Activities at Cherry Trees Care Home

Residents at Cherry Trees enjoyed a fantastic afternoon of autumnal creativity as they joined forces to design a rather spectacular entry for the home’s pumpkin competition. The afternoon began with residents enthusiastically getting involved in scooping out the pumpkin, sharing plenty of laughter and conversation as they worked together on their creation.

Rachel kept everyone entertained with a fun Halloween and autumn-themed quiz, encouraging residents to test their knowledge and share memories of this colourful time of year.            

Meanwhile, Carly and Marjorie took charge of the power drill, carefully creating decorative patterns in the pumpkin to allow the light to shine through. The Maintenance Team will be pleased to hear that all the drill bits were thoroughly cleaned afterwards!
Residents then enjoyed selecting their favourite autumnal flowers, arranging them beautifully across the top of the pumpkin to create a unique floral display. Twinkling fairy lights were added inside, bringing the finished creation to life with a beautiful warm glow. Of course, there was also time to enjoy delicious pastries alongside a comforting cup of tea or coffee, making the afternoon even more enjoyable.

The finished pumpkin was a wonderful example of teamwork, imagination and creativity, with residents delighted by the results of their efforts. However, the real highlight was the fun everyone shared along the way. From laughter and lively conversation to working together on something special, the afternoon was filled with everything that makes life at Cherry Trees so enjoyable.

Residents enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of music and celebration as we marked the Last Night of the Proms with a fantastic performance from Tora Wilson. Everyone had a great time singing along to a wonderful selection of both classic and contemporary favourites. The home was beautifully decorated with Union Jack flags and red, white and blue balloons, creating a festive atmosphere for the occasion. 

Residents waved flags, enjoyed a glass of bubbly, and joined together in song, making the afternoon full of laughter, smiles, and happy memories. It was a truly joyful event that brought everyone together to celebrate music, community, and the spirit of this cherished British tradition.     

Residents at Cherry Trees recently embarked on a fascinating cultural journey as we welcomed Liz from In2Cultures to the home for an informative and interactive experience exploring the traditions and way of life of the Maasai people of East Africa.

The session gave residents a wonderful insight into Maasai culture, including their daily lives, family traditions, clothing, food and the important role that cattle play within their communities. Residents were fascinated to learn that the colour red is particularly significant to Maasai men, symbolising courage and strength. They also discovered the history of the traditional shuka, the brightly coloured cloth often worn by the Maasai, which replaced traditional leather clothing during the 20th century.

One of the highlights of the talk was learning about the Moran, the young Maasai warriors, and their initiation ceremonies. Residents heard how these young men take great pride in their appearance, often decorating themselves with red ochre, jewellery and headbands.

The group also enjoyed learning about Adumu, the famous Maasai jumping dance. Traditionally performed by young warriors, the impressive jumping displays demonstrate strength, agility and endurance, while also playing a role in social and cultural celebrations.

Residents were amazed to discover the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Maasai communities, including how traditional footwear can be made from recycled car tyres. These durable shoes are affectionately known as "1000 milers" because of the incredible distances they can withstand.

Another fascinating topic was the Maasai's beautiful and intricate beadwork. Residents learnt how women create colourful bracelets, earrings, belts, sandals and other items, often selling their handcrafted work to help support their families. Each colour used within the beadwork carries its own special meaning, with certain colour combinations traditionally avoided.
There was plenty of laughter when residents heard about the use of "talking sticks" during community gatherings. Because discussions could become lively and animated, only the person holding the decorated talking stick was allowed to speak, helping everyone to have their turn!

The talk also explored the central importance of cattle within Maasai culture, as well as the community's spiritual beliefs and deep connection to the natural world. Residents were particularly interested to learn how Maasai traditions continue alongside modern developments, with mobile phones, laptops and other technology becoming part of everyday life for some communities.

Throughout the session, residents were struck by the creativity, resilience and strong sense of community within Maasai culture. It sparked plenty of conversation and gave everyone the opportunity to learn something new about a way of life very different from their own.

A huge thank you to Liz from In2Cultures for delivering such an engaging and informative presentation and for bringing the rich culture of the Maasai people to life for us.

It was a truly enjoyable afternoon, and one that gave us all plenty to talk about long after the session had ended. 

