Activities at Arbour Court Care Home

We were joined by the fabulous Marple Brass Band, and we had the most festively fantastic evening.

Nothing says Christmastime more than hearing a brass band play the Christmas carols we all know and love, and they were brilliant. For some residents, it was so magical it brought tears to their eyes, everyone was moving their arms like conductors of the symphony and, halfway through, the band handed out hand bells, and we all played along to classics like “jingle bells”.       

In early December, Arbour court set up a Christmas card exchange with St Marys school in Marple Bridge. Residents loved personalising and writing the Christmas cards to the children. Residents also loved receiving their cards from the school, which made their day. As we handed out the cards, we heard so many lovely comments and the smiles on their faces said it all. 

Their thoughtfulness brought joy, warmth, and a little extra Christmas magic into our home.   

Arbour Court celebrated bonfire night with a firework display and a special live Event. In the Live event we learnt all about bonfire night, and why we remember the 5th November. Later on in the evening, Residents, staff and local community came together to celebrate with a firework display. 

Everyone enjoyed the display with hot chocolate, parkin cake and treacle toffee. Residents also enjoyed watching all the children that came along playing their sparklers.     

Arbour Court loves to celebrate special moments such as birthdays or anniversaries. 

In October, we celebrated Jean’s 90th birthday. Activities staff at Arbour Court decorated and hosted Jean’s party with food, drinks, and music for other residents and Jean’s family and friends to enjoy.     

Every month Arbour Court celebrates different countries and cultures around the world. In September, we celebrated Mexico. 

We enjoyed various activities such as sombrero and maraca decorating. Later on in the day, we played a game of piñata and made margaritas and quesadillas and ended the day relaxing and watching the Disney film Coco, based on the Mexican festival Day of the Dead.   

We welcomed Anna and Rummy the Christmas pony into our home. Everyone was in awe of rummy dressed up as a reindeer with antlers on his head, wrapped in tinsel with his sparkly shoes! Rummy met every resident and was good as gold! 

Rummy loved all the affection. Residents in their bedrooms were in disbelief that rummy came to visit them.   

For Elf day this year, our amazing staff got into the festive spirit by dressing up as playful elves, bringing lots of smiles and holiday cheer to our residents! The laughter and joy were contagious, and everyone enjoyed the magical atmosphere. 

To make the day even more special, our residents took part in decorating Christmas ornaments for their loved ones.   

At Arbour Court we started the festive period early in November, starting with our annual Christmas fair. We did things a little differently this year by making the fair into a Christmas Gift Fair, for our residents, family, friends and local community to come along to get their Christmas gifts. 

Arbour Court held a tombola and handmade resident gift sale as well as selling refreshments and festive treats. We also welcomed small businesses from the local community to come along. In total, we raised £300 for our residents!     

Every month, Arbour Court celebrates different countries around the world. In October, they celebrated Germany. Activities staff at Arbour Court coincided their German Culture Day with Oktoberfest Celebrations. 

Residents enjoyed beers, Frankfurt hot dogs and pretzels in their makeshift Oktoberfest-themed bar.   

Staff and residents at Barchester’s Arbour Court were treated to a live talk entitled ‘Natural Pigments Inspired by South Asian Miniature Painting’ hosted by Holly Power and Rafin Jannat from the V&A South Kensington. In celebration of National Art in Care Homes Day, residents joined Holly from the V&A Learning team and designer-artist Rafin Jannat for a live make-along. 

They learnt about the stunning work of artists, designers and craftspeople that feature in the South Asia Gallery at the V&A South Kensington. Residents were inspired to create their own works on paper using pigments and paints made from everyday ingredients such as tea and coffee.  

In December, we were delighted to welcome Brinksway school Choir to our home. 

The children brought so much joy for the residents as they performed Christmas Carols to the residents. The children sang a traditional Christmas carol, as well as a few of the newer songs that they had made into their own version at school. The residents were delighted with the children's performance and joined in with singing along. 

As the children left, all the residents clapped and thanked the children for a wonderful afternoon and wished them all a very happy Christmas &New Year!

We all came together to watch the Barchester Care Awards 2025!

In May 2025, nominations opened for the Barchester care awards, where Ludy, our senior carer on the first floor, was nominated for Dementia Care Champion of the Year. Ludy has made it through to the nations which were celebrated in October. 

Although she didn't come away with the national title, we are so proud of Ludy and for everything she has accomplished in her role. Ludy was our divisional winner and that is such an amazing achievement.    

Our activities team have made an assortment of rummage boxes. Our current rummage boxes are garden, jewellery, sensory, electronics, textiles. 

These 'boxes' are filled with items from the past which are familiar to residents and work by keeping their minds active and their hands busy. They spark beautiful conversations and memories every single day and encourage sensory stimulation. These boxes are located on the unit corridors for residents to help themselves. Arbour Court also utilises the boxes as a 1-1 activity as the boxes are a great tool for reminiscing.    

21st September marked World Alzheimer’s day. Arbour Court wanted to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society by hosting bake sales, a coffee morning, a balloon release memorial as well as selling forget-me-not seeds and badges for all to wear. 

Arbour Court held various fundraisers throughout the week from 21st to 28th September. We are proud to announce that we raised £103.46 for the Alzheimer’s society!  

Every month Arbour court hosts animal therapy events. In September, we welcomed Pearl into our home. Pearl is a ragdoll cat who loves to sit on laps and beds. 

Pearl has such a calming temperament. We noticed residents felt a lot more relaxed with Pearl sat on their laps purring.