Marple Dale Care Centre - Barchester Healthcare

11/09/2025

A Day by the Seaside at Lytham St Anne’s

Our residents enjoyed a lovely day out by the coast at Lytham St Anne’s. We took gentle walks along the promenade, stopping to take in the fresh sea air and the beautiful views that stretched for miles. The lifeboat station was a highlight, sparking lots of conversation and memories of seaside holidays from years gone by.

No trip to the seaside would be complete without fish and chips, and we made sure to enjoy ours right on the promenade – the perfect setting for a classic treat. With the sound of the waves in the background and plenty of laughter along the way, it truly was a day full of happy moments and new memories to add to old ones.

To find out more about life here at Marple Dale, please visit our website https://www.barchester.com/home/marple-dale-care-centre

08/09/2025

Our Tell Barchester Annual Survey is LIVE!

For the 5th consecutive year, our annual customer satisfaction survey Tell Barchester is OPEN!

The survey gives our residents, patients, their friends and family the opportunity to tell us how they feel about their experience, helping us learn, improve and celebrate what people love about life at Barchester.

Residents and patients are able to complete the survey with our teams, invitations to take part are emailed to all friends & family members we have contact details for – have you received yours? It’s also possible to take part in our homes and hospitals using the QR posters on display.

Tell Barchester is quick and simple to complete, your time is much appreciated and this feedback shapes the care and service received across Barchester.

In the meantime, if you have feedback you would like to share you can talk to us at any point, our door is always open.

04/09/2025

⭐ LaingBuisson 2025 Award Finalist ⭐

We’re delighted to announce that we’ve been shortlisted for the ‘Care Home Group of the Year’ category at the prestigious LaingBuisson Awards.

Now in their 20th year, the awards recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements in the UK health and social care industry.

With more than 400 entries submitted across each category, being named a finalist is a real honour.

This recognition is a true reflection of the dedication, hard work and compassion of all our teams and colleagues across Barchester – a big thank you for everything they do each day! 👏

The winners will be announced on the 20th November 2025 at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London.

LaingBuisson LaingBuisson News

03/09/2025

✨🎭 Bringing the Fringe to Strachan House ✨🎵

Residents, families and visitors at Strachan House Care Home in enjoyed an afternoon of fantastic performances as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Care Fest.

Now in its third year, the Fringe Care Fest brings the magic of the Fringe directly to care home residents who can no longer visit the festival venues.

Talented singer and pianist Jacqui Randa warmed up the crowd with her excellent keyboard skills and cheeky anecdotes. After a short break for more prosecco in the sun, everyone relaxed to the wonderful voice of Duane Forrest.

It was an amazing experience, complete with a special party menu from the home’s kitchen team, plenty of drinks – and of course, lots of dancing.

A big thank you to all involved in making this event such a success. 👏

02/09/2025

⭐ A Perfect 10! ⭐

We’re thrilled to share that Iverley View Care Home in has received a 10 out of 10 score on the independent care home reviews site, carehome.co.uk, after a series of glowing reviews.

This fantastic achievement places Iverley View 7th out of 7,238 care homes across England and 1st in their county.

A big thank you to the team who work incredibly hard to provide the highest standard of care and support to residents and their families. Truly well deserved. 👏

.co.uk

29/08/2025

🐾 Residents Welcome Furry Friends 🐾

Our care homes and hospitals recently marked National Dog Day in style by hosting a range of activities for all to enjoy, including dog shows, pet therapy sessions and community events.

From four-legged companions to wagging tails and friendly competitions, it was a wonderful day that brought joy and smiles to everyone.

Take a look at some of our favourite moments. ✨

27/08/2025

⭐ Champions of Care: The Care Quality Leaders Network ⭐

We’re delighted to share that Sue Sheath, our Director of Regulation and Quality Improvement, has been featured in this month’s Caring Times magazine for her work founding the Care Quality Leaders Network.

In June, the network held its first face-to-face conference entitled ‘Innovating Care Quality: Leadership in Action’ in London, bringing together colleagues from across the adult social care sector.

What began as a small group of providers meeting informally before the pandemic has grown under Sue’s leadership into a thriving network of over 90 organisations – from large operators to mid-sized and smaller providers nationwide – all united by a shared commitment to champion high-quality care.

Sue commented: “I am so proud of how this group has grown over the last five years into an incredible supportive network with real influence. I was keen to create an opportunity for the group to meet face to face to hear from some of the biggest names in the sector about the challenges and opportunities we face and share ideas and best practice. I would like to thank all our generous partners such as Radar Healthcare, Care Launch and Nourish Care, who made this event possible.”

We’re so proud of Sue for her hard work in creating this fantastic network and for running such a successful event that brought together so many excellent minds! 👏

26/08/2025

📸 World Photography Day 🌟

Recently, residents and patients up and down the country celebrated World Photography Day with flair and creativity.

