Activities at Cadbury Hall Care Home

Our residents at Cadbury Hall thoroughly enjoyed the experience of an afternoon Valentine’s Day tea in the comfort of their home in our main dining room.
Residents were greeted with Valentine’s Day decor changing up the scenery of the dining room; as well as enjoying a tower filled with different with sandwiches that had many different fillings and sweet treats for dessert. Prepared by our Head Chef, Paul, who takes great pride in his work and presentation to enhance the experience of every resident in the home. 
Residents also enjoyed a wonderful atmosphere of music, a friendly and warm company amongst each other and lots of conversations. 
At Cadbury, days like these are part of every day life - meaningful moments, thoughtful touches and a real sense of community. 

As part of our recent Wellbeing Day, residents and guests enjoyed specially curated Wellbeing Menus, created by our Head Chef Paul, with a clear focus on nutrition, balance, and enjoyment.

At Cadbury Hall, food is more than a meal — it is a vital part of supporting health, independence, and everyday wellbeing. The Wellbeing Day lunch and evening menus were designed to support energy, digestion, and heart health.

Some of the dishes included options such as homemade soups, rich in vegetables and natural goodness, poached salmon with parsley sauce, supporting brain and heart health, mixed bean and vegetable casserole for plant-based nourishment, wholemeal toast, brown rice, vegetables, fruit, yoghurt, seeds, and oats to support sustained energy and digestion.

Desserts focused on natural sweetness and nourishment, including fresh fruit, yoghurt, honey, oats, and lighter mousse options — proving that wellbeing food can still feel indulgent.

The positive feedback from residents, families, and visitors highlighted how much our wellbeing-focused dining is valued. For many, it offered reassurance that life at Cadbury Hall supports not just care needs, but quality of life, enjoyment, and dignity.

Our wellbeing menus reflect the lifestyle we are proud to offer — nourishing, inclusive, and led by expertise.

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.

Our Garden Club is proving very popular with James Co ordinating the group and activties they also enjoy trips  to Cadbury Garden Centre to pick up seeds and bulbs, with plenty of time to explore all it has to offer.

There is also time for some shopping at the concession stands, where residents recently  found a variety of lovely items. Suzanne was amazed at how much the centre has expanded and commented on how tastefully decorated it now looks, with so much to feast the eyes on.

She purchased an Aloe Vera plant for her bedroom along with the beautiful book The Secret Garden – a perfect choice.

We cant wait for Spring to see the fruits of James Labour, planning andhard work

Cadbury Hall was honoured to welcome MP Tessa Munt and her Parliamentary aide for a special visit, offering them the opportunity to meet with our residents and experience the warmth of our community.

During the visit, they enjoyed meaningful conversations with several remarkable residents, each with an inspiring life story:

• Anne Vincent – a true pioneer lady in the diplomatic service, whose career helped shape pathways for women in international relations.
• Trefor – a talented ballroom dancer and former RAF serviceman, sharing stories full of charm and discipline.
• John Burgess – former Headteacher of Yatton, now proudly celebrating an incredible 101 years of life, with wisdom spanning generations.
• Paul – a respected surgeon and fine linguist, whose knowledge and life experience captivated all present.

The morning was truly special, filled with engaging conversations, warm connections and plenty of refreshments

Last weekend residents at Cadbury Hall enjoyed a relaxing and creative watercolour painting session. The afternoon provided a wonderful opportunity for everyone to unwind and express themselves through colour, brushstrokes, and imagination. It was lovely to see residents experimenting with different techniques, blending shades and bringing their own unique ideas to life on paper. 

Activities like these are not only calming but also a great way to encourage creativity and conversation.
A lovely afternoon filled with smiles, focus and a real sense of achievement as each piece of artwork began to take shape.

Spending time being creative together also sparked plenty of reminiscing and storytelling, making the session as social as it was artistic. By the end of the afternoon residents proudly shared their finished paintings, each one as individual as the artist behind it. 

A huge well done to our talented residents for their beautiful creations and thank you to watercolour artist Chrissie for visiting us and inspiring with her guidance and encouragement.

When our residents were asked what it’s like to live at Cadbury Hall — and how to live well in a care home — their answers were simple and heartfelt.

For them, living well means feeling supported, comfortable and connected each day.

It begins with making their space their own. Favourite photos, cosy blankets and personal keepsakes help create a room that feels familiar and truly like home.

