Activities at Mulberry Court Care Home

Well it's been our annual summer fair here at Mulberry Court and what a wonderful (and windy) afternoon we've had.

The rain thankfully held off as residents, family and friends as well as members of the local community came together to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment from Richard & Honey while eating ice creams from Swirlz and engaging in deep conversation with our VIP guest, WW2 veteran Ken Cooke and our lady mayoress. Everyone browsed the many stalls – thank you to our wonderful army of volunteers. We couldn't do it without you!!! As well as purchasing from our stallholders.

Thank you EVERYONE for all your support – at a very quick count-up, it looks like over £350 has been made for our residents' fund.     

Here at Mulberry Court we realise just how beneficial pet therapy sessions can be to our residents.

Connie the cat has been visiting again today, brought in by our very own host, Angie, who is a very devoted owner and dedicated cat mum.

These sessions bring so much joy to people who have loving memories of their own pets and also provide therapy through the senses, as everyone comments on how soft she is etc. Thank you, Angie, for bringing Connie in again.         

Today is International Families Day, so with that in mind, we decided to host a cheese and wine afternoon here at Mulberry Court for all our wonderful residents and their families.

It seemed extra special this year as one of our residents, Miriam, has her daughter Kate, visiting all the way from New Zealand! 

The afternoon was a huge success with both conversations and wine flowing as new friendships were formed.     

Here at Mulberry Court we have had a very productive afternoon preparing tasty treats for our charity bake sale tomorrow morning.

Residents worked together discussing who would be best doing which element and before long, they had an almost production line system in place all while listening to Abba hits.

Please do join us tomorrow morning in our café bar area from 10.30am to raise funds for the Barchester foundation. All treats will be available for a donation. 

What a wonderful Wednesday we have had here at Mulberry Court Care Home – Barchester Healthcare.
Firstly, at our monthly veterans' coffee morning, we had a VIP guest friend at our home, WW2 veteran Ken Cooke, who happily chatted to a group of residents before staying on to enjoy lunch with us.

Then, this afternoon, our residents did Easter arts and crafts, with regular volunteers Joan and Lyn, who helped along with Jean and her daughter. With their guidance. Our group produced a wide range of crafts, from Easter wreaths, cards, and baskets to pom bunnies. Thank you ladies for your continued support. 
Pictured is Ken enjoying his lunch and just a few of our residents who took part this afternoon, enjoying a well-deserved cup of tea afterwards.

Here at Mulberry Court we had an unexpected visitor to our home, this absolutely stunning former racing car, little red.

The proud owners, who have painstakingly and lovingly taken 18 months to restore this beautiful machine to her former glory, brought her to our home to show their relative Gerry. Here they are pictured standing in front of Little Red.

Thank you for allowing us all to see Little Red. We hope you'll bring her again soon!

Here at  Mulberry court we are always mindful of our residents' wishes, so when Lalage, as she's known, expressed she'd love to see the rhododendron before the season's end at Moorlands nature reserve, we set plans in place. Unfortunately, after having to postpone for a couple of weeks due to illness, today was the day!

We wrapped her and another resident, Anne, up against the elements and headed out. Thankfully, the blooms were still looking magnificent in such an array of stunning colours.    

Here at Mulberry Court, we have been remembering the significance of the 8th of May on the 81st anniversary, as it is one of the most important days in world history. We will not forget the sacrifices made to mark VE Day!

Our residents enjoyed an afternoon tea with scones filled with cream and jam after watching a short video of the celebrations of the time for VE Day in London in 1945.

Our residents also made the most of another sunny afternoon and got out into the garden and enjoyed reminiscing all while waving the flags.      

Here at Mulberry Court we have definitely had a day of two halves affectionately entitled bakes and blooms!

This morning we held our Charity Bake Sale in aid of the Barchester Charitable Foundation – Thank you to everyone who supported us and helped to raise the wonderful amount of £36.50.

Then this afternoon, we made a short minibus trip to Skelton Garden Centre, where we were joined by family too. Everyone enjoyed looking around at the vast variety of plants and gifts on offer before enjoying handmade treats and refreshments in their café.

Our Mulberry Court minibus was out and about again this afternoon as we headed out with four of our residents and Miriam's friend Anne to St. Chads church in York.

Once a month, they hold afternoon "tea concerts" which are very popular in aid of charity – this time it was for the Alzheimer's society.

During the afternoon, we discovered that John had actually been a member of the choir at St. Chads church and after the concert he had a catch-up with an old friend who had promised to send his regards to everyone else in the choir.  

Our minibus has been out and about again today, this time visiting Elvington Air museum.

Our trio of gents had a wonderful time exploring and looking at the many different displays and exhibitions and also talking to the many volunteers who are extremely knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions.

Special thanks to our hostess Lily, who volunteered her time to help on today's trip.   

It's been a bit blustery here in York today and we've had to dodge showers too so we decided with our two lovely ladies to head to Thirsk Garden centre in our Mulberry court minibus.

Our ladies had a wonderful time, browsing before heading to the cafe area for lunch.

Once we'd finished our lunches we walked around again admiring all the beautiful flowers and plants as well as gifts before making our purchases and heading back home in time for the afternoon tea trolley!       

The Mulberry Court minibus has been out on its travels again today.

At a previous residents' meeting, several people expressed a wish to visit Burnby Hall Gardens in Pocklington, so today we took a group including family members to enjoy the last day of the annual event.

"Tulip festival". Everyone had a marvellous time wandering around admiring the many types of tulips as well as all the other plants and flowers on display before tucking into a fantastic picnic especially prepared this morning by our chef Ian.

After lunch, we had another look around before browsing in the gift shop where several people purchased mementos before heading back.  

Here at Mulberry Court we always like to try new venues with our residents.

So, with it being the start of the Masters golf tournament, we thought we'd take a ride out to York Golf club situated in Strensall. Our residents received a very warm reception and everyone made us extremely welcome. 

We also enjoyed a fabulous lunch there too. We had hoped to get outside and watch some of the members tee off, but unfortunately, the weather turned so we dashed for the minibus instead and returned via the scenic route touching on the outer grounds of Castle Howard as we made our way back.

We hope to return to York golf club again soon, and are planning weekly trips for everyone, especially now the weather seems to thankfully be improving.        

Our residents and kitchen team here at Mulberry Court have been busy making and decorating cakes for this year’s Easter Cake competition!

On Wednesday several residents came together to put the finishing touches to our Easter cake working together to make sure the finished cake had just the right amount of decoration, meanwhile Head chef Mark and Kath made and decorated our "Easter Bunny" cake which includes a carrot nose and the most fabulous eyelashes!

Here are some of our residents who helped to make the cake with the finished entry, I think you'll agree they have done a wonderful job.