News
£100,000 Community Impact funding supports local organisations to ‘carry on’
St Monica Trust’s Community Impact team awards £100,000 in funding to local organisations to ‘carry on’ the great work they are doing.
News and Blog
Blog
Helpful tips when caring for older relatives at home
To mark Clinical Audit Awareness Week we've gathered top tips from our care homes that you can apply if and when caring for relatives at home.
Blog
From 5 star hotels to retirement homes
The worlds of 5 star hotels and retirement homes might seem miles apart. Roger Hayward, general manager at The Chocolate Quarter retirement village in Keynsham near Bristol, shares how the new development is using lessons hotels and holidays to the benefit of its residents.
News
Trust’s participation in Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds featured in new book
The St Monica Trust’s participation in Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds is being featured in a new academic book celebrating the very best of intergenerational learning from around the world.
News
Jane’s ‘double’ gives care home cause for celebration
A carer at a St Monica Trust care home has achieved a notable ‘double’ by winning two awards at two recent awards ceremonies.
Blog
Fry’s Fire Service Engine rings bells at Keynsham 10k
Formerly the Fry’s chocolate factory, the St Monica Trust’s Chocolate Quarter retirement village comes with a long and rich history in the Keynsham area.
News
B Block wins at Crumbs Awards
B Block Pizza were winners at the prestigious Crumbs Awards, which celebrate the best in food and drink in the Bristol area.
Blog
The power of food is love - with Chef Jeremy Bassett
25 years as a chef has taught Jeremy some valuable lessons. Now he's using them to benefit the residents of a North Somerset retirement community.
News
Keynsham 10K raises record amount for boxing charity
B Block sponsored Keynsham 10K raises record amount for young people at boxing charity.
Blog
Pet-friendly retirement villages and why we need them: Angela's Story
Our pets mean the world to us and that doesn't change as we get older. Here Angela, a resident at The Chocolate Quarter retirement village, shares why choosing a pet-friendly retirement village was so important to her.
News
Bradley Stoke U16s looking good for the new season
Bradley Stoke Youth U16s are looking good for the new season with a new set of training tops sponsored by the St Monica Trust.
News
Local organisations invited to apply for £60k Continuation Fund
Organisations improving the lives of older people invited to apply for new launched by Trust’s Community Impact Team.
News
Somerdale Pavilion Trust to run Keynsham’s Somerdale Pavilion
The newly-formed Somerdale Pavilion Trust has taken over the running of the Somerdale Pavilion in Keynsham.
Blog
9 Tips for a Low Maintenance Garden in Retirement
From the plants you choose to tools and technology, there are plenty of simple ways to create a low-maintenance garden in retirement. Here Andy Gore, a gardener at Westbury Fields retirement village in Bristol, shares his top tips.
Blog
Exercising as an Older Adult - with Lee Scott
Retirement community gym manager Lee Scott shares a beginner's guide to exercising as an older adult. Lee helps us navigate the growing number of age-friendly exercise types available on our doorsteps to find the best one for you.
Blog
Things to do in Keynsham: A handy community guide
There’s certainly no shortage of things to do in Keynsham, the historic market town between Bristol and Bath. 18 months on from opening The Chocolate Quarter, our retirement village come community space, here are our favourites so far.
Blog
5 Helpful Tips when Planning a Retirement Move
From downsizing and decluttering to locations and looking to the future, moving home in retirement can sometimes feel quite overwhelming. As our residents have all been through the process we asked them for their top tips when planning a retirement move. Here's what they had to say...
Blog
A Teacher Never Fully Retires - Esme's Story
"I'm a very crafty person. I'm not very clever, but I'm clever with my hands", retired home economics teacher Esme says as the afternoon sun fills the front room of her home. We pay her a visit to chat about her busy life at Westbury Fields retirement village and leave having learned a lesson or two of our own.
News
Children's Scrapstore collects St Monica Trust funding
A grant from the St Monica Trust’s community fund is helping a charity that turns business waste into art, craft and play materials, develop activities for older people.
News
St Monica Trust residents take part in driverless car demonstration
St Monica Trust residents have taken part in a demonstration to see how driverless vehicles could make a difference to their everyday lives.
