Activities at The Cedars Bourne Care Home

Staff and residents are celebrating because their wonderful Managing Director, Fiona Fagan, from Barchester’s North East and Scotland Division, has stepped completely out of her comfort zone to compete in the Barchester Charitable Foundation Cook Off 2024.

Fiona went head-to-head with the Managing Directors from Barchester’s four other divisions and cooked up a storm to raise a phenomenal £24,595 for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation which helps connect vulnerable people and those living with a disability to community groups in their local area by providing grants to improve mobility and quality of life.  Each year the Foundation distributes thousands of pounds to individuals, small community groups and charities across England, Scotland and Wales.  

Staff, residents, relatives and the local community came together to enjoy a Summer Fete that was held in the home’s grounds on 29th June. The Cedars hosted a variety of artisan craft stalls, tombola and raffle for everyone to enjoy, including homemade fudge, craft makes and original artworks.

 The main event, the rubber duck races on the river, continued throughout the day; and with 14 races expertly ran, there was plenty to cheer for! Mayor of Bourne, Helen Crawford, visited to try her luck at the races, and residents were thrilled to meet her.

The event culminated in a live performance by local entertainer Nick Glover, who sang a variety of popular songs that staff, visitors and residents sang and danced along to.

Our residents love learning new things; and our 'Talks Over Tea' are very well attended. This month, the theme was Vintage Shop Window Advertising; and residents were thrilled to see some of these wonderful designs up close. Joan Fisher said that the talk was 'very good' and Colin Norman commented that it was 'very interesting'. Rita then told us how much her son wanted Meccano as a child; and how he still has it now! It was particularly wonderful to see some of these automatons are still in full working order.

We have been #Celebrating Success this month at The Cedars Care Home. On National Volunteers Week our Senior General Manager, Becky Aldred, presented our wonderful volunteers with a card to thank them for all of their hard work and dedication to our home. Thank you so much Sandra, Jo, Christine, Nigel and Damien for your kindness and dedication to our residents. They love seeing you!

We were thrilled to see Maintenance Assistant Charlie Claydon made Employee of the month this month: our resident who voted for him said 'very helpful when asked to do anything, it's a pleasure to be around him and he always helps with a smile'.

Finally, carer Jenny Holdgate gained her 15 year service award in June. Jenny received flowers, a voucher and a beautiful pin badge for a dedicated fifteen years’ service at The Cedars. We all came together to surprise her and let her know what a cherished member of the team she is. Becky Aldred, our Senior manager said, "Jenny is such a compassionate carer, so hard working and has the ability to spread a smile which is so contagious, we can't thank her enough." Jenny, everyone says that you’re an inspiration and a joy to work with. Enjoy your award, so very much deserved.

We couldn't have had a better day for our annual Summer BBQ in the stunning historical grounds of our home. Residents, families and guests enjoyed a BBQ, prepped by maintenance assistant Charlie ready for Head Chef Richard to make the most delicious food! Deputy Manager Jo managed the salad table and hostess Abbie expertly managed an outdoor silver service dining experience for all.

When we had all eaten our fill, it was time to welcome back the incredibly talented Gabriella Pineda-Rodrigues for another amazing performance. We danced in our chairs and shook pompoms in time to the music- songs from 'We'll Meet Again' and 'A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square' through to 'Think of Me' from the Phantom of the Opera and 'Nessan Dorma'. We were even treated to songs in Italian!

Joan Jolly said 'this was so lovely- we really are lucky'. Edna Riley commented that Gabriella had 'an amazing voice' and Ron Priest said it was 'wonderful afternoon'.

Residents across our homes had a fantastic time exploring the Eden Project virtually - an educational charity and visitor attraction based in Cornwall, featuring sprawling outdoor gardens and breathtaking biomes that house the largest indoor rainforest in the world.

During the session, residents who joined were reconnected with nature through their senses, memories and stories.  A big thank you to the community team at the Eden Project for the wonderful event.