Connection is just as important. Whether joining a favourite activity, chatting with neighbours, or welcoming visits from family and friends, those shared moments bring meaning and joy.

Staying active in gentle, enjoyable ways — from light exercise to garden walks or music sessions — helps both body and mind. Mealtimes also play a special part in the day, with good food and friendly company around the table.

Above all, residents say it’s the small things that matter most: a warm drink, a favourite song, fresh air, or a friendly smile.

At Cadbury Hall, living well is about comfort, choice and finding happiness in everyday moments.

 Cadbury Hall came alive with the sights, sounds, and flavours of Romania. Carmen, Team Leader, and Isabela, Regional Director, invited residents and staff on a journey through their heritage, dressed in stunning traditional outfits and sharing stories that brought the culture vividly to life.

The celebration began with Carmen introducing Romanian winter traditions, explaining the customs and their significance. This was followed by Isabela sharing personal insights into Romanian wedding traditions, accompanied by beautiful photographs from her own wedding — a glimpse into family, celebration, and connection.

The day truly came alive through food prepared with love. Carmen cooked a traditional Romanian lunch entirely from scratch, offering:

• Zacuscă and Romanian pâté on toasted bread
• Stuffed peppers with meat and vegetables, served with polenta, beetroot, horseradish, and sour cream — with spicy peppers for those feeling adventurous
• Cozonac, a sweet Romanian bread, served with cream
• Home-baked Romanian sweet cookies, served alongside the tea trolley

Romania Day was more than a celebration of food and customs — it was a reminder of the power of diversity and inclusion. At Cadbury Hall, we cherish the stories, cultures, and traditions that residents and colleagues bring, knowing that sharing heritage enriches lives and creates lasting memories.

And this is just the beginning of our cultural adventures for 2026. Next stop: South Africa in February, where we’ll explore new flavours, traditions, and celebrations, continuing our journey of learning, connection, and celebration of global cultures.

This Remembrance Week, Cadbury Hall proudly celebrated the life and service of one of its most distinguished residents — Mr. Arthur Spencer DFC, aged 104, a Royal Air Force veteran whose bravery and dedication helped shape the course of history.

Arthur’s extraordinary story is captured in his book “A Pathfinder in the Peenemünde Raid,” a first-hand account of his experiences as a navigator with the RAF’s elite Pathfinder Force during the Second World War. He completed 50 operations over Nazi-occupied Europe, including the pivotal Peenemünde Raid — one of the most significant missions of the war.

Now, in the winter of his life, Arthur calls Cadbury Hall his home — a place where his achievements are recognised, his memories honoured, and his spirit continues to inspire both residents and staff.

Arthur’s family shared that they chose Cadbury Hall for its warmth and compassionate care:

“From the moment we walked through the door, we felt an atmosphere of kindness and calm. We knew this was the right place for Dad — somewhere that respects who he is and values the life he’s led.”

December at Cadbury Hall was a wonderful celebration of the festive season, bringing together residents, families, and the wider community to share moments of joy, connection, and tradition.

The month was filled with festive highlights, including a much-loved pantomime, seasonal cocktails, and garden centre shopping, where residents enjoyed selecting decorations and embracing the sights and sounds of Christmas. Together, residents and staff decorated the home, creating a warm, welcoming, and festive atmosphere throughout Cadbury Hall.

A variety of Christmas parties filled the home with music, laughter, and cheer, while family days offered valuable opportunities for loved ones to come together and celebrate. Christmas Eve celebrations provided a special time of reflection and togetherness, followed by the excitement of Santa’s visit on Christmas Day and a memorable family Christmas lunch shared by residents and relatives.

Residents also enjoyed enriching cultural and creative experiences, including the Age UK concert at Wells Cathedral, Christmas poetry sessions, festive floristry activities, and a special visit from The Note  Warehouse Orchestra, who performed a beautiful production of The Snowman, creating a truly magical and moving experience for all.

Strong links with the local community remained central to life at Cadbury Hall. Throughout December, residents enjoyed meaningful connections with local groups including the WI, Yatton Library, and Yeo Valley Lions. We were delighted to take part in events hosted by the Methodist Church and St Mary’s Church, and to join in wider community celebrations such as Strawberry Line activities, the local school fete, and the festive Christmas light switch-on.

