Waterside CourtBarchester Healthcare

Activities at Waterside Court Care Home

Our teams are trained to enrich the lives of residents through stimulating the mind, body and soul, and taking the time to learn about each person to ensure everyone receives support that adds enrichment to their life.

We understand that the people we support have passions and interests that could be difficult to pursue after moving into a care home – but that doesn’t mean we don’t encourage them to try! Some hobbies can define a person, so our Activities Coordinators are dedicated to ensuring that everyone we support is able to do what makes them happy to the best of their abilities. Social events are organised with individual tastes in mind and with the idea that residents have the opportunity to try new and exciting things.

Read our brochure ‘Life-enriching activities’ for more information about life in our care homes.

Read our brochure

Blerta Cesula

Activities Coordinator

Hi, my name is Blerta. I am the Activities Coordinator here at Waterside Court.

I absolutely love my role, and I'm passionate about creating meaningful experiences that enrich the lives of our residents.

Every day is different, and our life enrichment program brings out my creative side, which I share with everyone.

Celebrating life at Waterside Court Care Home

Summer Fair

What a fantastic day we had at Waterside Court’s Summer Fair –

a true celebration of sunshine and community spirit!

The courtyard came alive with vibrant stalls showcasing local produce, handcrafted treasures, jewellery, charming garden ornaments, local honey etc – a little something for everyone. A huge thank you to all our wonderful stall holders who brought their magic and creativity to the day!

The incredibly talented Ellie from Mini Concerts lit up the afternoon with her dazzling performance of the "Summer of Love" Show, filling the air with music, nostalgia, and pure joy. Her voice had everyone swaying, singing, and dancing along – it truly was a showstopper!

The event was a beautiful mix of generations as members of the community joined our residents in laughter, conversation, and celebration.

And let’s not forget the excitement of Tombola – with many lucky winners going home with big smiles and fun prizes!

From dancing feet to happy hearts, Waterside Court’s Summer Fair was a day full of connection, creativity, and cheer. Here’s to more days like this – where memories are made, friendships bloom, and joy is shared by all!

Armed Forces Day

We had a truly wonderful weekend celebrating Armed Forces Day here at Waterside Court! The atmosphere was filled with pride, joy, and a deep sense of remembrance as we honoured the incredible service and sacrifice of our armed forces.
Our mini concerts were a highlight — featuring beloved classics from Vera Lynn, Doris Day and other wartime legends.

As the music played, it stirred powerful memories for many of our residents, who sang along with smiles and even a few happy tears.

It was more than just a celebration — it was a heartfelt journey through time, bringing people together through shared stories, songs, and a deep appreciation for those who served. A truly special weekend we’ll all remember.

Carer's Week

Last week, in celebration of Carers Week, we took a moment to give back to the incredible individuals who give so much every single day.
We were truly privileged to enjoy some amazing beauty treatments, lovingly provided by our talented beautician, Kate.

From relaxing massages and rejuvenating facials to pampering nail treatments — it was a day full of smiles, self-care, and well-deserved Tender Loving Care. "The dedication and empathy shown by our carers at Waterside Court is central to the quality of care we deliver — every day, not just during Carers Week." Thank you for all that you do. You are truly appreciated.

Boat Trip

Our residents today had a 'Day to Remember' as we took a boat trip along the River Thames in Henley-on-Thames.

The weather was kind, the scenery was stunning, and the company— even better. We were overjoyed to be joined by relatives and friends who made the day even more special. The trip was planned well to coincide with the world-famous Henley Royal Regatta, which allowed our residents to have a glimpse of the rowers as they practised for their races.

It is not Waterside Court without a glass of bubbly, and we truly lived up to our habits. The feedback from all onboard was nothing short of praise and amazement and everyone wanted to do it again. Well, we will be back! A heartfelt thank you to Lucky, our wonderful captain and her assistant of the Rivertime Boat Trust for navigating us so smoothly and making the trip extra memorable.

National Cream Tea Day

What better way to honour National Cream Tea Day than with the perfect trio of scones, cream, and jam—served with smiles and steeped in tradition right here at Waterside Court.

Residents and guests were treated to a sensational afternoon featuring live entertainment from Allsorts, our much-loved local musicians, whose uplifting tunes had everyone clapping, singing, and swaying to the rhythm. The joy was contagious, and the atmosphere simply buzzed with community spirit.

Guests, including friends, families, and special visitors from the local area, gathered to enjoy an exquisite spread of scones, speciality teas, and delightful conversation.

Delightful Donkey Visit

Residents and staff at Waterside Court were filled with joy during a special visit from Jean, a gentle donkey from Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary.

The heart-warming encounter was especially meaningful for resident Bill, who recognized sanctuary staff and reminisced about fond memories.

Jean’s calm and affectionate nature quickly made her the centre of attention, offering comfort and delight to all. The visit was part of Waterside Court’s ongoing commitment to enhancing residents’ well-being through enriching animal therapy experiences.

New Art Skills

Today at Waterside Court we were very privileged to learn a new art skill with our special guest, Tracy Smith.

Tracy introduced us to the world of fibre art—an expressive form of textile art that uses materials like wool, silk, yarn, and fabric to create textured, decorative pieces.

We began by learning how to shape and layer fibres to form beautiful, three-dimensional flowers. Tracy guided everyone through techniques such as felting, layering, and embellishing with a variety of textures and colours. The residents were incredibly engaged and enthusiastic, each creating unique and vibrant flower designs that will be part of our ongoing community art project.

RoSPA Awards Celebration

We are beyond proud to announce that Waterside Court and Barchester Healthcare have won the RoSPA Fall Prevention Trophy 2025!

This amazing achievement reflects the hard work, dedication, and care our teams put into keeping our residents safe every single day.

Our residents and relatives joined us in celebrating this Amazing Award with a glass of Champagne in the garden. What a great day to celebrate as the sun was shining. And to top it all off — the incredibly talented Alan Hook lit up the celebration with a sensational saxophone performance that had everyone on their feet and swaying!

Flower arranging at Waterside Court

What a truly special end to the week it was at Waterside Court! We hosted an amazing outdoor Flower Arranging session in our beautiful garden and enjoyed the sunny weather with a drink. The session was quite uplifting and brought smiles, stories, and a touch of floral magic to our residents.

With the garden in full bloom and sunshine overhead, residents took part in a hands-on session filled with colour and creativity. They carefully selected their favourite flowers, shared cherished memories tied to certain blooms, and crafted stunning arrangements that brightened both the garden and our hearts.

Moments like these highlight the joy of connection, the power of nature, and the beauty of shared experiences. We can’t wait to host more events that bring this kind of warmth and creativity to our community!