Birchmere House Care Home - Avery Healthcare

03/09/2025

Here we have another wonderful evening concert with the talented Chris on our beautiful Grand Piano, a request from our residents to hear the mesmerising theme from The Deer Hunter 🦌 ❤️ 😀

02/09/2025

📢 Welcome to a new chapter of Avery Talk! 💙

Your much-loved newsletter is now refreshed and relaunched as a quarterly edition, giving us even more space to celebrate the people, successes, and heartfelt moments that define Avery Healthcare.

You'll find stories, standout moments, milestones and achievements that make our homes great places to live and work.

We're shining a brighter spotlight on our unique communities and inviting everyone to be a part of the journey ✨

👉 Discover the new edition - click here to read:
https://pulse.ly/hyrqidtcmg

02/09/2025

💐 Community Matters 💐

We warmly welcomed our wonderful friends from the Community, who held their quarterly Bingo & Barfi afternoon at Birchmere House 🌟🤩❤️

What a delightful time everyone had, chatting, eating & sharing stories with the added bonus of a new very talented pianist for our Residents to listen too, just superb 🌟🤩❤️

Special thanks being sent to Sharon Kasbia for helping to organise this fabulous community event alongside our Senior Well-Being Co-ordinator Kerry, what a fab team they make 😃😃

01/09/2025

We’re proud to launch our new campaign: Heartfelt Care – Your Next Chapter Starts Here.

From personalised care and engaging activities to beautiful surroundings, our homes are designed to support every chapter of life with comfort, dignity, and joy.

✨ Discover more about what makes Avery unique:
https://www.averyhealthcare.co.uk/heartfelt-care/

25/08/2025

It's another Monday morning shake-up with Mr Motivator David Knowles 😀

20/08/2025

Is this another evening concert we hear you ask - that'll be a YES 🤩

So if you thought we were all tucked up and settled for the night - you were wrong, the party continues at Birchmere House in the form of our lovely David Knowles 🌟🥰

20/08/2025

🌟 Staff Treat Day 🌟

Did somebody say Krispe Kreme Doughnuts 🍩 🤩

Our fabulous Home Manager Rachel has bought the whole team an afternoon treat 🤩🤩❤️❤️

20/08/2025

Ava Maria, wow, just wow 🌟 👌🏻 👏🏻

20/08/2025

Our night carer Rosie was reduced to tears (in a nice way) , her very first time hearing opera 😀❤️🤩

Just watch this truly heartwarming video ❤️❤️❤️

Music evokes such raw emotion and you never really know when that emotion will come for you 🥰😍❤️

20/08/2025

There are not many people in this world that can silence a room and then enters Samantha Oxborough 🤩🥰😍

Our Residents were truly captivated yet again, it really doesn't get much better than this 👏🏻 ❤️

16/08/2025

🍸Cocktails & Coconuts Party🍸

It's another Saturday garden soirée at Birchmere House 🏠 😀

Today, we have enjoyed a Jamaican themed concert courtesy of the very talented Amy Price Vocalist 🤩 who never fails to deliver no matter what theme we throw at her 🤣🤣

Is that more prosecco being served, yes our Residents have developed quite a taste for it 🥰😍🤣🤩😜

15/08/2025

🍾It's National Prosecco Day 🍾

It would be rude not to celebrate 🤩

Another wonderful afternoon in our beautiful garden, copious amounts of prosecco & a quiz 😀

Cheers everyone 🤩😀

05/06/2025

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉

We’re thrilled to share that Louise Brown, our amazing Head Chef at Greenholme House Care Home - Avery Collection in Burley-in-Wharfedale, has made it to the Regional Finals of the NACC Care Chef of the Year! 👩‍🍳🏆

Her passion for crafting delicious, nutritious meals for our residents is second to none, and this recognition is well deserved. 💙🍽️

We're incredibly proud of her talent, creativity, and hard work.

