Cheaney Court Care Home- Minster Care Group

20/03/2026

It’s not everyday you witness penguins getting out of a lift! 🥰😊

20/03/2026

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Therapy Penguins Delight Residents at Cheaney Court Care Home!

Residents, families and staff at Cheaney Court Care Home recently enjoyed a truly memorable and unusual visit when therapy penguins from Heythrop Zoological Centre came to spend time with everyone at the home.

The special visit brought excitement and smiles throughout Cheaney Court as the charming penguins waddled in to meet residents. Many residents had the opportunity to see the penguins up close, learn more about them from the visiting handler, and take part in a unique interactive experience that sparked curiosity and joy.

Animal therapy visits are known to have many positive benefits for older people, including encouraging conversation, stimulating memories, and promoting emotional wellbeing. The visit from the penguins created a wonderful atmosphere in the home, with residents, their families, friends and staff all gathering together to enjoy the moment. There was plenty of laughter as the penguins explored their surroundings and showed off their playful personalities.

For some residents, the visit also brought back fond memories of trips to the seaside, zoos and wildlife parks, while others simply enjoyed the rare opportunity to see such fascinating animals so close to home. Staff members said it was heart-warming to see the excitement on residents’ faces and the conversations that followed throughout the day.

The visit was made possible thanks to a generous donation raised following the passing of former resident Helen Ketcher, who sadly passed away in December 2025. The donation has helped create a special experience that brought great joy to the home.

Helen’s husband, Tim, shared that he felt the visit was a wonderful idea and one that Helen would have loved. It was a touching way to honour her memory and bring happiness to the residents she once lived alongside.

The team from Heythrop Zoological Centre also shared interesting facts about the penguins, helping everyone learn more about their behaviour, habitat and the important conservation work that protects these remarkable birds.

Events like this form an important part of life at Cheaney Court Care Home, where the focus is on creating engaging experiences that support residents’ wellbeing and provide meaningful opportunities for connection and enjoyment.

The home would like to thank the team at Heythrop Zoological Centre for bringing such a unique and delightful experience to Cheaney Court, and to remember with gratitude Helen and the generosity shown in her memory. It was a day that residents, families and staff will remember for a long time.

19/03/2026

Today we have been working on a banner to welcome the penguins tomorrow. We’re all very excited to see them!
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19/03/2026

Employee of the Month – March

We are proud to announce that our Employee of the Month for March is Nurse Nicoletta.

Nicoletta is a truly dedicated and compassionate member of our team, consistently demonstrating professionalism, kindness, and an exceptional work ethic. Her commitment to providing outstanding care does not go unnoticed.

Recently, Nicoletta went above and beyond by using her clinical skills in an emergency which resulted in a wonderful and happy outcome. Her quick thinking, expertise, and calm approach in a critical moment made all the difference.

Thank you, Nicoletta, for your hard work, dedication, and the positive impact you make every day. We are incredibly grateful to have you as part of our team.

17/03/2026

Happy St Patrick’s Day from all of us at Cheaney Court☘️
Today was full of fun, and a lovely splash of green as residents and staff came together to celebrate. We enjoyed a delicious traditional meal of Irish stew and creamy champ, which went down an absolute treat!
A special highlight of the day was a wonderful Irish dancing performance from the lovely Dorinda, who brought smiles to everyone’s faces. Thank you to everyone who made today special — it’s moments like these that create such warm memories for us all. 💚🍀☘️🟢

17/03/2026

Today we had a lovely church service this morning held by St Giles Church Desborough. We spent time reflecting on Palm Sunday, remembering its meaning and significance as we approach Easter.
Together we shared prayers, enjoyed meaningful conversation, and lifted our voices in singing some beautiful hymns. It was a peaceful and uplifting time for everyone, bringing joy and a sense of togetherness.
Moments like these remind us of the importance of faith, community, and connection. 💛

17/03/2026

16/03/2026

🐧 Special Visitors Coming This Friday! 🐧

We’re excited to share that we’ll have two very special guests visiting Cheaney Court this Friday – Widget and Pringle, the adorable penguins!

They’ll be waddling in to meet our residents between 2:30pm and 4:30pm, and we’re sure it will be a wonderful afternoon filled with smiles and plenty of photo opportunities.

Animal visits are always such a lovely experience for our residents, and we can’t wait to see everyone enjoying some time with these charming little visitors.

If you’re visiting during this time, feel free to pop in and say hello to Widget and Pringle too! 🐧💙

15/03/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mums at Cheaney Court and beyond. 💐

Today we celebrate the love, strength, kindness and wisdom that mothers bring into our lives. To the amazing women who have spent a lifetime caring for others, guiding families, and creating so many special memories — we honour you today and every day.

To our residents, and to the families who love and support them, we hope your day is filled with smiles, warmth, and precious moments together.

Wishing you all a very Happy Mother’s Day. 💖

10/03/2026

Today we had a lovely time playing some classic games together 🎲
Residents enjoyed games of Jenga, dominoes, cards and snakes and ladders. There were lots of laughs, a bit of friendly competition, and plenty of teamwork as everyone encouraged each other along the way.
Activities like these are a great way to bring everyone together, keep minds active, and most importantly have fun. It was wonderful to see so many smiles today 😊

02/03/2026

Today was Fun Facts About Names Day — and what a wonderful trip of discovery it was. We looked up the meanings behind our names, and we were amazed at what we found. From names that mean “strong and brave” to those meaning “full of light,” “wise protector,” and “graceful friend,” it was so special to learn the beautiful stories hidden within something we use every day.