Activities at Melbourn Springs Care Home

We were kindly invited to Hilton Park for the Owl experience. The owls were beautiful and the Handler was very Knowledgeable.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experience.  

Residents at Melbourn Springs visited Whaddon Village Hall and mingled with the locals over afternoon tea. 

Residents and team members from Melbourn Springs Care Home were honoured to take part in the Remembrance Sunday Parade through Melbourn Village.

It was a wonderful turnout from the local community, with a moving service that brought people together to pay their respects. Watching the wreaths being laid was a particularly touching moment, reminding everyone of the sacrifices made and the importance of remembrance.

Acting Home Manager Vimu said, “We were privileged to be part of such a meaningful occasion. It was heartwarming to see so many people come together to honour and remember.”

Melbourn Springs would like to thank everyone involved in organising and participating in the parade and service.

Residents Jenny, Enid, and Joan from Melbourn Springs Care Home recently enjoyed a wonderful day out at Shepreth Wildlife Park, where they explored the enclosures and met a variety of animals. From curious meerkats to lively lemurs, the visit was filled with smiles, laughter, and plenty of memorable moments.

Travelling in the comfort of the home’s minibus, the group set off on a sunny autumnal morning, ready for a day of discovery and connection with nature. The outing was part of Melbourn Springs’ commitment to providing enriching experiences in the wider community, helping residents enjoy new surroundings and stimulating activities.

“It’s so important to create opportunities for our residents to enjoy life outside the home,” said Vimu, Acting General Manager at Melbourn Springs. “Days like this bring joy, spark conversation, and help build lasting memories. They also support emotional wellbeing, encourage social interaction, and offer a sense of adventure.”

“I loved seeing the lemurs—they were so full of energy!” said Enid, one of the residents who took part. “It was a beautiful morning and lovely to spend time somewhere different.”

Outings like these are designed to enhance quality of life, promote independence, and provide meaningful engagement—whether it’s through meeting animals, sharing stories, or simply enjoying the fresh air.

At Melbourn Springs Care Home, we believe that meaningful moments are the heart of great care. That’s why we were thrilled to receive a Memory Box from Boots UK—an inspiring initiative designed to support people living with dementia.

Filled with nostalgic treasures from decades past, the Boots Memory Box for dementia care homes includes vintage toiletries, familiar packaging, and sensory items that evoke powerful memories. As our residents explored each item, the room came alive with laughter, storytelling, and heartfelt reflection. Everyday objects became gateways to cherished memories—from childhood routines to special family occasions.

We were also delighted to welcome Donna, a close family member of one of our residents, who joined in the experience and helped spark even more conversation and connection. Her presence added warmth and familiarity, making the day truly unforgettable.

~Vimu, Acting General Manager at Melbourn Springs, shared: “We are incredibly grateful to Boots UK for this thoughtful resource. It’s more than just a box—it’s a bridge to the past, a catalyst for connection, and a source of genuine happiness for our residents.”

One resident summed it up beautifully: “I hadn’t seen a powder tin like that since I was a girl. It reminded me of getting ready for dances with my sisters. We’d all be giggling and fussing over our hair. It brought it all back.”

At Melbourn Springs, we’re proud to embrace innovative approaches to dementia care that celebrate each resident’s unique story. The Boots Memory Box has become a treasured part of our home, helping us create joyful, shared experiences that honour the past while enriching the present.

A big thank you to Andy from Newlings undertakers & the brilliant cast of Alladin. We were invited along to see the final rehearsal at Orwell Village Hall. I would recommend you go along if you get the chance. What an amazing performance. We laughed and had a fantastic time. Oh yes, we did!

Already looking forward to seeing them in Jack and the beanstalk next year.

Sue Fender kindly attended Melbourn Springs this morning to hold a heartfelt Remembrance Service to honour and remember the brave men and women who served and sacrificed for our freedom. Residents, staff, and friends came together, said prayers and sang Hymns and to reflect, share memories, and observe the 2 minute silence, paying tribute to those who will never be forgotten. Thank you to all who attended..

We were delighted to host a joyful Macmillan Bake Off at Melbourn Springs Care Home, raising over £40 in support of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Residents, staff, and guests joined in the celebration, enjoying a delicious array of homemade cakes and bakes. The event was judged by Reverend Andrew Birks of All Saints Church, Melbourn and Meldreth, who kindly joined us for the occasion—alongside his much-loved dog, Hilda, who was a star guest and brought smiles to everyone she met.

The winning bake was a beautifully light cloud cake created by 13-year-old Phoebe Rogers, which Reverend Birks described as “reminiscent of a New York cheesecake.” Her creativity and baking skills truly impressed everyone.

Vimu, Acting General Manager at Melbourn Springs, shared:

“It was a fantastic afternoon filled with creativity, laughter, and community spirit. We’re so proud of everyone who took part and grateful to Reverend Birks for his support. Events like this bring people together and show how even small gestures—like baking a cake—can make a big difference.”

