Activities at Waterside Court Care Home

This Thursday, our residents experienced something truly wonderful. Thanks to Cycling Without Age, Mick and Tim brought two trikes to Waterside Court, giving five of our residents their first-ever trike ride. The journey took them through Winterbrook Meadows, the town centre, the riverside, and OU Rowing Club. Along the ride, residents also made new friends and connected with the wider community, strengthening bonds beyond Waterside Court. 

The ride offered much more than fresh air—it brought a sense of freedom, adventure, and connection to the outdoors. Some residents rediscovered familiar sights, while others savoured the gentle thrill of being on the move again, sharing stories and laughter with one another. 

To cap off this wonderful day, we were thrilled to hear that Cycling Without Age Wallingford received £500 from the Wallingford and Didcot Rotary Club, helping to create more opportunities for our residents to enjoy experiences like this and continue engaging with the community.

Today at Waterside Court, we were treated to a truly special visit from Shelley and her charming companion, TJ the Parrot. With his bright feathers and playful personality, TJ quickly captured everyone’s attention — and even greeted us all with a cheerful “hello!”

Shelley delighted residents and team members alike with fascinating insights about parrots — from their remarkable intelligence and mimicry skills to their social nature and long lifespans.

A big thank you to Shelley and TJ for bringing colour, joy, and learning to our day here at Waterside Court. 

Our resident ambassador, Heather, along with our dedicated staff, looked wonderful in their beautiful saris as they represented our vibrant community. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, reminds us that light triumphs over darkness and goodness always prevails — a celebration of hope, joy, and unity.

At Waterside Court, we take great pride in honouring diversity and embracing the many cultures that make our community so special.

Autumn has arrived here at Waterside Court, bringing with it a wonderful display of rich colours and seasonal charm. To mark the occasion, we created a fantastic Harvest Festival display, filled with vibrant pumpkins, apples, golden wheat, and other autumnal delights. The display captured the beauty of the season perfectly and brought smiles to everyone who stopped by. It was a lovely way to celebrate the harvest and welcome the warmth and togetherness that this time of year brings.
 

What an unforgettable evening we had! The amazing Siobhan and her talented cast brought us a thrilling Murder Mystery Play that had everyone on the edge of their seats. During the short performance—oh dear—a shocking murder occurred! 

But don’t worry… our brilliant residents and staff quickly transformed into detectives, piecing together clues, questioning the cast, and working as a team to crack the case. Two of our eagle-eyed residents proudly received certificates for cracking the case!”

The night was packed with laughter , interaction , and just the right amount of suspense to keep everyone guessing. The energy in the room was incredible, and the cast truly transported us into the world of mystery and intrigue.

We'd like to send a huge thank you to Siobhan and her wonderful cast for delivering such joy, excitement, and entertainment. You gave our residents a magical experience.

What a truly wonderful evening we shared at Waterside Court as we celebrated Bonfire Night!

Residents were treated to a live musical performance by the talented Doug Loveridge, whose songs brought joy and nostalgia to the room. The evening was made even more special as we gathered to wish our lovely Dotty a very happy birthday!

To indulge our sweet tooth, we enjoyed a decadent chocolate fondue, complete with fluffy marshmallows and a selection of fresh, fruits – a delicious treat that everyone enjoyed. As the night drew to a close, residents stepped outside to enjoy the gentle sparkle of hand-held sparklers, adding a magical finishing touch to a truly memorable celebration!

We embraced the season in style this afternoon with a wonderful Autumn Flower Arranging session. 

Our residents created their own pumpkin floral displays, combining vibrant autumn blooms with lots of creativity and enthusiasm. It was a joy to see everyone’s unique designs come to life. Their stunning arrangements are now on display throughout the home for everyone to enjoy and admire.

A big thank you to the families who joined and supported us — your presence made the afternoon extra special!

We were delighted to host another uplifting Sunday Service here at Waterside Court, led by Pastor Simon and beautifully accompanied by Graham on guitar. Residents and their families thoroughly enjoyed the heartfelt hymns, sincere prayers, and inspiring message shared throughout the service.

