Activities at Ashlar House Care Home

The rhythm of the week found its groove on Monday afternoon at Ashlar House, as the smooth sounds of jazz filled the air. Residents gathered in the lounge, tapping their feet and swaying gently to the music, ready for their much-loved session with Alex.

From the first warm notes, the atmosphere transformed. Classic jazz standards blended with familiar favourites, creating a soundtrack that sparked memories and smiles. Some residents hummed along, others softly sang, and a few couldn’t resist moving to the beat. The music became more than just a background sound; it was a shared experience that brought everyone together.

Alex’s warm presence and lively performance encouraged participation, with stories and laughter flowing between songs. The session wasn’t just about listening; it was about connection. Residents shared memories of dance halls, favourite artists, and evenings spent enjoying live bands in years gone by.

By the end of the afternoon, spirits were lifted, and the room was buzzing with conversation. Monday Afternoon Jazz has quickly become a highlight of the week at Ashlar House, a time to relax, reminisce, and celebrate the timeless joy of music together.

10th February 2026 dawned with a very special kind of magic, as the home was lovingly prepared to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: Eve’s 100th birthday. The air buzzed with excitement and anticipation as members of Home Instead made their very first visit of the day, popping in before their shifts to shower the birthday girl with warm wishes, smiles, and heartfelt joy.

We had been waiting patiently for a truly royal moment. Thanks to the kindness and dedication of Salim Kasab at the Royal Mail Delivery Office in Epping, the birthday card from His Majesty King Charles III was carefully watched over and safely delivered to the home. It waited there, full of meaning, until Eve’s son Barry could present it to his mum — a once-in-a-lifetime moment filled with pride and emotion. Thank you, Salim, for your support and for the honour of seeing Eve in person on such a remarkable day.

Adding to the celebration, we were delighted to welcome our Guest of Honour, Town Mayor Janet Whitehouse, who arrived with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, bringing grace and warmth to the occasion. Our little friends from Brighton Horizons also joined the festivities, proudly presenting Eve with a lovingly handcrafted birthday card that melted hearts all around.

Glasses were raised in celebration of a century well lived, laughter filled the room, and sweet treats — Pick n Mix for the little ones — added the perfect finishing touch.

A day wrapped in love, community, and magic… and a birthday that will be treasured forever.

Our monthly pet therapy visit to Ashlar House is always a truly mesmerising experience. Each visit fills the home with smiles, laughter, and moments of pure joy for both our residents, families and staff.

This month was especially memorable as our wonderful performing pets paid us a visit, including the most adorable 4-month-old miniature flop-eared rabbit. Watching our residents connect, cuddle, and light up in the presence of these gentle animals was incredibly touching.

I, Rita, had the pleasure of capturing these precious moments, and each photo tells a beautiful story of comfort, companionship, and happiness. These are the moments that remind us how powerful animal therapy can be — enriching lives, lifting spirits, and creating lasting memories.

A truly special day at Ashlar House.  

Relaxation Friday afternoon: residents and families enjoyed singing from the heart to their favourite music requests with live entertainment. Laughter, clapping, and contagious smiles filled the room, leaving mind, body, and soul feeling uplifted.  

Sharon, Home Manager at Ashlar House, was invited to attend LinkedIn Local based in Albridge, which provided a valuable opportunity for networking with local professionals and organisations. The coffee morning format created a relaxed and welcoming environment for discussion and relationship building. 

Business cards were exchanged, supporting ongoing communication and future collaboration. Sharon found the social networking aspect particularly beneficial, with regular sessions taking place on Tuesday mornings, helping to strengthen community links and raise awareness of Ashlar House within the local area. 

As hearts beat a little softer and smiles linger a little longer, there’s no better place to celebrate romance than Ashlar House.

Step into an ambience thoughtfully prepared to set the perfect mood with warm lights that glow like candlelit promises, elegant décor that whispers intimacy, and an atmosphere designed for connection. Every detail has been carefully curated to create moments that feel timeless, tender, and unforgettable.

Whether it’s a quiet dinner for two, a toast to lasting love, or the beginning of a beautiful new story, Ashlar House is ready to make your Valentine’s celebration truly magical.