Residents enjoyed sampling the entries, sharing stories, and spending time with visitors over tea and cake. The Bake Off is part of our ongoing commitment to hosting events that enrich lives and support meaningful causes.

At Melbourn Springs Care Home, we believe that joy can trot in on four legs — and recently, it did just that when Gary and Jimbob the alpacas paid us a visit! These gentle, woolly guests were an absolute delight, charming everyone from our residents to their families and our dedicated staff.

The atmosphere was electric with laughter and smiles as Gary and Jimbob made their way through the home. Residents had the chance to stroke, feed, and spend time with them — and the emotional impact was immediate. Encounters like these aren’t just fun; they’re deeply therapeutic. Animal visits can help reduce stress and anxiety, spark cherished memories, and encourage meaningful social interaction, especially for those living with dementia.

Our Acting General Manager, Vimu, shared:

“It was such a joy to see the happiness that Gary and Jimbob brought into the home. Our residents loved meeting them, and moments like this make a real difference to wellbeing. We look forward to welcoming them back again in the future.”

This visit was part of our ongoing commitment to creating meaningful experiences for our residents. Whether it’s alpacas, exotic animals, or community events, we’re always looking for uplifting ways to enrich daily life and build connections that matter.

Today we proudly celebrated Jamaican Day, and what a wonderful day it was!  

A huge thank you to our amazing Opal, who truly made this day special. Opal volunteered her time and spent hours cooking delicious Jamaican food together with our new second chef, Abnel. The menu, lovingly prepared by Opal, included battered chicken, fried plantains, brown stew chicken, Jamaican rice with beans, Rasta pasta, and a delightful coconut and pineapple mousse. Everyone enjoyed a true taste of Jamaica!  

Opal, we love you and truly appreciate your hard work, dedication, and support. Thank you for sharing your culture and passion with us.   

We would also like to say a big thank you to our Head of Housekeeping, Alison, who came in very early this morning to decorate the home. The decorations looked fantastic and really brought the celebration to life.  

In the afternoon, we enjoyed a lovely and informative talk about Jamaica and its culture, delivered by Anne, and, of course, no Jamaican Day would be complete without listening to some great Jamaican music! 

Thank you to everyone who helped make this day so memorable.

We were delighted to welcome the Melbourn and Meldreth Church Choir to Melbourn Springs Care Home for a joyful Harvest Festival celebration.

The choir’s uplifting performance filled our home with warmth and harmony, featuring traditional hymns and seasonal songs that stirred fond memories and brought smiles to many faces. Residents joined in with singing, shared stories of past harvests, and enjoyed the sense of togetherness that the event inspired.

Vimu, Acting General Manager at Melbourn Springs, shared:

“It was a truly special afternoon. The choir’s presence brought so much joy to our residents, and it was wonderful to see everyone come together in celebration. We’re incredibly grateful for their time and the warmth they shared with us.”

One resident commented:

“It was lovely to hear the choir sing. It reminded me of harvest festivals from years ago. I felt part of something special.”

Events like this are part of our ongoing commitment to celebrating traditions and building strong connections with the local community. We’re proud to create moments that enrich the lives of our residents and bring people together.

Melbourn Springs Care Home was full of wagging tails and smiling faces as it hosted its first-ever community dog show on Friday, 13th September. The event brought together residents, families, and local visitors for an afternoon of fun, laughter, and four-legged charm—all in support of All Saints Church, Melbourn.

Held on the care home grounds, the show featured a variety of light-hearted competitions including “Waggiest Tail,” “Best Trick,” and “Most Handsome Hound.” The judging panel included two of our own residents, Pam and Audrey, alongside Elizabeth Freeman, Deputy Mayor of Melbourn, and Lisa Thompson from Arthur Rank Hospice. Their thoughtful choices and warm presence added a special touch to the day.

One resident shared, “It was the best afternoon I’ve had in ages. I used to have a spaniel, and seeing all the dogs brought back such lovely memories.” A local visitor added, “It’s fantastic to see the care home so involved with the community. Everyone was smiling, and the dogs were clearly loving the attention. We’ll definitely be back next year.”

The event also featured a raffle and refreshments, with all proceeds going to All Saints Church in Melbourn and Holy Trinity in Meldreth. The generosity of attendees and donors made the day a meaningful success.

At Melbourn Springs, we’re proud to host events that bring joy to our residents and strengthen our connection with the wider community. Plans are already underway for next year’s show, promising even more tail-wagging excitement.

Sue from our church made a lovely visit to us where she shared Holy Communion with the residents.

It was a gentle and meaningful time together. Some gathered in the lounge to join in prayer, while others received communion in their own rooms. Alongside the service, Sue spent time chatting, listening, and sharing smiles – something that meant a great deal to everyone she met.

For many of the residents, having communion brought a real sense of peace and a reminder that they are very much part of our church family, even if they can’t be with us on Sundays.

We’re so thankful to Sue for her kindness and for carrying the love of our church into the wider community.