West Abbey Care Centre - Barchester Healthcare

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

We're inviting you to join us for a free Cyber Security Talk on Tuesday 19th August from 11am to 12pm with local Cyber Protect Officer, Megan Haldane, who through her work in the community will share expert advise on how to spot and avoid scams.

To RSVP to this event please call us on 01935 411136 or email us at Westabbey@barchester.com

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. 👏

08/08/2025

🎉 Port Manor is Now Open 🎉

We’re thrilled to share that our new luxury care home in has opened its doors in style, with a Grand Opening performed by the Mayor of Seaford, Councillor Maggie Wearmouth, in front of invited guests from the local community.

Our CEO, Dr Pete Calveley, and General Manager, Nancy Walford, hosted the event and invited guests to view the stunning new 55-bed care home, which is now open and ready to welcome its first residents.

Designed with residents’ comfort in mind, Port Manor Care Home will offer residential support, respite stays and specialist dementia care, all delivered by a dedicated and passionate team of trained professionals.

Take a look at some of our favourite moments from today’s event. ✨

08/08/2025

🌞🎶 Summer Lovin’ in Full Swing! 🎶🌞

We had the absolute pleasure of watching Thea from Mini Concerts light up the room with her “Summer Lovin’” show for our wonderful residents this week! 💛

With classic tunes, heartfelt moments, and a whole lot of joy, Thea brought sunshine, smiles, and toe-tapping fun to everyone in the room. It was a beautiful morning filled with music, memories, and magic — exactly what summer is all about! 🌼✨

07/08/2025

🍎📚 The Kirkburn Classroom 🍏🎨

The team at Kirkburn Court Care Home in , Scotland, recently launched a new initiative called ‘The Kirkburn Classroom’.

The first session was led by Ina, a resident at the home, who took on the task of teaching everyone how to crochet.

Ina admitted she hadn’t done any crocheting for quite a while and warned she might be a bit rusty – but as soon as she picked up the hook and wool, she was off to a flying start!

She showed great patience helping everyone get started and all involved commented on how much they enjoyed the experience.

The team was pleased to report that almost everyone behaved well in class – with just a little bit of mischief.

What a fantastic afternoon. 👏

Stay tuned to find out who’ll be hosting the next class.

06/08/2025

👑 A Royal Encounter to Remember 👑

It was a truly special day for Greta, Joan and Beryl, residents at Hilton Park Care Home in , Cambridge, as they had the remarkable opportunity to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla.

There were smiles, handshakes and heartfelt moments that everyone will remember. His Majesty asked the ladies how they were and whether they’d been well looked after. Greta, moved by the kindness shown, replied with a heartfelt “yes” - and became quite emotional.

Greta, Joan and Beryl had the privilege of meeting the royals and were lucky enough to exchange a few words with the King.

It’s never too late for a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

05/08/2025

📷 Wildlife Through the Lens – Photography Exhibition for Charity 📷

Reji Joseph, Home Administrator at Middletown Grange Care Home in , near Witney, is hosting his first-ever photography exhibition and sale to raise funds for Barchester's Charitable Foundation.

A passionate wildlife photographer, Reji is showcasing 125 original images at the home from 27 August to 7 September.

Guests are invited to view the stunning photographs, meet Reji and support the Foundation through any purchases.

Originally from Ootacamund, a small town in Tamil Nadu, South India, Reji’s lifelong love of nature inspired his move from landscape to wildlife photography.

Some of his favourite photography spots include Slimbridge for birds, Skomer Island where he has captured puffins, and Bempton Cliffs, where he was once lucky enough to photograph a black-browed albatross. He also continues to photograph wildlife during visits back to India.

Come along and discover the beauty of wildlife through Reji’s lens – all for a great cause. 🎉

05/08/2025

Laughter was all around this morning as we took a stroll up to our local cafe Petes Buns.

We all enjoyed a lovely coffee and biscuits, the company was lovely and lively .

Everyone was just chatting away and we all had a lovely time .

For more information on life at West Abbey , please visit our website -htts:/www.barchester.com/home/west-abbey-care- centre

04/08/2025

🏆⚽ A Week of Lioness-Inspired Celebrations ⚽🎉

Following England’s unforgettable win over Spain in the Women’s Euros 2025, residents, patients and colleagues across our care homes and hospitals kept the celebrations going all week long.

From themed parties and football décor to music, activities and plenty of cheer, everyone joined in to celebrate the Lionesses’ incredible achievement in retaining their title.

Take a look at some of our favourite moments from the week.

04/08/2025

We're inviting you ton join us for a free Cyber Security Talk on Tuesday 19th August from 11am to 12pm with local Cyber Protect Officer, Megan Haldane, who through her work in the community will share expert advise on how to spot and avoid scams.

To RSVP to this event please call us on 01935 411136 or email us at Westabbey@barchester.com

02/08/2025

🎂 Happy birthday 🎂

Staff celebrated a birthday with our lovely lady Jean today.

Jean had a lovely cake and shared it with others . She had birthday cards from family , who came in to wish her happy birthday.

Staff sang happy birthday to Jean and she was over the moon with the cake.

From all at West Abbey , happy birthday and enjoy the rest of your day. 🎉🥳

For more information on life at West Abbey please visit our website htts:/www.barchester.com/home/west-abbey-care-centre.