Throughout the day, everyone enjoyed a range of themed activities and art sessions, from crafting photo books and collages to participating in professional photoshoots and capturing images of their favourite objects and subjects.

It was also a wonderful opportunity for all to reflect on past experiences by looking at treasured photographs and sharing happy memories.

Take a look at some of our favourite moments.

22/08/2025

✨🏍️ Speedway Wish Granted 🏍️✨

This week, the team at Hickathrift House Care Home in was delighted to grant another special wish through their ‘Post a Wish’ initiative – a visit to the King's Lynn Speedway - the Home of the Stars.

It was a fantastic experience, with riders kindly taking time to chat and reminisce with a resident about past races and bikes. The Speedway team ensured the evening was special, welcoming everyone on arrival and making the visit unforgettable.

Residents truly enjoyed sitting in the front row, cheering on the riders and sharing stories of speedway events gone by.

A big thank you to all involved in making this trip possible. 👏

King's Lynn Stars

21/08/2025

🤩 Adventure Day Out for Mortain Place Residents 🤩

Residents at Mortain Place Care Home in enjoyed an unforgettable day at Knockhatch Adventure Park.

From speeding around the go-kart track and meeting extraordinary animals to splashing down the water slides, it was a day full of fun.

To make the trip even more special, residents and colleagues were joined by Malcolm from ITV News Meridian, who captured the excitement on camera and spoke to the residents about their experiences.

The team at Mortain Place believe days like this are an important way to enrich the lives of residents, creating lasting memories for all involved.

Take a look at the fantastic broadcast coverage below! 👇

Watch the latest from ITV News - Barchester Mortain Place in Eastbourne takes its residents on day trips to an adventure park with activities such as go-karting and water slides

19/08/2025

🦆📚 A Quacking Good Story from Atfield House 📚🦆

We’re excited to share that Atfield House Care Home in , London has launched their very own children’s storybook, inspired by a much-loved tradition and their nature-loving residents.

Each year, a duck named Hope visits the home’s garden to lay her eggs – a heart-warming event that has been taking place for many years. The experience sparks engagement, evokes memories and offers meaningful comfort to residents, supporting emotional and cognitive wellbeing with every quiet waddle.

After speaking with residents, families and colleagues, the team decided to capture the tale in a beautifully illustrated book.
The home looks forward to sharing the storybook with visitors and children from local schools – a great opportunity to spread the joy of this charming tradition.

You can explore their delightful storybook here 👇https://online.flippingbook.com/view/503801204/

18/08/2025

🏃‍♂️🏅 Great North Run - Marathon Effort for Charity 🏃‍♀️🏅

On Sunday, 7th September, five brave Barchester colleagues will take on the gruelling Great North Run to raise money for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation.

The Foundation supports older people and adults living with a disability by helping them connect or re-connect with others in their local communities.

Our amazing runners are:
• Becky Dearing, Health and Safety Coordinator
• Kirsty Taylor, Activities Lead at Chalfont Lodge Care Centre - Barchester Healthcare
• Zsuszanna Bodog, Care Assistant from Red Oaks Care Home - Barchester Healthcare
• Tom Hodges, Dementia Nurse Specialist for the North West and Midlands
• Yvonne Hand, General Manager at Glenroyd Care Home - Barchester Healthcare

They will lace-up their trainers and use grit and determination to complete the 13-mile half marathon course that starts in Newcastle upon Tyne and takes thousands of runners over the iconic Tyne Bridge in order to raise funds for Barchester's Charitable Foundation.

Wishing the very best of luck to the runners! 👏

13/08/2025

🎤🎵 Come Sing! To Feel Good 🎤🎵

Residents and patients across the country had a fantastic time joining Dan Cooper, Vocal Coach from Biiah, for a lively summer virtual sing-along.

With the uplifting ‘Que Sera Sera’ by Doris Day and ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ by The Beach Boys, there was plenty of singing and dancing all around.

The session was a great success, bringing benefits for the mind, body and soul, and leaving everyone with a dose of summer cheer.

A big thank you to Dan Cooper for the wonderful experience. 👏

Take a look at some of our favourite moments in the photos below.

🔗 www.barchester.com

13/08/2025

A Perfect Day on the New Horizons Canal Boat

We had the most wonderful day out on the New Horizons canal boat. The sun was shining from start to finish, and the water was alive with ducks gliding alongside us. To our surprise, we even spotted a bull cooling off with a paddle in the water – not something you see every day on a boat trip!

Halfway through our journey, we decided it was the perfect time for an ice cream break. This meant one of our group had to make a quick jump from the boat to the shop, returning with delicious cones for everyone to enjoy on deck. Sitting in the sunshine, surrounded by the peaceful sights and sounds of the canal, we shared stories, laughter, and good company.

