Activities at Fairview House Care Home

Ahead of Armed Forces Day, we were transported back in time for a World War II themed talk and tour of Blenheim Palace, hosted by Antonia Keaney, the Palace’s social historian and author.

Entitled ‘Evacuees and Espionage,’ Antonia’s wartime themed talk focused on how the Marlborough family, estate staff and the Palace itself played a full and energetic part in the war effort.

The talk and tour told the story of how the Palace prepared for the worst, survived the onslaught of 400 boys being evacuated to Blenheim and kept the secrets of MI5.  

It was a lovely experience, enjoyed by all.

Staff and residents at Barchester’s Fairview House Care Home in Danestone are celebrating because their talented head chef, John Grover, is through to the regional finals of the National Association of Care Catering’s Care Chef of the Year competition.  John is no stranger to the competition given he won the coveted title outright in 2018.  This year, John is going for the double – no chef has ever won the competition twice!

Before he can go ahead to the national finals, John has to compete in the cook-off stage against seven other regional finalists, only two finalists will go through to the national final which takes place in London in October.  In just 90 minutes, John has to prepare three portions of a nutritionally-balanced two course meal which will be judged against seven strict criteria in order to make the grade.  Each dish must be balanced and have five nutrient groups present, John has been working on his menu selection which is not only tasty and innovative but also especially tailored to ensure maximum nutrition for his residents.

We had a lovely time joining the team from Hereford Cathedral for an exciting virtual session.

We enjoyed a glimpse of this spectacular building and its treasures in a series of short pre-recorded videos. From the stunning gardens which lead down to the River Wye, to the Mappa Mundi and Chained Library.

It was wonderful to learn more about the history and beauty of Hereford Cathedral.

Staff and residents at Barchester’s Fairview House in Aberdeen care home were treated to an interactive virtual floristry masterclass courtesy of Master Florist, Michal Kowalski, from Blooming Haus. 

Blooming Haus started with a small pop-up shop in Chelsea.  They have since blossomed spectacularly on to the floristry scene as ‘floral engineers’, carving themselves an outstanding reputation as one of the UK’s most innovative floral design studios. The company is the vision of Master Florist, Michal Kowalski and his business partner, Michael Dariane. The pair bring a completely fresh approach to floristry and their ambition to push the boundaries of traditional floristry has laid the foundations of Blooming Haus’ success to date.

Staff and residents at Fairview care home in Aberdeen were celebrating being able to go on short excursions again as lockdown restrictions ease across the country.  Residents are now able to go on a short trip to outdoor spaces without having to isolate on their return.

Residents from Fairview enjoyed a long-awaited trip to Aberdeen beach and harbour area where they were able to enjoy the lovely views and even managed to see some dolphins and eat some fish and chips. 

Arlene Campbell, General Manager at Fairview commented: “It is absolutely wonderful to be able to take our residents out for trips again.  We have all been waiting for this day and we are so thankful it is finally here.  Our residents have enjoyed all sorts of different entertainment during lockdown but nothing beats some fresh air and a change of scenery to blow away the cobwebs.”

It was Duck shooting season today at Fairview! When duck season was over we went straight into rabbit season which brought much joviality to the home as Residents aimed at the moving ‘rabbit’ as they aimed at the target.  No ducks or bunnies were harmed in this fun-filled game which was an absolute hoot.  It was so good to hear residents and staff roar with laughter!