01/08/2025

🎉 Bruce Turns 100 in True Highland Style at Seaview House 🎉

There was no quiet tea party for Bruce’s 100th birthday – the much-loved Navy veteran had other plans. From kilts and Highland dancers to fish and chips, live music and a showstopping cake, Bruce celebrated his milestone in style, surrounded by fellow residents, friends and family.

Bruce proudly wore full Highland attire, complete with the striking Highland Pride tartan, custom-made by Chisholms Highland Dress.

The day featured a piper parade, traditional dancing, a heartfelt ballad performed by a fellow resident and even some brilliant spoon playing.

The celebration ended on a royal note – with a birthday card from King Charles himself and a surprise invitation to the royal tent at the Mey Games.

Bruce’s verdict on the day?

“Yes…now I’ve started making a list for next year.”

Here’s to Bruce – Happy 100th Birthday! 👏

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

31/07/2025

🦙 Close Encounters of the Furry Kind - Residents are Visited by Alpasta the Alpaca 🦙

Colleagues and residents at The Dales Care Home at were treated to a visit from a beautiful therapy pet.

Animals have a wonderful calming effect and the residents love to stroke them, talk to them and play with them so they all jumped at the chance to meet an alpaca.

The home was visited by Alpasta the alpaca from HART Animals for KIDS and caused a great deal of excitement.

Everyone truly enjoyed the visit, they petted and fed Alpasta who seemed to appreciate meeting his new friends.

What a fascinating experience. 👏

30/07/2025

👏 Lotus Manor is Now Welcoming Visitors 👏

We’re excited to share that our newest luxury care home, Lotus Manor, in , is now open for show rounds and everyone is welcome to come and visit.

When the home opens this autumn, it will offer person-centred residential, dementia and respite care in a lovely setting.

With residents’ wellbeing and comfort in mind, the home has a wonderful warm, homely feel with beautiful gardens, a café for socialising and enjoying freshly baked treats, spa bathrooms for a luxury bath time experience, beautifully designed en-suite bedrooms with smart TVs, a choice of comfortable lounges and an in-house hair salon for a little bit of pampering.

If you are considering care for yourself or for a loved one, the friendly team of experts at Barchester - Lotus Manor Care Home is available to answer any questions you may have about what life will be like in the home and the types of support on offer.

🔗 www.barchester.com/home/lotus-manor-care-home

30/07/2025

30/07/2025

Today we travelled to Spain at West Abbey. We had a delicious Paella lunch cooked outside by our talented chefs.

Food, music and this amazing sun we couldn’t have asked for more.

Thank you chefs and team for this amazing lunch.

30/07/2025

Did you know that today is International Friendship Day? 😊

Explore effective ways to make new friends as an older adult. Find out how to connect with others, build lasting relationships, and enrich your social life.

29/07/2025

🚐 Mini bus trip 🚐

Even a wet and rainy morning didnt ruin our Memory lane trip out to Palmers Garden centre for a trip out.

The ladies all chose the chocolate cake, ( of course it had to be chocolate 😋) and a beverage to wash the down the cake .

They all were talking away about the flowers and plants that we saw, and they remebered what they used to plant and enjoyed just having a look at the flowers .

For more information on life at West Abbey please visit our website -htts:/www.barchester .com/home/west-abbey-care-centre.

29/07/2025

⭐ Barchester Care Awards 2025 – Chef of the Year: Divisional Winners ⭐

Following our recent Regional Cook-Offs, the 2025 Care Awards Divisional Chef Winners have been chosen!

Congratulations to …

• Martin Hall - Wheatlands
• Stewart Sturgeon - Highview House
• Mark Eaton - Glenroyd
• Abin Babu - Friston House

The chefs were over the moon to have been named Divisional Winners for their regions after beating dozens of other chef nominees to make it to the Divisional Cook-Offs and then be crowned Divisional Winner following a closely fought final.

The Divisional Winners are now invited to the Grand Final. The National Winner in this category will be announced at the Care Awards ceremony in October.

Please see a selection of photos from the Divisional Cook-Offs below.

Congratulations! 👏

26/07/2025

😅 we had so much fun with Jan Milward reminiscing about the summer from years gone by.

Jan brought some interesting items with her , including sun cream that was used years ago.

Laughter was all around the home as residents remebered using some of the items she had brought in.

Both staff and residents joined in with the fun by dressing in costumes that were the fashion at that time.

Thankyou to Jan and see you soon.

For more information on life at West Abbey please visit our website htts:/www.barchester.com/home/west-abbey-care-centre.

24/07/2025

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH!

Here at West Abbey Care Centre we would like to extend a huge congratulations to kirsten. Kirsten is a carer and our hairdresser at west Abbey and has received a long lovely letter explaining how lovely and kind she is.
Kirsten is dedicated to the residents, their families and staff. She is kind, caring and compassionate.

After receiving nominations from residents, colleagues and relatives for her hard work and positive attitude the team at West Abbey were happy to celebrate kirsten.

Well done kirsten, and enjoy the wine.🎉

For more information on life at West Abbey please visit our website htts:www.barchester.com/home/west-abbey-care-centre.

22/07/2025

👢🎶 What a toe-tapping afternoon!

A huge thank you to the Yeovil Stompers line dance club for bringing their energy and charm to the care home last Saturday.

Their line dancing performance had everyone clapping, smiling, and even joining in from their seats! 💃🕺