Tour De Barchester 2023 - Live Blog

The final day

On the final day of the tour, Simon McCall, Commercial Director, and Shona Conway, Project Coordinator, were accompanied by local community members and Barchester staff as they visited Sycamore Grove, Hazel Lodge, Wadhurst Manor, and Chestnut Gardens Care Homes.

The cyclists were greeted with smiles and cheers at Sycamore Grove Care Home. The staff and children from Bluebell Nursery had prepared bunting and eagerly awaited the cyclists' arrival. The Mayor also joined to congratulate the cyclists on their remarkable achievement.

Next, the team made their second stop of the day at Hazel Lodge Care Home. They were warmly welcomed with flags, cheers, and a themed cake. Children from a local school came along to greet them, adding to the excitement.

The tour continued to Wadhurst Manor Care Home, where a garden party awaited the cyclists. The home's team had organised a delightful buffet spread, and a talented singer took the residents on a nostalgic journey down memory lane.

Finally, the cyclists triumphantly crossed the finish line at Chestnut Gardens Care Home, where the home's team had prepared an amazing spread, baked cakes, and arranged for a live band to welcome them. Congratulations poured in from everyone, and the occasion was celebrated with a toast of champagne.

Huge congratulations to the cyclists for their remarkable achievement of covering 276 miles along the South Coast! We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the teams involved in making the tour such a resounding success.

Day 3

Throughout the third day of the tour, the core cyclists Simon McCall, Commercial Director, and Shona Conway, Project Coordinator, were joined by local community members and Barchester staff as they visited Florence Court, Denmead Grange, Bere Grove, and Lydfords Care Homes.

The tour started at Florence Court Care Home, where the cyclists were warmly welcomed with fruit cocktail sticks, refreshing smoothies, and delightful cupcakes. The residents showed their support by enjoying their own push bike rides.

Next on the route was Denmead Grange Care Home, the second home of the day. The atmosphere was fantastic as everyone enjoyed live music entertainment, a delightful selection of sweet and savoury treats and lots of ice-cream.

After a quick stop at Bere Grove Care Home, where the cyclists met with Kim Wakelin, Home Service Advisor, and Grant Jensen, Senior Property Development Manager, the team continued their journey, reaching Brighton.

The final stop of the day was at Lydfords Care Home, where the home’s team have arranged a garden party complete with a BBQ. It was a celebratory gathering where everyone could enjoy good food and great company.

Another successful day, a big thank you to all involved. Check out our Barchester Instagram page to follow our cyclist throughout their journey.

Day 2

On the second day of the tour, Simon McCall, Commercial Director, and Shona Conway, Project Coordinator, along with community members and staff, visited Upton Bay, Parley Place, Shawford Springs, and Snowdrop Place Care Homes.

The day started bright and early at Upton Bay Care Home, where the cyclists were warmly welcomed with refreshments, music, and an enchanting performance by the residents. To everyone's delight, the tour team had the honour of presenting the Employee of the Month Award to a deserving staff member at the home. With a fantastic send-off, the cyclists embarked on their journey towards their next destination – Parley Place.

The turnout at Parley Place Care Home was sensational, with residents, staff, and a fabulous dog from Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs eagerly awaiting the arrival of the cyclists. Delicious sweet and savoury treats were available for all to enjoy.

The tour continued to Shawford Springs Care Home, where the cyclists were greeted with a delightful fruit basket prepared by the talented Chef. Residents and their families warmly welcomed them. In support of the cause, several residents at the home have been enjoying themed rides through New Forest National Park offered by PEDALL New Forest Inclusive Cycling.

The last destination on today's route was Snowdrop Place Care Home, where the tour team received a warm welcome from the amazing staff and resident Betty. It was incredible to learn that Betty, in her 20s, had cycled from London to Birmingham. Yesterday, she even had her own mini cycle ride to support the Tour de Barchester.

Two extra visits were made throughout the day. The first visit was to Nourish, a Barchester supplier providing smart, electronic care management software. The second surprise visit was to Moors Manor Care Home, where the amazing team and residents were delighted to welcome the tour members.

Day 2 of the tour was a big success, a big thank you to all involved. Check out our Barchester Instagram page to follow our cyclist throughout their journey.

Day 1

Throughout the day, the core cyclists, Simon McCall, Commercial Director, and Shona Conway, Project Coordinator, were joined by local community members and Barchester staff as they visited Cumberland Grange, Raleigh Manor, and Trinity Manor Care Homes. They received a warm welcome from both the residents and the teams at each home.

The cyclists' first stop was Cumberland Grange Care Home, where they were greeted with cheer and applause. The home had been beautifully decorated with balloon arches, and a special bubble machine added to the uplifting atmosphere. Residents came out to chat with the cyclists and offer their well wishes.

The excitement continued as the tour progressed to Raleigh Manor Care Home, where the team was treated to fresh fruit, homemade flapjacks, and refreshing drinks. After a heartfelt send-off from one of the residents, the team embarked on a 4.5-hour cycle to their next destination, Trinity Manor.

Residents and staff at Trinity Manor Care Home did a sterling job celebrating the tour, welcoming the cyclists with live music, high tea and an evening meal.

We are thrilled to announce that Day 1 of the tour was a huge success, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the cyclists, as well as, the teams and residents at each home for their tremendous support.

If you would wish to support the cyclists and the Foundation, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/tourdebarchester23.

All contributions will be gratefully received. Check out our Barchester Instagram page to follow our cyclist throughout their journey.

Tour de Barchester is back again this year!        

Simon and I are excited to be riding east along the south coast this year, talking in the sights between Exeter to Battle before we start to head north towards our final destination in Purley.

This year’s tour takes place over 4 days from 6th June, you’ll remember last year we rode in early July when we had a heat wave, so we are hoping for the weather to be a little cooler and therefore an even better cycle, with the wind at our backs.

Due to health reasons both Genevieve and Tony are having to miss this year’s tour, however their saddle is being kept warm for them to join us in 2024. Also, due to retirement we also see a change is support vehicle driver as we welcome ‘driving Mr Daisy’ to the team… better known as Mr. Mervyn Knights!

During the 4 days we are set to cycle over 270 miles and visit 15 of our care homes, most of which have been built and opened in the past couple of years.

Training through the winter months has been tough, so I am especially glad for the longer days with lighter mornings and evenings.

For those who remember Marilyn from last year (my trusty stead) she really does need a good scrub to get her ready, I have been going out for slightly longer rides more recently often in the rain, so she is a little muddy and she really does deserve a spruce up before she has a service in advance of our 4 day ride together.

Keep a look out for more blog posts to hear more about the tour.

If you would like to find out more about the tour or to enquire regarding corporate sponsorship for this year’s Tour de Barchester please do contact TourDe.Barchester@Barchester.com.

Last year you helped us raise a whopping £18,500 and It would be an amazing achievement if we can beat that figure this year please show your support by giving generously by clicking on the following link https://www.justgiving.com/page/tourdebarchester23 all proceeds will go the Barchester’s charitable foundation.

If you would like to find out about corporate sponsorship for this year’s Tour de Barchester please do contact TourDe.Barchester@Barchester.com.

To find out more about where your kind donations go and who you help visit Barchester Charitable Foundation