Residents and staff at The Manor House came together on Monday evening for the home’s annual Carol Service, a much-loved tradition in the festive calendar. The service was led by the Joyful Noise Choir, with residents and staff joining in singing favourite carols including Away in a Manger, Silent Night and While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night.

Readings from the Bible were shared throughout the service, creating a calm and meaningful moment of reflection. The room was softly illuminated with battery-operated candles and lanterns, adding warmth and atmosphere to the evening.

Following the service, Cath, the Home’s Manager, offered a vote of thanks to the choir. Residents and guests then enjoyed mulled wine and homemade mince pies, bringing the evening to a gentle and festive close.

The Manor House was filled with festive warmth as pupils from Chatburn School visited residents for a special Christmas sing-along. The children performed a lovely mix of traditional carols and modern festive songs, creating a calm and joyful atmosphere throughout the morning.

Residents enjoyed listening to the performances and spending time with the children, with many smiling, clapping along and chatting after the songs had finished. The visit concluded with a refreshing drink and chocolates, offering a relaxed and cosy end to a memorable morning.

Intergenerational visits like these are always very special, and we are grateful to Chatburn School for sharing their time, voices and Christmas spirit with our residents.

Residents at The Manor House enjoyed a fantastic afternoon today 17/12/2025 of live entertainment with singer Abi Scarlett, who brought energy, laughter and wonderful music to the home.

Abi’s performance was full of interaction, with plenty of props to encourage residents to join in, sing along and enjoy the moment. The atmosphere was lively and joyful, and it was lovely to see so many smiles as residents engaged with the music and each other.

The afternoon was made even more special by Abi’s warm personality and great voice, creating a relaxed and uplifting experience for everyone present. Events like these are always a highlight for our residents, bringing variety, connection and fun into the home.

We would like to thank Abi for a truly enjoyable visit and look forward to welcoming her back again.

Staff at The Manor House enjoyed a festive Christmas thank-you breakfast as a heartfelt way to recognise their hard work and dedication throughout 2025. The morning included sausage or bacon sandwiches with a vegetarian option, alongside savoury festive snacks, Christmas cake, mince pies, and mini gingerbread men.

Cath, our Home’s Manager, also gifted each team member a festive thank-you bag and invited staff to choose a gift of wine, chocolates, or biscuits as a small token of appreciation.

The celebrations continued with a Secret Santa, bringing plenty of smiles and laughter as gifts were exchanged.

It was a lovely way to say thank you to our amazing team for their continued commitment to our residents and each other.

November was a joyful month at The Manor House, filled with festive spirit and memorable moments. Residents enjoyed a cosy indoor Bonfire Night with hot chocolate and treacle toffee, followed by a magical visit from Shetland ponies Caramel and William — a highlight for everyone.

We also celebrated a special 50th birthday for a staff member, welcomed musical performances from Chatburn School, and marked several resident birthdays with plenty of songs and smiles. Our Autumn Fair was a great success too, raising over £400 for the Residents’ Social Fund through games, crafts, and delicious homemade cakes.

With carols, entertainment, and festive activities planned throughout December, the home has been full of warmth, laughter, and community spirit.

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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.

Read the full story: article as pdf here.

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