News
Magic table provides fun and games for Russets residents
A Magic Table gifted to the Trust’s Russets dementia care home provides stimulating physical, mental and social activity for residents.
Blog
When Sport Lifts Us Up - with Paul Maines
Ahead of National Archery Day, group instructor and ArcheryGB coach Paul Maines explains how weekly sessions at a North Somerset retirement village are touching the lives of all involved.
Blog
Internet shopping, iTunes and IMDb: Tony's Story
Former civil engineer Tony Durrant, now living at Westbury Fields retirement village in Bristol, explains how embracing technology and the creative arts has enhanced his life in retirement.
Blog
The Road to Outstanding Podcast - with David Williams
Chief Executive at St Monica Trust, David Williams, shares his story, lessons on intergenerational activities and the journey behind our involvement with Channel 4 programme "Old People's Home for 4 Year Olds" in this episode of The Road to Outstanding podcast.
News
Funding Alliance supports transformation of services for older people
Funding Alliance releasing £150,000 to help organisations improve their services for older people in Bristol.
Blog
Breaking Through The Glass Wall: Douglas's Story
“Some people think there’s a kind of glass wall around this place, like they need to stay away because it’s full of ‘old people’.” Douglas, a resident at Sandford Station retirement village in North Somerset, tells us how a railway heritage centre at the heart of the village is helping break down barriers and is welcoming in the wider community.
Blog
Changing Somebody's Day - with Domenica Hall
Domenica does something truly extraordinary. Through a programme of film clubs and food events, computer classes and crafts, she brings the older people at Westbury Fields retirement village together in community, reduces loneliness and changes somebody’s day for the better. She shares the what and why of her role as Community Engagement Coordinator.
Blog
Meeting for Coffee: Jeffery and Anne's Story
Jeffery was lonely. With few local connections and feeling detached from his community, he wanted some help to build his confidence. Anne, a volunteer for our ACE Neighbours project, was just the person for the job. Here's how six months together benefited both of their lives.
Blog
Sharing the Same Space - with Jo Bird
“The minute I let my hair go grey I became invisible”, Jo’s friend told her. As Community Engagement Coordinator at The Chocolate Quarter, she shares how the retirement village is challenging preconceptions of ageing and bringing people closer together.
News
The Chocolate Quarter wins top architectural award
The Chocolate Quarter has won the award for Best Regeneration Project at the Pinders Healthcare Design Awards 2019.
Blog
Cricket in the Community: Keith's Story
As we enter the cricket season we speak to Keith and Christine, residents at our Westbury Fields retirement village, about a lifelong passion for the sport and how they found a community within a community with Bishopston Cricket Club, whose main grounds sit at the centre of the village.
Blog
Ace Neighbours: Roger and Jos's story
After his wife passed away Roger found it difficult to get involved in life outside his home. That's when he met Jos, a volunteer for the ACE Neighbours project, and formed a special bond that would change both of their lives.
Blog
Inside the Dementia Day Service: Dave and Diane's Story
At first Dave was anxious about visiting the dementia day service. Then everything changed. From their home in North Bristol, local couple Dave and Diane share their experiences at the Westbury Fields Dementia Day Service, how it’s helped them find new friendships and rediscover their independence.
Blog
Acts of Kindness: Jill's Story
Ahead of Random Acts of Kindness Day we caught up with Jill Cownie, a resident at our Westbury Fields retirement village, for a chat about her story and the extra care she takes to welcome new members of the community.
News
A bellyful of pizza and laughs at B Block
A comedy gig at a retirement village? Are you having a laugh? Yet that’s exactly what happened at B Block Pizzeria recently.
Blog
A Year at The Chocolate Quarter: Michael and Carole's Story
A little over a year since The Chocolate Quarter opened its doors, we caught up with the very first residents to reserve an apartment in the now award-winning retirement community. Together they share highlights from their first year, their reasons for choosing TCQ and some helpful tips on downsizing.
Blog
Welcome to the Art and Pottery Studio - with Joe Tymkow
Open to residents and the public alike, The Chocolate Quarter Art and Pottery Studio is one of the things that makes the Keynsham retirement village quite unique. Here, Artist in Residence Joe Tymkow shares some of his story and how he's using it to inspire creativity in people of all ages.