It was a truly special time of reflection, worship, and community — with families joining together in song, fellowship, and shared moments of meaning. Occasions like these highlight the joy, unity, and sense of belonging that flourish when faith and music bring people together.

At Waterside Court, we love to keep things lively with a variety of entertainment and activities for our residents — and today was no exception! We had the absolute pleasure of welcoming the incredible Cherie, who wowed everyone with her mesmerising belly dance performance.

The room came alive with colour, rhythm, and joy as Cherie twirled and shimmied — and soon, our residents couldn’t resist joining in! With scarves swirling and smiles all around, even our staff got caught up in the fun. The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter, clapping, and a real sense of togetherness.

A big thank you, Cherie, for bringing your sparkle to Waterside Court!

This special event is held to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity dedicated to providing vital care, guidance, and support to individuals and families affected by cancer. Every cup of coffee poured and every slice of cake shared helps make a difference to those facing some of the toughest times in their lives.

It was wonderful to see so many new faces from the local community at our coffee morning. We would like to extend a huge thank you to all our residents, relatives, friends, and staff who donated, baked, and contributed so generously. Your kindness and support mean so much, and together we’ve helped raise awareness and funds for a truly important cause.

Today at Waterside Court, we had a Cat Walk with a twist!

Our fabulous staff brought Halloween flair to the runway, turning it into a showcase of creativity and character. From the mischievous Joker to the legendary Robin Hood, a peaceful Monk, and a mysterious Black Angel, each costume added its own unique charm and personality.

Residents stepped into the role of judges, carefully observing each look and casting their votes for Best Dressed. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation and playful energy as everyone embraced the spirit of the season.

"The occasion underscored our community’s flair for creativity and connection, leaving a lasting impression."

Today at Waterside Court, we were honoured to take part in the Barchester Care Awards, a celebration of the exceptional people who make a difference across our communities. 

We are immensely proud to share that our Resident Ambassador, Heather Woollard, was recognised as the Divisional Winner for Resident Ambassador of the Year, representing Waterside Court with dignity, passion, and pride.

We might not have made it to the next round, but wow – what a journey! We could not be prouder of Heather’s outstanding achievement and the unwavering support shown by our residents, staff, families, and friends throughout this journey.

We extend our warmest congratulations to all the national winners and express our heartfelt appreciation to Heather for being such an inspiring ambassador for Waterside Court and the wider Barchester family.

Yesterday, we hosted a truly special “Guess Who” Reminiscence Session here at Waterside Court — and what a beautiful afternoon it turned out to be!

With the help of our wonderful residents, staff, families, and friends, we gathered treasured childhood photos. The room was filled with laughter, curiosity, and a few happy tears as we all tried to “guess who” from those adorable pictures. 

Each photo sparked heart-warming memories and wonderful stories — from school days and family holidays to the little adventures that shaped the amazing people we know today. The atmosphere was full of warmth, nostalgia, and joy, reminding us how powerful shared memories can be.

It was a touching celebration of life, connection — and a beautiful reminder that every picture really does tell a story. 

We had a truly unforgettable visit from ZooLab, who brought along some fascinating guests from the animal kingdom! Our residents were thrilled (and a little curious!) to meet a wonderful array of creatures — from slithering snakes and tiny tree frogs to a gentle turtle and even a bold tarantula.

The star of the show was undoubtedly Banana, the beautiful yellow snake whose name couldn’t have been more perfect. The room was filled with laughter, gasps, and plenty of smiles as residents took turns meeting our scaly and furry visitors up close.

It was a fantastic afternoon full of discovery, courage, and connection with nature — proving once again that life at Waterside Court is never short of adventure! 

Shopping days here are more than just a chance to pick out new clothes—they’re a delightful experience that brings style, independence, and joy right to our residents’ doorstep. With rails of seasonal fashion, cosy classics, and sparkling occasion wear, residents can browse, try on, and choose their favourites in the comfort of their home.

It’s not only about finding the perfect outfit, but about reliving the joy of shopping—chatting with friends, sharing opinions, and enjoying those little “fashion show” moments that bring so many smiles. 

The day leaves everyone feeling uplifted, stylish, and celebrated—a true luxury experience designed with care, dignity, and fun at its heart.