It was a day full of fresh air, nature, and happy memories that we’ll be talking about for a long time

To find out more about life here at Marple Dale, please visit our website https://www.barchester.com/home/marple-dale-care-centre

11/08/2025

✨A Roaring 1920s Summer Fête at Ashlar House ✨

Ashlar House Care Home in turned back the clock for a spectacular Summer Fete inspired by the glamour of the 1920s.

Residents, families, colleagues and guests dressed to impress, bringing the glamour and spirit of the Jazz Age to life.

From Charleston dancing and live entertainment to delicious food, sweet treats and a much-loved raffle. There was something for everyone to enjoy.

It was a fantastic experience for all involved. 👏

03/08/2025

A big thank you to Kortnie for bringing so much energy and joy to the home with her amazing Dance-ercise session! 🎶🕺

Residents loved getting up and moving to the music – plenty of smiles, laughter, and even a few impressive dance moves! A fantastic way to stay active and have some fun together.

We can’t wait to have her back!

To find out more about life here at Marple Dale, please visit our website https://www.barchester.com/home/marple-dale-care-centre

06/06/2025

Bernie filled the room with classic tunes that had everyone tapping their feet and singing along. The atmosphere was electric — full of laughter, joy, and even a bit of dancing! It’s always so uplifting to see residents come together, share smiles, and create happy memories. A truly special day for all involved!

To find out more about life here at Marple Dale, please visit our website https://www.barchester.com/home/marple-dale-care-centre

22/05/2025

Zoolab Visit – A Wild Day at Marple Dale 🕷️🐍

What an unforgettable day at Marple Dale as we welcomed some very special visitors from Zoolab! Our residents had the amazing opportunity to meet and handle a variety of exotic creatures, including a cockroach, millipede, frog, scorpion, and even a snake! 🐸🦂

It was a truly unique experience, sparking laughter, curiosity, and even a bit of bravery! Every single resident got the chance to hold or gently feel each of the animals — and they absolutely loved it.

A huge thank you to Zoolab for bringing this hands-on experience to us. It was a day full of smiles, stories, and new memories!

To find out more about life here at Marple Dale, please visit our website https://www.barchester.com/home/marple-dale-care-centre

07/05/2025

We were thrilled to welcome members of the Macclesfield FC Support Trust to our home for a wonderful morning of fun, games, and football-themed cheer!

Residents had a great time taking part in bean bag throwing and ball-into-hoop games, showing off their aim and having plenty of laughs along the way. The room was full of smiles as everyone got involved and enjoyed a friendly bit of competition.

To find out more about life here at Marple Dale, please visit our website https://www.barchester.com/home/marple-dale-care-centre

05/05/2025

Deal or No Deal Fun at Marple Dale!
Last week we brought the excitement of the TV classic Deal or No Deal to our lovely residents — and what a fantastic time we had!

A big congratulations to our winners:
Lynne walked away with a fabulous gift set,
Beryl picked a sweet box of chocolates,
and Tracey struck gold with a pub lunch voucher!

To find out more about life here at Marple Dale, please visit our website https://www.barchester.com/home/marple-dale-care-centre

22/04/2025

Happy Easter from Everyone at Marple Dale

We all enjoyed our Easter Eggs and fun day filled with chocolate! 🐣

To find out more about life here at Marple Dale, please visit our website https://www.barchester.com/home/marple-dale-care-centre

14/04/2025

Spring has Sprung at Marple Dale!
Today our lovely residents got their hands dirty by planting herbs and little seeds into recycled egg boxes. From basil to chives, we’re starting our very own mini indoor garden — and it smells amazing already!

Gardening is not only therapeutic, but it also brings so much joy and a sense of purpose. We can’t wait to see these little seedlings grow into something beautiful!

To find out more about life here at Marple Dale, please visit our website https://www.barchester.com/home/marple-dale-care-centre

10/04/2025

This year’s Staff Grand National was one to remember – with a hilarious twist!

Our amazing team suited up in silly inflatable outfits and took to the track for a race like no other. We had a unicorn, an elephant, a flamingo, a shark, a cowgirl riding a horse, and of course, a rubber ducky bouncing their way to the finish line!

Lewis won – waddling his way to victory and plenty of laughs in his rubber ducky outfit!

Thanks to everyone who took part and cheered us on – what a fun-filled day for all!

To find out more about life here at Marple Dale, please visit our website https://www.barchester.com/home/marple-dale-care-centre

10/04/2025

What a fantastic day we had on Tuesday at our sunny BBQ! The weather was on our side, and the garden was full of laughter, smiles, and the mouth-watering smell of burgers and hotdogs on the grill. It was wonderful to see our residents enjoying the sunshine, sharing stories, and spending time with friends

A huge thank you to our amazing staff for making it all happen – and to everyone who joined us for such a lovely afternoon! Here’s to more sunny days like this!

To find out more about life here at Marple Dale, please visit our website https://www.barchester.com/home/marple-dale-care-centre