News
Take a VR tour of the Russets dementia care home
Relatives seeking dementia care for their loved ones can now take a virtual tour of the Trust’s Russets dementia care home.
News
MUD, glorious MUD!
Trust's Learning and Development team takes gold for its MUD training programme at the Training Journal Awards.
Blog
The Power of a Shed - with Sam Pycroft
It’s the small things that make a house a home. Retirement Community Manager Sam Pycroft explains how the addition of a new garden shed has brought the Sandford Station community together and spurred on some unexpected creative projects.
Blog
The Unknown Gardens of Bristol - with Kirsty Frampton
As autumn rolls on many of us have been venturing outdoors to explore the best gardens the South West has to offer. We spoke to St Monica Trust Gardens Lead Kirsty Frampton about the little known gardens on site at each of the Trust’s 5 retirement communities, in Bristol and North Somerset, and the huge difference they make to residents.
News
St Monica Trust appoints new Chief Operating Officer
The St Monica Trust is pleased to confirm the appointment of Kevin Hall as its new Chief Operating Officer.
Blog
My Allotment and Me: Val's Story
We spoke with Val Stokes, resident at our Sandford Station retirement village, about her raised allotment beds, the benefits of an active lifestyle at 95 and top tips for first-time gardeners.
News
Russets residents mark centenary of First World War with one hundred poppies
Residents at the Trust’s Russets dementia care home in Sandford have made their own tribute to all those who served in the First World War.
Blog
The Codebreakers of WW2: Peter's Story
As we approach Remembrance Day, we caught up with former Royal Navy signalman and St Monica Trust resident Peter Budd about his experiences during the Second World War.
News
St Monica Trust wins Healthcare Caterer of the Year award
Trust wins Healthcare Caterer of the Year award at the Foodservice Cateys 2018.
News
B Block Pizza sponsors relaunched Keynsham 10K
Organisers of re-launched Keynsham 10K announce race will be sponsored by B Block pizza
News
Trust’s resident contributes to World Alzheimer’s Report
Sandford Station resident calls for urgent response to dementia research and diagnosis.
News
Health Secretary ‘bowled over’ by Westbury Fields
Secretary of State praises Trust’s innovative approach to care during a visit to Westbury Fields retirement village.
News
Trust's commitment to excellence recognised with special award
The St Monica Trust’s commitment to achieving excellence in customer service has been recognised with Hospitality Assured’s special 20th Anniversary Award.
News
54 steps
An internationally renowned artist is holding an exhibition of his work at The Chocolate Quarter thanks to the support of Charterhouse's care team and volunteers.
News
Generation games unite school kids with Russets residents
Primary school children and residents living with dementia are bridging the generation gap by playing games, doing arts and craft and learning about one another’s lives.
News
Trust makes its Mark by reducing carbon footprint
The St Monica Trust has been officially presented with The Planet Mark™ Certificate in recognition of its commitment to year-on-year progress in sustainability.
News
Trust sponsors Mini Cheddars
Cheddar Valley Rugby Club Mini and Junior Players celebrated their annual, end of season Festival of Rugby wearing a brand new kit sponsored by the St Monica Trust.
News
Princess Royal opens The Chocolate Quarter
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal officially opened The Chocolate Quarter in Keynsham on Friday 13 April, 2018.
News
Here comes the sun
A new dawn will rise at The Chocolate Quarter with a unique art installation marking its grand opening.
News
Get a taste of The Chocolate Quarter this Easter
The Chocolate Quarter is hosting a week of family events this Easter to celebrate its official opening.
News
Trust's Care at Home service rated 'Good' by CQC
St Monica Trust’s Care at Home service has received a ‘Good’ rating from the CQC in its recent inspection report.
News
£100k fund launched to transform older people's services
Six leading charitable trusts have joined forces to create a £100,000 fund that will benefit the lives of older people in Bristol.
News
The School of Food launches
St Monica Trust and one of Bristol's top chefs look to inspire future generations to get cooking!
News
Chocolate Quarter opens its doors to community
The St Monica Trust’s highly anticipated new development, The Chocolate Quarter, will open its doors to the community on Saturday 2 December.
