The Manor House, Chatburn held its annual Autumn Fair on Saturday 15 November.

More than 40 visitors joined residents for an afternoon of games, stalls and homemade cakes.

The event raised £447.60 for the Residents’ Social Fund.

Activities included a raffle, tombola, bat-the-rat, craft stalls and children’s games.

A beautifully stocked cake table was created by volunteers and staff.

Resident Jenny won the raffle’s main prize hamper.

Families, children and long-standing friends of the home all took part.
Former proprietors Janet and Chris Harrison joined the fun.
Family member John said it was “a lovely time for his mum and his grandchildren.

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October at The Manor House was warm, creative, and full of community spirit! Residents enjoyed painting colourful autumn leaves to decorate the conservatory, preparing for Halloween, and joining in with lively movement sessions led by Ellie. Steph’s three dogs were a huge hit during their visit — there were plenty of cuddles all around!

Music filled the home throughout the month, from the Ribble Valley Strummers’ singalong afternoon to a beautiful cello and keyboard performance that everyone loved. Residents also attended the Activities R Us autumn party, complete with hearty pies, desserts, a French singer, and a raffle.

We celebrated several birthdays, shared special family moments — including Margaret meeting her new great-grandson — and enjoyed communion and hymns with Catherine and Wendy.

It’s been a joyful and busy month, filled with creativity, companionship, and laughter.

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What a milestone! On Friday 17th October, our lovely resident Thelma Mercer celebrated her 100th birthday here at The Manor House, Chatburn — with family, friends, and plenty of music, laughter, and cake!

Thelma’s special day included a card from King Charles III and Queen Camilla, a visit from Mayor Simon O’Rourke, and wonderful entertainment from Margit and Janet. The celebrations continued all weekend, with a live jazz performance from her nephew Arthur Geldard.

When asked her secret to a long life, Thelma said with a smile:

“Walking — and not having children!”

Catherine Mellin, our Registered Manager, added:

“Thelma has been part of our Manor House family for almost eight years. She’s remarkable — full of life, loves her quizzes and music, and certainly doesn’t look her age!”

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September at The Manor House was lively and heartwarming: film afternoons with nibbles, live saxophone music from Neil, and the launch of Sportscool — a fun, team-based gentle exercise session. Residents enjoyed autumn hymns at a church service, pamper afternoons with manicures, and creative craft sessions making jam, butterflies, fans, and Halloween decorations. We celebrated Margaret and Eithne’s birthdays, and marked a special moment with the Karen Walker Memorial Award, presented to Sarah Solomon and Lynn Murray, followed by a grazing table feast. Alongside all this, favourites like ten-pin bowling, dominoes, bingo, jigsaws, and visits from canine friends kept spirits high — with preparations already underway for our Autumn Fair in November

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On 9 September 2025, The Manor House (Bridge Road, Chatburn) revived its Karen Walker Award.

Nurse Saral Solomon and Housekeeping’s Lynn Murray were named this year’s winners.

The award honours former joint Registered Manager Karen Walker and her care legacy.

The Manor House earned Gold Standards Framework recognition in 2012, reflecting that ethos.
This year saw 74 votes across 23 colleagues, celebrating everyday excellence.

A panel of team, family and management representatives selected the highest-nominated colleagues.
Cath Mellin, Registered Manager & Nominated Individual, praised the winners’ compassion and teamwork.

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August was buzzing with energy: cocktail-and-quiz fun under our homemade garland of cocktail glasses, two 90th birthdays for Brian and Judith (with a special visit from Mayor Simon O’Rourke), and seaside treats like Blackpool fish-and-chips. Creative kitchen projects included lemon cheese and marmalade for the Summer Fair, while a sunny day saw fruit platters and homemade cookies enjoyed outdoors. The Summer Fair itself was a fantastic success, with stalls, games, and delicious food, boosting our Residents’ Fund. Visits from family, peaceful afternoons with flowers from the hedgerow, and our regular activities — from Staying Steady classes to exercise-with-music — rounded off a month full of joy, laughter, and community spirit.

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Rain couldn’t dampen our Summer Fair at The Manor House: around 50 neighbours came together for indoor games, raffles, and homemade treats—raising £200+ for our Residents’ Activities Fund.

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Full publication:
https://www.burnleyexpress.net/news/people/summer-fair-draws-crowds-to-the-manor-house-nursing-home-in-chatburn-5278549

Double 90th delight at The Manor House: Judith Birchenough and Brian Taylor were celebrated with family, a surprise sing-along from Chatburn Primary pupils, and a special visit from Ribble Valley Mayor Simon O’Rourke.

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Months of memories and milestones at The Manor House: VE Day street party, baby lamb cuddles, school visits, the village Truck Run, gentle exercise, two 90th birthdays—and a warm farewell to our long-serving GP, Dr Vanessa Warren.

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After more than 20 years—and care for 800+ residents—we bid a heartfelt farewell to our GP, Dr Vanessa Warren, with a surprise celebration at The Manor House in Chatburn.

Read the full story: article as a pdf here.

Full publication: https://www.burnleyexpress.net/news/people/summer-fair-draws-crowds-to-the-manor-house-nursing-home-in-chatburn-5278549