Good luck, Louise – you've got this! 🙌

03/06/2025

🏃‍♀️ Alma Court Care Home - Avery Healthcare Raises Over £1400 For Cancer Research UK 🏅

A team of 14 dedicated staff came together to raise funds for Cancer Research by taking part in the Cancer Research UK Race for Life Pretty Muddy event at Weston Park on May 17th.

Led by receptionist and breast cancer survivor Theresa Faulkner, The OTT Girls ran to support others affected by cancer. Theresa’s journey inspired her colleagues to join the cause, with her saying, “I feel overwhelmed by the support from the team at Alma Court. I enjoyed the day, and it was so worth it.” 🙌

💙 The event was more than just a race - it united residents, staff, and families, who generously donated and shared their own experiences with cancer. Covered in mud but full of pride, the team raised £1,496 to help fund vital research.

Home Manager Rachel Hammond said, “I am immensely proud of my team and what they achieved on Saturday. It just shows you what you can do if you put your mind to it.” 🏃‍♀️

19/05/2025

🌤️ The Countdown Continues: Sheena & Jess’s Skydive for Alzheimer's Society! 🪂💙

The big day is getting closer! On 20th September 2025, Sheena and Jess - senior carers from Lady Jane Court Care Home - Avery Healthcare will be taking to the skies for a cause that means the world to them: raising funds for Alzheimer’s Society.

Every day, they care for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and their compassion knows no bounds. Now, they’re going above and beyond (literally!) to support vital research and services - and you can be part of their journey.

✨ Help them soar towards their fundraising goal!

💙 Donate or Share: https://www.justgiving.com/team/septemberskydive2025

Every donation brings us one step closer to making a real difference. Let’s lift them up with our support - before they take that leap from 10,000 feet! 🙌💙

Help Jess Wingfield raise money to support Alzheimer's Society

17/05/2025

💙 Communities That Care ✨

Our care homes have been showing true community spirit through a series of inspiring fundraising efforts.

🌊 Southbourne Beach Care Home - Avery Collection unveiled a beautiful mermaid tail sculpture for Great Tail Trail, supporting Julia's House Children's Hospice. Created by resident Penny, with help from Kiera and Alex, the project has a fundraising goal of £750. “It reminded me of painting with my grandchildren,” said Penny.

💇‍♀️ At Merlin Court Care Home - Avery Healthcare, Admin Kelly O’Donnell raised nearly £1,200 for The Little Princess Trust by donating her waist-length hair. “The charity’s work really touched me,” said Kelly. Resident Christine called the gesture “incredibly brave.”

🏃‍♀️ At Chorleywood Manor Care Home - Avery Collection, Care Assistants Wendy and Charmaine completed the London Landmarks Half Marathon, raising over £1,100 for Alzheimer's Society and Dementia UK.

🌉 In their ongoing commitment to charity, residents and staff are now taking on a 10-mile walk across 10 London bridges to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital and Charity ’s new children’s cancer centre. Join us in wishing them the best of luck on their fundraising journey 🙌

👉 Click here to donate and show your support: https://www.justgiving.com/page/tracy-moore-3

16/05/2025

✨ Resident Wishes: Making Dreams Come True at Avon Valley ✨

At Avon Valley Care Home - Avery Healthcare, the team takes pride in helping residents fulfil their long-held wishes and create unforgettable moments in the process 💫

Last month, staff at Avon Valley made Evelyn Prigg’s wish of a day at the seaside come true 🌊

🍦 Evelyn visited Burnham-on-Sea, where she enjoyed all the seaside classics - fish and chips, an ice cream, and a stroll down to the beach 🏖️

As she stepped off the bus, Evelyn beamed and said, “This was my wish; dreams do come true.” ✨

Another incredible wish came to life for 92-year-old Jean Hooper, a lifelong Bristol Rovers supporter who wished to attend a match at the Memorial Stadium. ⚽

Thanks to the generosity of Bristol Rovers, Jean was able to visit the stadium and watch the team play, with tickets provided free of charge.

The club even announced Jean’s visit during the match, celebrating her as a proud “Gashead” 💙.