There were smiles all around at Cherry Trees Care Home as residents and carers celebrated their fantastic success in winning the North Region Ice Cream Competition.

The competition challenged homes to create an original ice cream recipe using Millac cream, and our residents were bursting with ideas. Working together, they discussed their favourite flavours before deciding on a delicious cherry-inspired recipe. With the support of our talented Second Chef, Nataylia Ivanova, those ideas were brought to life, creating our very own Cherry Tree Ice Cream.

The judges loved our creation, naming Cherry Trees the North Region Winners!

As part of our prize, an ice cream van visited the home, giving residents, relatives and staff the opportunity to enjoy a well-earned treat together. Everyone made their way out into the sunshine to the car park, where they chose their favourite ice creams, chatted, laughed and celebrated the wonderful achievement together.

The competition itself was filled with creativity, conversation and plenty of laughter as residents shared memories, suggested ingredients and worked together to create something special. Tasting the finished ice cream and then celebrating with the ice cream van made the whole experience even more memorable.

Activities like this are about so much more than ice cream—they bring people together, encourage teamwork, spark reminiscence and create lasting memories. It was a truly wonderful day enjoyed by everyone.

Did you know that every Friday is Fish and Chip Friday here? On National Fish and Chip Day, it felt like the perfect opportunity to celebrate one of Britain’s favourite meals and to say a huge thank you to our wonderful kitchen team.     

Our residents enjoyed a delicious serving of home-cooked fish and chips, freshly prepared with care and attention. There were plenty of smiles around the table and a real sense of enjoyment as everyone tucked into this much-loved classic.

We are so grateful for the hard work and dedication of our kitchen staff, whose efforts make every mealtime something special. Their passion truly shines through in moments like these, bringing comfort, joy, and great food to our residents every day.

It was a wonderfully colourful afternoon at Cherry Trees as residents enjoyed a relaxing and creative flower-arranging activity, surrounded by beautiful fresh blooms.

With a gorgeous selection of fuchsia pinks, soft mauves, delicate forget-me-nots and pretty carnations, residents were spoilt for choice as they carefully selected and arranged their favourite flowers. As everyone got creative, familiar music played in the background, prompting residents to hum along and share some very special memories.

Conversation soon turned to weddings, with residents reminiscing about their wedding days, the flowers they carried in their bridal bouquets and the happy occasions that had meant so much to them.

The activity was about much more than creating beautiful arrangements. It encouraged creativity, stimulated the senses and provided wonderful opportunities for meaningful conversation and reminiscence. There were smiles, laughter and plenty of lovely stories shared throughout the afternoon, with everyone taking great pride in their floral creations.

It was a beautiful reminder that flowers have a special way of bringing people together and helping precious memories blossom once again.

Residents enjoyed a lovely trip out to Evesham Valley Garden Centre! 

Pat, Terry, Pat, Carly and Rachel enjoyed a lovely outing to Evesham Valley Garden Centre last week. We had a little wander around, enjoyed some tasty samples of pickles and mustards, and, of course, Terry’s favourite … the biscuit samples! 

Pat found herself a rather fetching hat and Pat S was very interested in having a look at all the beautiful jewellery. After a lovely browse and a few treats along the way, we took the scenic route home, enjoying the views before arriving back just in time for supper. 

A lovely afternoon filled with good company, plenty of smiles and, naturally, a few samples! 

Today was a truly special day at our nursing home as we celebrated one of our wonderful residents reaching the incredible milestone of 100 years young.

There was a real buzz of excitement throughout the home as every department came together to ensure she enjoyed the birthday celebration she so richly deserved. It was a fantastic example of teamwork, kindness and community spirit, with everyone playing a part in making the day unforgettable.

Our talented kitchen team prepared a delicious selection of canapés for everyone to enjoy, while our much-loved carer, Tom, provided wonderful entertainment with his singing, creating a joyful atmosphere for residents, families and staff alike. Even our amazing maintenance man swapped his tools for a sparkly waistcoat and stepped into the role of waiter for the day, serving Prosecco with a smile and helping to make the occasion extra special.

