01

Oct

TV antiques expert Charles Hanson ‘clocks’ on to Teresa’s heirloom at our open day

TV antiques expert, Charles Hanson valued treasured possessions brought along to our open day on Saturday 14th September.

The star of the BBC’s ‘Antiques Roadtrip’ and ‘Bargain Hunt’ made sure he spent time with winners of our prize draw on Facebook.  Among them was Teresa West with her antique clock.

Charles standing with some of the prize draw winners
Charles with some of the prize draw winners L to R Val Shenton, Pat Garner and Teresa West

“It belonged to my great-granddad and my mum learned to tell the time on it,” Teresa said.

“My granddad passed it down to my dad as he knew my dad would look after it.  He wound it up every day!

“I remember it chiming on the hour when I was growing up but it hasn’t done that for some years now, it needs a bit of TLC.

“Charles told us it was 140 years old which was a shock, and worth more than we thought.  We would never sell it but we will definitely be getting it repaired.”

The value of love

Val Shenton was another of our winners and took along her engagement ring for Charles to value.

“We had the ring made in 1969.  At the time it cost a week’s wages,” said Val.

“It has diamonds and sapphires and Charles told us it’s worth more than 40 times what it originally cost!  But, of course, it won’t be going anywhere.”

Medieval revelry!

Entertainment at our medieval-themed event also included the birds from Kingsley Falconry Centre, plus soldiers and the Merrie Din medieval musicians from Tutbury castle.

Charles high kicking with the Merrie Din players
Charles gets in the medieval spirit with the Merrie Din players

“It was a wonderful day of great local people and medieval revelry!” said Charles, who has valuation and auction rooms in Etwall in Derbyshire, London and an auction showroom at Bishton Hall near Stafford.

“In my world of antiques, Barrowhill Hall hits the heights, it’s a wonderful listed building.

“We had a great day celebrating the home’s history and its success.”

It was a return to the site for Charles, who opened Churnet Lodge three years ago.

“It was wonderful to see Charles here again,” said home manager, Matthew Whitfield.

“He brings such energy and everyone loved meeting him because of his warmth and his genuine interest in them and their items.

“It’s also great to open our doors to the community – and for me to get cooking on the barbecue!”

06

Sep

Uttoxeter walkers invited to stop in for tea

We were delighted to welcome members of Uttoxeter Walking Club recently, to stop by for tea and cake on one of their planned walks.

We’re lucky to enjoy a beautiful setting and we notice walkers coming close to the home on a regular basis.  So we invited the Uttoxeter group to come to have some refreshments that would keep them going on their route along the Limestone Way.

And they were delighted to accept.

As well as giving the walkers a chance to refuel, it was an opportunity for our residents to chat to new people and talk about the joys of walking.

Ramblers chatting to care home resident
Members of the group chat to former rambler, Maureen

Maureen in particular was a keen rambler.  She still enjoys a turn around the JCB lake and our gardens, but longer distances are a little beyond her now.

She loved talking to the walkers and posed for photographs out on our terrace overlooking the surrounding countryside.

Two women enjoying a dog's company
Resident Jenifer enjoys the company of the four-legged rambler!

There was even a four-legged rambler who joined in, and our residents are always thrilled to see canine company!

“We’re a key part of our community,” said home manager, Matthew Whitfield.

“As well as us going out into the local area we welcome people in.

“New faces and new experiences are really stimulating for our residents and we hope we added something to the ramblers’ walk, too.

“Plus, we make a great cup of tea!”

Are you a member of a group in our community that would like to visit our home?  Get in touch at enquiries@barrowhillhall.co.uk

 

 

22

May

Barrowhill Hall welcomes the Uttoxeter Lions

We were delighted to welcome members of Uttoxeter Lions Club into our home, after establishing a relationship that will help hundreds of local men to be screened for prostate cancer.

Barrowhill Hall is part-sponsoring a screening session on Thursday 6th June, the eve of the Lions’ Beer Festival.  The event is aimed at those aged 50 and over, and hopes to screen more than 700 men.

“With prostate cancer on the increase, the beer festival which funds the screening has become our biggest fundraiser,” said Lions member, Steve Shields.

“We are extremely grateful to all of the local businesses who support the screening but especially to Barrowhill Hall being one of the main sponsors alongside RBA Wealth Management and JCB.  Last year we screened 520 men, we have made provisions to screen 750 this year.”

We treated our Lions guests to a tour of our home and a special lunch.

“We are all extremely impressed with the facilities at Barrowhill Hall,” commented Steve.  “As soon as you walk in you receive a warm and positive welcome, its bright, very clean and has a lovely atmosphere.  The facilities are modern and its obvious a lot of thought and care has gone into the design aspects.  The views over JCB and rolling hills and simply stunning.”

The Uttoxeter Lions prostate screening session will take place on Thursday 6th June 6.00pm -8.30pm at Oldfield’s Sports and Social Club Ground on Springfield Road.