THE third ‘coffee and cakes’ Drive It Day event at Castle View Retirement Living Windsor attracted 46 classic cars – up from 35 last year – and raised more than £700 for NSPCC Childline. Tying in with the national Drive It Day, a wide range of classic vehicles arrived during the morning, including a 1961 TVR Grantura Mk2, a 1964 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spyder, a 1956 Aston Martin DB2/4, four Lamborghinis – three Murciélago and an Aventador S, and six Triumph Stags. Participants had travelled from across the country to join in – from West London, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire to Hampshire and even York ..read more

CATHERINE House Care Home pulled out all the stops for their beach-themed extravaganza, bursting with energy and nostalgia.  Residents and team members enjoyed the feeling of sun-kissed shores and salty sea breezes. The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the captivating performance by Professor Paul Wheeler whose traditional Punch and Judy Show had everyone in stitches as the classic characters came to life, their antics creating moments of joy and amusement that transcended age. But the entertainment was just the beginning. The dining room had been decorated with beach-themed colourf ..read more

PEREGRINE House in Whitby is again undergoing expansion as demand grows for residential care in the region.  The improvement work will create five more spacious bedrooms, bringing the total at the home to 40. Resident Brenda Asher, who is 90 years old and has been living at Peregrine House for two years, has been watching the excavation work in the grounds unfold. She was keen to clamber into the digger for a taste of the action. The home is enjoying a renaissance and refresh under the inspirational eye of home-grown employee Joe Bowman.  Joe, who was appointed home manager last year ..read more

AN enormous rabbit made a special visit to Aspen Grange in Braintree, courtesy of the RSPCA.  Sassy, a gentle giant of the rabbit world, hopped around the care home, visiting residents in their common areas and private rooms.  Manager Sharon Thompson said: “We are always looking for innovative ways to enrich the lives of our residents, and the visit from Sassy the giant rabbit was truly special.  “Seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter that Sassy brought to our home was incredibly heartwarming. It’s moments like these that really highlight the importance of animal companions ..read more

RESIDENTS at Lily House in Ely were delighted to welcome Angie and her therapy dog Donatello. The visit from Therapy Dogs Nationwide, filled with joy, laughter, and nostalgic memories, highlighted the invaluable role of therapy animals in enhancing the well-being of care home residents. Angie and Donatello roamed the halls of Lily House, engaging with both new and familiar faces. The residents were overjoyed by the visit, taking turns petting and cuddling the friendly canine, which evoked fond memories of family pets and the comfort they once provided. Manager Kerry Clifton said: “Donatello br ..read more

HC-One’s Snapethorpe Hall in Wakefield celebrated Earth Day by highlighting several of its eco-friendly projects. The initiatives include adding solar panels to the care home’s roof to facilitate renewable energy; installing electric vehicle  charging points to support sustainable transportation; decarbonising the home by removing gas appliances from the kitchen; and replacing gas tumble dryers with innovative air source heat pump dryers. Further measures will include the addition of new boilers and a modern LED lighting system to aid energy efficiency, and the implementation of enhanced ..read more

VISITING Angels has won the illustrious HSBC EF100 Emerging Franchisor of the Year Award 2024.  The EF100 (Elite Franchise Top 100), now a benchmark in the franchise sector, spotlights the crème de la crème of UK franchisors.  Visiting Angels has been recognised for its commitment to excellence, innovation and significant impact on franchising.  “Winning the EF100 Emerging Franchisor of the Year Award is not just a win for Visiting Angels, it’s a testament to our belief that rewarding our carers for the important job they do results in great outcomes for our clients,” said CEO D ..read more

CREATIVE care home residents across Hampshire and Dorset have gone hands-on to celebrate a day devoted to visual art. Colten Care homes in Poole, West Moors, Mudeford, Sherborne and the New Forest co-ordinated a host of activities inspired by the annual Unesco World Art Day.  There were talks and demonstrations by professional artists, pottery and painting sessions, in-home exhibitions and trips out to see art on display in the community.   At Brook View in West Moors, residents welcomed New Forest-based equine illustrator and author Alan Langford who arrived with easels, paints ..read more

RICKY Butt, 43, is running the TCS London Marathon to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society to support people like Nigel Howe, a resident at Camelot House & Lodge care home in Wellington. Nigel, once a familiar face on the football pitch and a football club founder, was diagnosed with dementia in 2020. Since 2021 he has been a resident at Camelot House – a specialist care home for people with dementia – and supported by the love of his family and friends. “Some of my close friends have been impacted by dementia, so it seemed more than apt to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society,” said ..read more

LOWMOOR Nursing Home is inviting members of the local community to celebrate 30 years of care.  The Kirkby in Ashfield facility is hosting a celebration event on Saturday, May 18 with live entertainment by the JJ Galway Band, fish and chips, an ice cream van, face painting and a variety of stalls offering arts and crafts.  Established in 1994, Lowmoor has provided specialist care to those with dementia and behaviours that may challenge. The home has recently undergone a full refurbishment including redesigned communal spaces and the addition of six new, ground floor bedrooms.  D ..read more