These wishes remind us of the power of cherished memories and the joy of making dreams come true 🌟

15/05/2025

📢 Welcome to the May edition of Avery Talk!

Last month, we celebrated Easter with lots of chocolate, furry friends, and joyful festivities across our homes. Residents enjoyed Easter egg hunts, springtime crafts, and shared many heartwarming moments together. We also marked milestone birthdays and wedding anniversaries, making April a truly special month.

As always, we’ve included our Photo of the Month, capturing a beautiful memory from one of our homes.

Sit back and enjoy catching up on all the wonderful moments from April! 💙

👉 Click here to read:

Welcome to the May edition of Avery Talk! Last month, we celebrated Easter with lots of chocolate, furry friends, and joyful festivities...

15/05/2025

🐰 Easter Joy at Avery Healthcare 🐣

Avery care homes across the country came alive with bunnies, laughter, and joy as we celebrated our annual Easter festivities! From egg hunts to community fairs, residents, families, and staff joined together for unforgettable moments of springtime fun. 🌼

At Poets Mews Care Home - Avery Healthcare residents shared a special Easter meal with their loved ones, while Birchmere House Care Home - Avery Healthcare held a special Easter Sunday prayer service, offering residents a meaningful and reflective celebration. ✨

Knowle Gate Care Home - Avery Healthcare welcomed the local community for sunshine-filled crafts and activities, while Eastbourne Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection had a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny, delighting residents with festive goodies. 🐰

Elton House Care Home - Avery Collection enjoyed a “hoppy” weekend, and Butlers Mews Care Home - Avery Healthcare hosted a vibrant Easter Fair with local vendors, face painting, henna designs, a tombola, and a lively egg hunt. 🎉

🐤 At Virginia Water Care Home - Avery Collection it was Bunny vs. Chick in a fun-filled race, and residents at Pemberley House Care Home - Avery Healthcare baked delicious Easter Simnel Cake. 🍰

Waterhouse Manor Care Home - Avery Collection's “Easter Eggstravaganza” featured entertainment for all ages and a show-stopping cake, while Bagshot Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection welcomed adorable baby chicks and piglets for a hands-on Easter treat. 🐣

At Middleton Lodge Care Home - Avery Healthcare creativity bloomed with some beautiful Easter bonnet crafting. 👒

What a truly egg-cellent celebration!

14/05/2025

🤝 Become Dementia Friends! 💙

Avery has long championed the work of Dementia Friends, an initiative run by the Alzheimer's Society, which is the UK’s largest effort to change perceptions about dementia while raising awareness, compassion, and understanding. ✨

Staff at Scholars Mews Care Home - Avery Healthcare have proudly become Dementia Friends after completing training led by Kate from the Alzheimer’s Society, in collaboration with Warwickshire County Council.

🧠 The team at Scholars Mews gained valuable insight into how dementia affects individuals and committed to taking small, everyday actions to make a difference. Scholars Mews is honoured to support this mission, ensuring no one in their community affected by dementia feels misunderstood or isolated.

👉 Visit Dementia Friends to learn more: https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/

13/05/2025

🍫 A Sweet Trip Down Memory Lane ✨

On Tuesday 15th April, Bourn View Care Home - Avery Healthcare welcomed the team from Mondelēz International, owners of the iconic Cadbury UK brand, for a very special Cadbury-themed afternoon tea ☕🍰

🏭 With Bourn View just minutes from the historic Cadbury Factory in Bournville, the event stirred up cherished memories for many of our residents, some of whom, like Noreen and carer Claire, once worked at the factory themselves.

🍪 Beverley, from the visiting team, brought along delicious Cadbury cakes and biscuits, served with hot drinks, and hosted fun quizzes and activities. Residents were delighted to share their stories and reminisce about the factory in the “olden days,” reflecting on its deep-rooted impact on the local community. ✨

The afternoon was not only a treat for the taste buds, but a heartwarming celebration of shared memories, community heritage, and the sweet bond between Cadbury and Bournville 💙

12/05/2025

🐾 Animal Encounters Bring Joy Across Our Homes 🐣

There’s nothing quite like the joy that animal visits bring, and our homes have been bustling with furry, fluffy, and feathery guests this month.