News
Friends reunited!
Watch the Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds Christmas Special on Channel 4, Monday 18 December at 9.00pm!
News
Even the Lord Mayor is a fan!
Lord Mayor of Bristol visits St Monica Trust to meet stars of hit Channel 4 show.
News
Improving older people’s lives is child’s play
Residents at a St Monica Trust retirement community are hoping to revolutionise the way we care for older people by taking part in a ground breaking social experiment filmed by Channel 4.
News
MayFest - A festival for the ages
Samba drumming, May Pole Dancing and a carnival procession are not the typical types of activities you’d expect to find at a retirement community.
News
CQC impressed by care home’s ethos
The leadership at a St Monica Trust care home has been rated as ‘outstanding’ by Care Quality Commission inspectors.
News
MayFest at Sandford Station
Sandford Station retirement community will open its doors this May Bank Holiday to provide a day of fun for people of all ages.
News
St Monica Trust wins ‘best employer’ award
The St Monica Trust’s commitment to delivering the highest standards of care was recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony.
News
Mary and Marina return for new series of Gogglebox
The nation’s favourite Bristolian grannies return to our television screens this Friday for the new series of Gogglebox.
News
Violet celebrates 100th birthday
Monica Wills House’s first centenarian recently celebrated her 100th birthday with friends, family, staff and the Lord Mayor of Bristol.
News
St Monica Trust is ‘best in healthcare sector'
The St Monica Trust has become the highest scorer in the UK’s healthcare sector in its annual Hospitality Assured assessment.
News
Residents raise £1k for local hospice
Residents at St Monica Trust’s Sandford Station retirement community have raised £1,000 for Weston Hospicecare through their regular Wednesday afternoon charity tea.
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Trust’s chefs serve medieval menu
Take two St Monica Trust’s chefs, a specialist in historical dining, add a recipe that is over six hundred years old and serve together for a fundraising lunch in support of a good cause.
News
Recruitment open day - Sandford Station
Join us at our Sandford Station retirement community for a recruitment open day on Thursday 10 November.
News
The Chocolate Quarter looks good enough to eat
Prospective buyers were offered a slice of retirement living at the opening The Chocolate Quarter’s show home and marketing suite.
News
You’ve been framed
Physiotherapists at the Trust’s Cote Lane retirement community have donated a van load of unwanted walking frames to a local charity that helps amputees in Africa.
News
Volunteer Opportunities at the Trust
The St Monica Trust needs volunteers to help with a new befriending project at our award-winning dementia care home in Sandford, Winscombe.
News
Topping out ceremony at The Chocolate Quarter
This market town ain’t big enough for the both of us
News
A great experience for Meggie
Meggie Davidson has been sharpening her catering skills in the Oatley House kitchen as part of her supported Into Catering internship.
News
Ensuring a future for older people’s groups in North Somerset
A new grant programme has opened, aimed at helping to sustain vital older people’s support projects in the county.
News
New director of transformation and development appointed by the Trust
The St Monica Trust is pleased to confirm the appointment of Sara Naylor-Wild as its Director of Transformation and Development.
News
Trust’s care services recognised at prestigious awards ceremony
Two St Monica Trust colleagues have been recognised for their outstanding work in the care industry at this year’s Care and Support West Awards.
News
United we care
Following the announcement that the United Kingdom will leave the EU, we would like to give reassurance that everyone is valued at St Monica Trust.
News
Trust commits £1.2 million to help disadvantaged older people
St Monica Trust is increasing its Community Fund to £1.2 million a year to help improve the lives disadvantaged older people.
News
Welcome to Keynsham's Chocolate Quarter
The St Monica Trust has named its new retirement community at the former Somerdale factory in Keynsham, The Chocolate Quarter.
News
Foundation stone laid at new Keynsham retirement community
The foundation stone has been laid at the former Somerdale factory in Keynsham to mark the start of building works at the St Monica Trust’s fifth retirement community
News
Trust purchases former Cadbury's chocolate factory
The former Cadbury’s chocolate factory in Keynsham has been secured for development by the St Monica Trust and will become its fifth retirement community.