Anyone for tennis?
Wimbledon Fever Hits Bridge House & Whitby Court
Game, set, match! Wimbledon may be happening in London, but we’ve been serving up our own tennis-themed fun at our homes this week – and the residents have absolutely loved it!
Residents have taken part in balloon tennis, which got everyone moving, laughing and definitely showing off their competitive side. With some clever balloon rallies and plenty of cheering, it felt like Centre Court had come to us.
Not to be outdone, our amazing team at Bridge House got right into the spirit of things by dressing up in full tennis whites – headbands, wristbands, the works! It was almost as if we had our very own “Andy Murray” and “Emma Raducanu” handing out the strawberries and cream.
Speaking of which… what’s Wimbledon without strawberries and cream? Our residents tucked into the classic treat while watching some of the big matches on the TV. There may or may not have been a bit of friendly betting on who would win each set (all in good fun, of course!).
It’s been a fantastic way to bring people together, spark conversation, and create a real buzz around the home. And who knows – maybe balloon tennis will become our newest tradition…
Stay tuned for more summery activities coming soon! ☀️
Little Visitors Bring Big Smiles at Whitby Court Care Home
There was a buzz of excitement in the air this week as our residents welcomed some very special guests — a brood of newly-hatched chicks!
As part of a hands-on hatching experience, residents were able to watch the magic of life unfold right before their eyes. Over the course of a few days, fluffy yellow chicks began to emerge from their eggs, much to everyone’s delight.
And the joy didn’t stop there. Once they were strong enough, the chicks made their way around the home, giving residents the chance to hold, stroke and chat to them. For many, it sparked happy memories of childhood, raising animals or spending time in the countryside.
“They were so soft and so sweet — I could have watched them all day!” said one resident with a big smile.
These kinds of interactive experiences are more than just a bit of fun — they have a real impact. Gentle animal contact is known to reduce stress, boost mood and encourage conversation, especially for those living with dementia. Watching the chicks grow over the week also sparked daily chats and a sense of shared wonder.
Home Manager Rob Ashton said:
“It’s been a joy to see our residents so engaged. Moments like these create genuine connection and are such an important part of the care we offer.”
The chicks will stay with us for a little while longer, but their visit has left a lasting impression and more than a few adorable photos!
A Day to Remember at Bridge House - A Wedding to Celebrate 28 Years of Love
A little piece of history was made at Bridge House last weekend, and we couldn’t be prouder to have played a part in it.
In a truly special moment for our care home, one of our much-loved residents tied the knot in a beautiful and emotional ceremony held right here at Bridge House. After 28 years together, the couple finally said “I do” surrounded by their closest family and friends — and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
The home was filled with love and many a happy tear as everyone came together to witness this celebration. From flowers to cake, music to memories, every detail helped create a magical day to remember.
We feel truly honoured to have hosted such a meaningful event and to have shared in the joy of such a special couple.
Here’s to love, always.
VE Day Celebrations Across Fisher Care Homes
Fisher Care homes proudly honoured VE Day, a deeply meaningful occasion for many of our residents who remember the end of World War II and the celebrations that followed. This year’s commemorations across our homes were filled with reflection, and community spirit, making it a truly memorable day for all involved.
At Whitby Court Care Home, residents enjoyed a beautifully themed Afternoon Tea in honour of VE Day, featuring delicious savoury treats and an array of stunning cakes. The atmosphere was warm and nostalgic as residents watched archival footage of VE Day celebrations across the UK, sparking stories, smiles, and shared memories. A highlight of the day was the handcrafted window display, which featured personal accounts and written stories from residents recalling where they were and how they felt on that historic day in 1945. The afternoon ended in true wartime spirit — with a singalong and plenty of laughter.
At Bridge House Care Home, the celebrations were equally vibrant. Residents were treated to live entertainment from their much-loved performer Tony, who brought energy and smiles with wartime classics and singalong favourites. A buffet of delicious food added to the festivities, as residents danced, sang, and shared in the joyful atmosphere.
Across both homes, VE Day was marked not just as a moment in history, but as a living connection to our residents' own pasts, celebrated by all.
Five Years of Living His Legacy
3 April 2025
Five years ago, our community lost a remarkable man when John Fisher was taken from us far too soon, claimed by COVID after a brief but valiant battle. The suddenness of his passing left all who knew him – colleagues, residents, family, and friends – with a profound sense of loss that continues to ripple through Fisher Care Group today.
Five years on, we can confidently say that John's vision and values remain the cornerstone of what we do in our business day to day. John believed that excellence in care begins with a simple principle: people come first. He understood that true quality in care isn't measured in facilities or finances, but in genuine human connection. For John, care wasn't just a business – it was a calling that demanded both compassion and commitment in equal measure.
His approach to leadership was refreshingly authentic. "Care first, people first, have fun at work and make sure to do the hard work" was how John lived every day. He knew that creating a positive environment for staff would naturally extend to the residents they cared for. He understood that the difficult work of caregiving required both dedication and joy to be sustainable.
The Fisher Care Group today stands as testament to John's vision. We remain committed to providing care that treats each resident with dignity, respect and personal attention. We continue to foster a workplace where dedication is valued and where moments of joy are just as important as professional excellence.
John Fisher may no longer be with us in person, but his vision for compassionate, people-centred care continues to light our path forward.
"The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example." – Benjamin Disraeli
Whitby Court Care Home Welcomes New Manager, Rob Ashton
Whitby Court Care Home is excited to announce the appointment of Rob Ashton as its new Manager! Rob joined us Monday, 4th March 2025, and with a wealth of experience in the care sector, Rob is set to bring fresh leadership and vision to the home.