Because love deserves a setting as special as the story you share.             

The sound of live music carries a special kind of comfort around the home. Today, music has no fixed setting; it moves freely, filling rooms with gentle entertainment, whether enjoyed quietly or shared among larger groups.

Carl Ann was invited to offer a relaxed musical approach throughout the Ashlar home, allowing melodies to drift naturally through the space. With no microphone and no speakers, just her voice and her laptop, the music felt personal and unforced, creating a calm and intimate atmosphere.

The music could also be enjoyed in the salon, where residents were able to pause, listen, and simply be present with the sound. Live music around the home becomes more than entertainment—it becomes a shared experience that softens the day and brings a sense of peace to everyone who hears it. 

The session encouraged participants to explore their creativity while connecting with Scottish culture and poetry. It provided a relaxed and supportive space that boosted confidence, sparked imagination, and promoted self-expression. 

Sharing ideas and creative work helped strengthen social connections and foster a sense of community.     

We were proud to host our first networking event on New Ear New Year, welcoming Charlotte from Essex, founder of Earwax Ltd. The event was open to the local community and anyone interested in learning more about ear health. Attendees had the opportunity to network, ask questions, and gain a better understanding of how to maintain healthy ears, prevent common issues, and access safe ear care.

Due to the amazing feedback from the event, Charlotte will be visiting us again this Tuesday 3rd February.       

Creative Mojo begins with a Burns Night-inspired theme, My Heart in the Highlands.

The session encouraged participants to explore their creativity while connecting with Scottish culture and poetry. It provided a relaxed and supportive space that boosted confidence, sparked imagination, and promoted self-expression. Sharing ideas and creative work helped strengthen social connections and foster a sense of community.

Overall, the afternoon enhanced wellbeing, inspired reflection, and left participants feeling motivated and uplifted.”

This certificate is proudly presented to Alex

in recognition of her dedication and commitment during two years of work experience at Ashlar House Care Home.

Throughout her time with us, Alex has shown compassion, professionalism, and a genuine passion for caring for others. Her positive attitude and willingness to learn have made a meaningful impact on both residents and staff.

As she leaves us to begin her degree in medicine in Cambridge, we wish her every success in this exciting next chapter and have no doubt she will achieve great things in her medical career. 

Back in November, we were introduced to the adorable Dashipoo puppies, Jack and Jill, through our amazing pet therapy team. During their visit, one of our staff members instantly fell in love and decided to rehome one of them.

This week, Mochi returned to Ashlar House to visit her extended family. The familiar smells and surroundings made her feel right at home as she joyfully wagged her tail, spreading happiness to the residents. 

A huge thank you to Performing Pets for bringing us together and creating such a heart-warming bond. And a special thanks to Sharon for allowing Mochi to take the lead in our activities and share her joy with everyone. 

These moments truly remind us of the special connections animals bring into our lives.

Today we honour a very special resident's birthday, celebrating 93 beautiful years of a life that has touched so many.

Ninety-three years filled with stories, lessons, sacrifices, and unconditional love.

This day reminds us that birthdays are not always about parties or entertainment, but about presence, connection, and feeling truly seen.

What makes this celebration special is its simplicity family gathered close, shared smiles, gentle kisses, and the sound of genuine laughter.

At 93, every moment together becomes a gift, every smile holds wisdom, and every laugh carries meaning.

Surrounded by love, family, and heartfelt togetherness, we celebrate not just another year, but a legacy of love that continues to inspire. Sometimes the most beautiful celebrations are the quiet ones, filled with warmth, gratitude, and care.

Happy 93rd Birthday. You are deeply loved and cherished.    

Over the past two days, we enjoyed a lovely The Boots Memory Box session! Featuring classic Boots products, booklets, and posters from earlier eras, the sessions were run 1-to-1 and in small groups, creating a quiet, peaceful space for conversation and reminiscence. 

Residents loved recalling memories, sharing stories, and connecting with others, while boosting their emotional wellbeing and reducing anxiety.  

A birthday party at Ashlar House was all about creating a little magic and giving ourselves permission to be wonderfully silly. We had it this afternoon.