With the sun shining brightly, everyone gathered in the courtyard to celebrate together. The space was beautifully decorated with balloons, streamers and stars, creating the perfect setting for an afternoon filled with laughter, music and happy memories. A special photo memory board was also created, showcasing treasured moments from her time with us and celebrating the friendships she has made, and the wonderful memories shared along the way.

Seeing so many people come together to honour such a remarkable milestone was truly heart-warming. The smiles, laughter and love that filled the courtyard were a wonderful reminder of the strong sense of community that makes our home such a special place.

We are so proud to have shared this memorable occasion with her and feel privileged to be part of her journey.

Happy 100th Birthday to our beautiful resident! Here's to a century of memories, a lifetime of stories, and a celebration that will be remembered for many years to come. 

What a brilliant afternoon we had with our giant rainbow skittles! Our residents were on top form, taking aim with the colourful balls and giving it their best shot. Some throws were spot on, some had a mind of their own, but every single one brought plenty of smiles and laughter!

The room was filled with cheers as everyone encouraged each other, proving that a little support (and a lot of good humour!) goes a long way. It was especially lovely to welcome family and friends, who joined in the fun and helped make the afternoon even more special.

There may not have been any professional bowlers among us… but there were certainly plenty of champions when it came to laughter, friendship, and making wonderful memories together.

We can’t wait to see what fun we’ll get up to next! 

We spent a wonderful afternoon celebrating National Cheese Day, with smiles all around and plenty to enjoy. Residents got involved in a lively and interactive cheese quiz, putting their knowledge to the test with a few surprising moments along the way.
There was also the chance to sample a delicious variety of cheeses, sparking conversation and shared favourites, while a short film gave everyone an interesting insight into the cheesemaking process. 

The room was filled with laughter, learning, and a real sense of togetherness, making it a truly memorable day, topped off with plenty of cheese, of course!     

Residents at Cherry Trees enjoyed a wonderful morning exploring the charity shops along Alcester High Street, discovering hidden treasures, sharing laughter and enjoying a little retail therapy. Pat S, Pat R, Frances and Marjorie were delighted to spend time browsing the shops, searching for bargains and finding some lovely decorative pieces to brighten the corridors of our Memory Lane community.

Pat S was particularly excited to find some special gifts for her great-grandchildren, while Marjorie discovered a beautiful sewing basket that caught her eye. Pat R thoroughly enjoyed trying on a selection of stylish coats, and Frances was more than happy to take her time browsing and discovering what each shop had to offer.

The morning provided a wonderful opportunity for residents to enjoy their local community, make their own choices and experience the simple pleasure of shopping together. With plenty of laughter, conversation and a few lovely purchases, everyone returned to Cherry Trees having thoroughly enjoyed their morning.

Sometimes, it really is the simplest outings that create the most treasured memories!

We were delighted to welcome Liz from In2Cultures to Cherry Trees for a fascinating talk and cultural experience all about the Maasai people of Africa. 

Our residents enjoyed learning about Maasai traditions, daily life, clothing, food, family and the incredible importance of cattle within their culture. Did you know red is an especially important colour to Maasai men? It represents courage and strength. We also learnt about the traditional shuka – colourful cloth worn by the Maasai, often featuring beautiful red patterns. These replaced the leather clothing traditionally worn until the 1970s, when Scottish missionaries introduced them to cloth!

We heard about the Moran, the young Maasai warriors, and their initiation ceremonies. The young men take great pride in their appearance, with some wearing their hair long, decorated with red ochre, headbands and beautiful jewellery. One of the highlights was learning about Adumu, the famous Maasai jumping dance. Young warriors jump high on the spot to demonstrate their strength and agility and, historically, to impress the ladies! 

We also discovered how traditional shoes can be made from old car tyres. A shoemaker would draw around your foot and create a pair using straps. They are affectionately known as “1000 milers” because of the incredible distances they can travel! The Maasai are renowned for their beautiful beadwork, with women creating bracelets, belts, earrings, sandals and many other items to sell and help support their families. The beadwork is incredibly colourful, and different colours have different meanings. Our residents were fascinated to learn that certain colours are traditionally not put together.