🐑 At Alma Court Care Home - Avery Healthcare, residents were delighted to welcome adorable baby lambs into the home. Their gentle nature brought smiles all around and sparked warm memories of country life 🌾

Esher Manor Care Home - Avery Collection has been hatching new life with the return of Living Eggs South East 🐣
Residents have been watching in awe as ten eggs were delivered - so far, three fluffy chicks have arrived!

🦙 Over at Bourn View Care Home - Avery Healthcare, Prancer the alpaca made a very special appearance. Calm, curious, and incredibly cuddly, he was a huge hit with residents who loved giving him plenty of fuss ❤️

Merlin Court Care Home - Avery Healthcare also enjoyed a visit from alpacas. Both residents and staff were thrilled by the calming and cheerful interaction. ✨

🐾 Meanwhile, Virginia Water Care Home - Avery Collection celebrated National Pet Day in style with a full line-up of visitors, including baby lambs, chicks, bunny rabbits, and even a tiny piglet 🐷

It was a day filled with laughter, wonder, and lots of animal cuddles.
These special visits created cherished memories for everyone 💙📸.

12/05/2025

🎉 WWII Heroine Celebrates 101st Birthday After VE Day 80th Anniversary 💙

On the eve of VE Day's 80th anniversary, we celebrated an extraordinary woman: Beryl Thornton, a proud WWII veteran and member of the Women’s Royal Naval Service, who turned 101 years old on May 7th!

Beryl, who resides at Camberley Heights Care Home - Avery Collection, was honoured at a heartfelt ceremony attended by family, friends, local dignitaries, Armed Forces representatives, and the Mayor of Surrey Heath.

💬 “It’s been such a privilege to serve my country,” Beryl shared, visibly moved. “To be here today, surrounded by so many wonderful people, is truly a gift.”

Born in 1924, Beryl joined the WRNS in 1943, working as a coder for the Government Code and Cypher School. From Scotland to Ceylon, her encrypted messages helped drive Allied success in the Far East.

💬 “The work we did was crucial,” Beryl said. “It was a tough time, but there were moments of joy too… the camaraderie with the Navy and American forces kept us going.”

Beryl’s birthday celebrations continued over the weekend with a charity dinner in support of the Camberley Branch - Royal British Legion, a cause close to Beryl's heart. 💙

Ian Chandler, Home Manager at Camberley Heights Care Home, reflected, ‘We are incredibly proud to honour her at this significant moment in history. Her story is a reminder of the incredible contributions made by women during WWII, and it is an honour to be part of her journey.” 🏅

30/04/2025

💙 Care Home Residents Take on 10-London-Bridge Challenge for Great Ormond Street Hospital ✨

Residents and team members at Chorleywood Manor Care Home - Avery Collection are gearing up for a special charity walk to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital and Charity ’s new children’s cancer centre.

On Wednesday 21st May, the group will take on a 10-mile journey, crossing 10 iconic London bridges from Battersea Bridge to Tower Bridge. 🌉

Their goal is to raise £2,500 to support life-saving treatment for children battling cancer.

Despite their age and health challenges, residents are determined to make a difference. 💪

🗨️ “This is about showing that we can still contribute, no matter our age or ability,” said Eric Heather (93).

“I’m not letting anything stop me from participating. I want to make a difference for these children,” added resident Yvonne Field (89).

🗨️ “We’re doing this to make a real difference,” said Patrick, Well-being Manager.

Eric added, “I’m proud to be part of this challenge and hope it inspires others to get involved.” 🌟

Support our residents and help change lives - donate today to make a real difference!

📅 Wednesday 21st May 2025
🌉 Battersea Bridge ➡️ Tower Bridge
👉 Donate via JustGiving: https://pulse.ly/s1hdpa1axl