Rob’s expertise in care management and his passion for ensuring the highest standards of care will be instrumental in furthering Whitby Court’s commitment to providing exceptional support for all its residents. We're confident that his leadership will make a positive impact, strengthening the home’s ongoing success and creating a nurturing environment for both residents and staff.
We wish Rob every success in his new position at Whitby Court Care Home.
Emma - A Bright Addition to Bridge House Care Home
At Bridge House Care Home, we’re thrilled to introduce Emma, a wonderful 17-year-old who has been enriching the lives of our residents and team members through her work experience. Joining us for a couple of months, Emma’s presence has made a lasting impact, and her connection with the residents, especially Peggy, has been heart warming from day one.
Emma quickly bonded with Peggy, one of our long-term residents, showcasing her natural ability to connect with people of all ages. Reflecting on her time at Bridge House, Emma shared, “I have really loved talking to the residents and doing things with them. Everybody here is so kind and open, they’re all very happy!” Her positive attitude and friendly nature have made her an invaluable addition to our team.
Outside of her role at the care home, Emma enjoys unwinding with a good movie or book. However, when it comes to physical activities, she humorously admits that running or hitting the gym is not her preference!
Emma spends two days a week with us, and her cheerful spirit and dedication continue to brighten the days of both our staff and residents. We look forward to the remaining time Emma will spend with us and thank her for all the joy she brings to our care home. Keep up the fantastic work, Emma! We’re grateful to have you as part of our Bridge House family.
Magical Christmas Cheer at Bridge House!
A Day to Remember!
What an unforgettable day we had at Bridge House! Our Christmas Fair was a resounding success, brimming with laughter, joy, and incredible holiday spirit. The event brought together residents, families, staff, and community members in a heartwarming celebration that truly captured the essence of the festive season.
## Highlights of the Day
Our incredible team went above and beyond to create a magical experience:
- **Culinary Delights:** Tracey worked her magic in the kitchen, creating a stunning cake arrangement and preparing delicious food that delighted everyone.
- **Festive Entertainment:** Jordan brought humour and fun by dressing as the Grinch while serving up sweet crepes that were an instant hit.
- **Festive Helpers:** Tracey and Chloe embraced the elf spirit, spreading cheer throughout the day.
- **Special Guest:** Rob took on the role of Father Christmas, bringing smiles to residents and visitors alike.
The day was filled with incredible moments:
- Families joined in the fun with amazing costumes
- Nikki and Mica ran a brilliant bar and hosted a Christmas bingo
- Fantastic stalls from our carers and local community members
- An Elvis impersonator who got everyone dancing!
The event concluded with a thrilling raffle, creating the perfect end to a magical day. We're overwhelmed by the love, support, and community spirit shown by everyone involved.
A heartfelt thank you to our amazing team, residents, families, and visitors who made this day so special.
#BridgeHouseChristmas #CommunitySpirit
Whitby Court and Bridge House Care Homes Prioritise Dementia Care Training for Staff
In a significant step towards further enhancing dementia care, staff at Whitby Court Care Home and Bridge House Care Home have successfully completed advanced training provided by the Alzheimer’s Society, the UK’s leading dementia charity renowned for its expertise in dementia support and care.
The initiative focused on equipping care staff with more of the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the complex and sensitive needs of residents living with dementia. The training comprised specialised modules such as Responding to Distressed Behaviour, Understanding Dementia & Delirium/Improving Communication for People with Dementia, End of Life Care for People with Dementia, and a Train the Trainer course to further promote dementia awareness across the care homes.
Reflecting on the training experience, Sam Taylor-Rose, the Registered Manager of Whitby Court, said:
“It was so good - we all went out of our comfort zones, and each did a presentation to the group of between 5- and 10-minutes. Beth, Chloe, and Kelly did really well as they were also juggling day shifts, so very well done to them. Tracey, the Bridge House Well-Being Manager, supplied us with a buffet lunch and drinks, and those of us from Whitby Court were well looked after. The attendees, a mix of nurses, team leaders, care staff, and home managers, all engaged positively and took away lots of learning.”
Megan, who took on presenting duties during three of the training days, also earned praise for her contributions. Sam added:
“The training staff gave very positive feedback, and they enjoyed learning some new and interesting ways to assist our lovely residents.”
The Alzheimer’s Society’s training programs are widely recognized for their depth and practical application, empowering care staff to provide compassionate, effective, and tailored care at all stages of the dementia journey. These courses not only improve professional skills but also encourage personal growth, enabling caregivers to connect meaningfully with residents and support their well-being.
“Attending courses like these enables our staff members to develop personally and professionally,” Operations Director Josh Fisher explained, “and to provide the most compassionate, effective, and safe care for residents at all stages of the dementia journey.”
The Fisher Care Group remains committed to ongoing professional development and collaboration with organisations like the Alzheimer’s Society to ensure the highest standards of care for residents.
About Alzheimer’s Society
The Alzheimer’s Society is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting people living with dementia, their families, and carers. Through training, advocacy, and groundbreaking research, the charity strives to create a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. For more information, visit www.alzheimers.org.uk.
An afternoon with the men of Staithes at Whitby Court Care Home
Whitby Court Care Home enjoyed a memorable visit from the Men of Staithes Choir recently! It was an afternoon that residents won’t soon forget. The choir's performance, featuring a blend of traditional shanties and hymns, created a lively atmosphere that had everyone tapping their feet and singing along. The room was filled with music, and both residents and staff were swept up in the energy and charm of the performance.
The Men of Staithes Choir continue the proud tradition of Staithes’ "fisherman’s choir," keeping the history of the coastal village alive through their powerful voices and timeless songs. Residents at Whitby Court thoroughly enjoyed every minute, with many sharing fond memories and stories inspired by the music. It was truly an afternoon of community, music, and delight, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who attended