We even learnt about “talking sticks”! Because the Maasai are known for being very chatty, chiefs would use a decorated talking stick during gatherings – only the person holding the stick was allowed to speak! Cattle are central to Maasai life and culture. The Maasai traditionally believe that all cattle in the world belong to them. We heard about how women help milk the cattle and how milk can traditionally be mixed with cow’s blood as part of their diet.

We also discovered their spiritual beliefs, including the belief that their god lives in Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano in Tanzania.
And perhaps surprisingly, modern technology is also becoming part of Maasai life. Some people now have mobile phones, laptops and headphones – although in some areas they may have to walk several miles just to find a mobile signal! Our residents were particularly struck by how artistic, resourceful and creative Maasai communities are, and how closely their lives remain connected to the land and nature.

A huge thank you to Liz from In2Cultures for bringing this wonderful culture to life for us. We certainly learnt something new today and had plenty to talk about afterwards!

Residents and staff at Cherry Trees recently enjoyed a truly special celebration after winning the North Region Ice Cream Competition with their very own award-winning creation, Cherry Tree Ice Cream.

The winning recipe was the result of a wonderful team effort, with residents coming together to share their favourite flavours, ideas and cherished memories. Working alongside our talented Second Chef, Nataylia, they used Millac cream to create a delicious cherry ice cream that impressed the judges and secured first place in the competition.

As part of their prize, residents were delighted to welcome Pepe's Super Whip Ice Cream Van to Cherry Trees for a special treat. With the sun shining, residents, carers and staff gathered outside to enjoy a well-earned ice cream together. The afternoon was filled with laughter, conversation and plenty of smiles as everyone celebrated this fantastic achievement.

A huge thank you goes to Pepe's Super Whip for visiting us and helping to make the day so memorable, and to Comelle Premium Ice Cream for kindly donating the delicious ice creams that everyone enjoyed.

The celebration was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to come together, create happy memories and recognise the creativity, teamwork and community spirit that made this success possible. We are incredibly proud of everyone involved and look forward to many more achievements to celebrate at Cherry Trees.

Congratulations to all our residents and staff on this sweet success!

What a fantastic Open Day we had at Cherry Trees! 
A huge thank you to our amazing Senior Carer, Tom, who once again had everyone singing, smiling and dancing. Our residents absolutely love his performances, and it was wonderful to see so many joining in, some even taking to the microphone themselves!

Our talented kitchen team truly outdid themselves with the most incredible spread. Guests enjoyed delicious cheese and ham croissants, freshly baked scones with cream and jam, salami, olive and cream cheese sticks, a beautiful marble cake, refreshing cans of pop, elderflower cocktails, jugs of Prosecco with strawberries… and the absolute showstopper – our spectacular fruit tower!

A big thank you also goes to all of our wonderful staff, who worked so hard behind the scenes to make the day run smoothly, even stepping up as Tom’s brilliant backup dancers! 

Finally, thank you to everyone who came along and spent the day with us. Your support, smiles and laughter made it a truly special occasion, and we loved sharing such a wonderful day with you all. We can’t wait to do it again! 
Just watch our reel on the Facebook page to see the fun we had!!

This week at Cherry Trees became something quietly special, as everyone came together to mark Mental Health Awareness Week with one simple but powerful idea: kindness.

At the heart of it all was the Kindness Cart. As it made its gentle journey through the home, it carried more than just treats, it carried thoughtfulness, care, and moments of connection. Stopping by staff, residents, relatives, and visitors alike, it brought with it smiles that spread just as easily as the sweet scent of homemade flapjacks.        

Inside the cart were small but meaningful offerings: slices of cake, biscuits, sweets, and handwritten cards, each lovingly created by residents. Tucked between them were inspirational quotes, little reminders that even on difficult days, kindness can still find its way through. The flapjacks, freshly made by Head Chef Ayshat, quickly became a favourite, enjoyed with warm conversations and shared laughter.

Adding to the charm was the person-centred Clef Doll, who accompanied the cart on its travels. Wherever it went, it was met with gentle hands and warm embraces, becoming a comforting presence that brought an extra layer of joy to each visit.

There was something simple yet powerful in these small gestures. A kind word, a shared treat, a moment taken to connect, each one made a difference. As the cart continued its journey throughout the week, it created a ripple effect, reminding everyone that kindness does not have to be grand to be meaningful.