations flowed, smiles appeared, and memories gently resurfaced. Each arrangement told its own story, shaped by personal choice, shared moments, and a sense of purpose.

These sessions are thoughtfully designed to nurture wellbeing in every sense: encouraging sensory stimulation, supporting fine motor skills, building confidence, and, most importantly, creating meaningful moments of connection in a calm and familiar environment.

At Middletown Grange Care Home, it’s not just about filling time, it’s about creating experiences that truly matter.   

We’re delighted to launch our weekly Book Club at Middletown Grange where stories, conversation, and connection take centre stage (with a little prosecco and refreshments for good measure!).

Designed for all abilities, the club is about choice and empowerment. Some residents enjoy reading aloud together, others prefer independent reading, and many simply enjoy listening, looking through pictures, or joining the discussion in their own way. With large-print books, magnifying glasses, dementia-friendly reads, and illustrated books available, everyone can take part comfortably and confidently.

This is a relaxed, welcoming space focused on choice, confidence, and shared enjoyment. The Book Club is open to all residents and community members, every Sunday from 1.30pm.

Because it’s not just about reading, it’s about belonging, empowerment, and starting new chapters together.