Intergenerational activities were a particular highlight of the season, bringing together residents and younger members of the community to share stories, creativity, and festive fun, strengthening bonds across generations.

To ensure everyone could take part in the celebrations, we hosted a range of live virtual events, including festive bingo, charades, and a lively New Year’s Eve celebration. The festivities continued into January with a New Year’s Day lunch shared with families, marking a joyful close to the festive season.

Alongside our group activities and celebrations, we remained focused on individual wellbeing and inclusion. Room visits and one-to-one activities were provided to ensure every resident felt engaged and supported throughout the festive period. Residents also benefited from regular functional fitness sessions, including seated exercise, yoga, and Pilates, supporting mobility, confidence, and overall wellbeing in a safe and inclusive way.

We also took time to celebrate what matters most to each individual, marking residents’ birthdays with personalised celebrations, ensuring everyone felt recognised, valued, and celebrated during the festive season.

December at Cadbury Hall truly reflected the spirit of Christmas — a season filled with warmth, celebration, meaningful connections, and person-centred care.

Faith, Fellowship and Community Connection

As part of our commitment to supporting spiritual wellbeing and community connection, residents were pleased to be joined by Felicia in welcoming members of the Methodist Church, Yatton.

The gathering began with coffee and conversation after the service, providing a relaxed and welcoming space for residents to meet friends from the local community, share stories, and enjoy familiar company. This informal time together was just as meaningful as the service itself, strengthening relationships and reinforcing a sense of belonging.

The service included the singing of well-loved hymns and a thoughtful reflection on developing a personal relationship with God, exploring how faith can be expressed and praised in individual and personal ways. This inclusive approach resonated with residents, supporting reflection, comfort, and choice.

Moments like these highlight the importance of faith, friendship, and continuity of community life, ensuring residents remain connected to the people, traditions, and values that matter most to them.

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.

Cadbury Hall proudly hosted its inaugural Veterans Lunch on Monday 10th November, bringing together residents, family members, and honoured guests to celebrate and remember those who have served in the Armed Forces.

Distinguished guests included Rob Lewis and his wife from the Yatton branch of the British Legion, who joined residents in sharing stories, memories, and reflections from service life.

The event was co-hosted by Matthew Harley, Head of Maintenance at Cadbury Hall and an ex-Naval serviceman . Residents from all branches of the armed forces were represented, proudly displaying their medals and photographs, and recounting their personal experiences.

A delicious lunch, prepared by Chef Ross, was enjoyed by all, with family members also joining to mark the occasion. The gathering concluded with a traditional port toast in remembrance of those who have served and continue to serve — and to The King.

Angela Grace, Home Service Advisor who organised and co-hosted the event, said:

“It was an honour to bring everyone together for such a meaningful occasion. The sense of pride, camaraderie, and remembrance was truly special.”

Extra Special Visitors and Trips out this December.

Included Cadbury Garden Centre to experience the festive delights.

Handbell rings a first for Cadbury Hall.

One of our therapy dog Gwen and her owner who delights everyone residents and staff alike.

No two days are ever the same with activties to suit everyone 7 days per week.

October was a month of creativity, connection, and new beginnings at Cadbury Hall, with a focus on enrichment, culture, and community engagement.

Team & Volunteers:

• New Activities Co-ordinator: Sally joined the team, bringing fresh ideas and energy.
• Team Development: Steph and Felicia focused on enhancing teamwork and planning engaging activities.
• Volunteers: Phil and Mary supported residents, contributing their time and enthusiasm.

Resident-Focused Activities:

We continued to cater to a wide spectrum of interests, hobbies, and life experiences, ensuring residents could share meaningful moments with each other and their visiting relatives. Activities were person-centred, reflecting individual preferences and promoting engagement.

Autumn Offerings & Community Events:

• Seasonal activities embracing autumn themes
• Participation in events within the local community
• Birthday celebrations to mark special milestones

Diversity & Inclusion:

Our focus this month took residents on a cultural journey to Italy and Hungary, exploring:

• Music, art, and artists from these countries
• Traditional cuisine and cultural experiences

Welcoming New Residents:

October also saw new residents join Cadbury Hall, each bringing a wide range of hobbies and interests, further enriching our community and activity offerings.

A Month of Enrichment:

The month highlighted our commitment to fulfilling lives, celebrating diversity, and encouraging social connection, in line with Barchester principles.