2 months ago
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admin
Residents across Springdene Care Homes celebrated St David’s Day in our care homes across North London with music, dancing and Welsh traditions.
Across our homes in Muswell Hill, Hampstead and Enfield, residents enjoyed a lively celebration that brought together culture, memory, and community spirit.
From Welsh music and dancing to tasting traditional foods, the day reflected everything we value at Springdene: connection, companionship and meaningful activities that make every day special.
St David’s Day Care Home Celebrations at Springdene
To mark the occasion, our activity teams organised a wonderful Welsh-inspired experience across Spring Lane Care Home in Muswell Hill, Springview Care Home in Enfield, and Spring Grove Care Home in Hampstead near Swiss Cottage.
Residents enjoyed a selection of traditional Welsh treats including:
The tasting table, decorated with daffodils and Welsh symbols, created a festive atmosphere that immediately sparked conversation and memories.
For many residents, the flavours and music of the day brought back memories of holidays, family connections and stories from years gone by.
Music, Dancing and Laughter
A highlight of the celebration was a lively Welsh dance performance, which brought smiles, applause and plenty of energy to the room.
Watch a short clip from the celebration here:
👉 https://www.instagram.com/p/DVYhJxZk0Vd/?img_index=2
Residents gathered together to watch the performance, enjoying the colourful costumes, music and traditional steps.
Moments like this show how music and movement can bring people together, creating a shared experience that lifts spirits and encourages social interaction.
At Springdene, activities are designed not only to entertain but to help residents stay engaged, active and connected with the world around them.
Celebrating Welsh Residents and Personal Stories
A particularly special part of the day was celebrating our own Welsh residents, Rona and Ian, whose personal connections to Wales made the occasion even more meaningful.
Their stories, memories and pride in their heritage helped bring the celebration to life for everyone in the room.
Events like this are about more than simply marking a date on the calendar. They are an opportunity to honour the backgrounds, cultures and life experiences that make every resident unique.
Engaging the Senses Through Activities
Throughout the afternoon, residents took part in a variety of sensory and reminiscence activities inspired by Welsh traditions.
These included:
- Smelling fresh leeks, a traditional symbol of Wales
- Enjoying the scent of daffodils, Wales’ national flower
- Sampling Welsh treats
- Sharing stories and memories connected to food, travel and family
Sensory activities like these are particularly valuable in person-centred dementia care, helping residents engage with familiar smells, tastes and textures that can trigger positive memories.
“Do the Little Things”
St David’s famous words are:
“Do the little things.”
At Springdene Care Homes, we truly believe it is the little things – shared laughter, cultural celebrations and meaningful connections – that make the biggest difference to residents’ wellbeing.
Celebrations like St David’s Day are part of our wider approach to person-centred care, where activities are designed around residents’ interests, life histories and cultures.
They also bring families, residents and staff together, reinforcing the strong sense of community and belonging across our homes in North London and Enfield.
Life at Springdene Care Homes
At Springdene Care Homes, our homes in Muswell Hill, Hampstead and Enfield provide a warm, welcoming environment where residents can enjoy engaging activities, companionship and high-quality care.
Whether it’s celebrating cultural traditions, enjoying music and entertainment, or simply sharing tea and conversation, our focus is always the same:
Creating moments that matter.
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2 months ago
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admin
At Spring Lane Care Home in Muswell Hill, residents recently came together to celebrate National Cheese Lovers Day with a carefully curated tasting of classic British cheeses.
As part of the Springdene Care Homes family in North London, we believe everyday moments can become meaningful experiences — and this special tasting was a wonderful example of how food can spark connection, reminiscence and joy.
From flavour and conversation to shared laughter, it was a day full of warmth and community spirit.
A British Cheese Tasting Full of Flavour and Memories
Residents enjoyed a selection of well-loved British cheeses, including:
- Extra Mature Cumbrian Cheddar
- West Country Farmhouse Cheddar
- Somerset Goat’s Cheese
- Blue Stilton
- Barber’s Aged Red Leicester Cruncher
- Parlick Original Sheep’s Milk Cheese
- Applewood Smoked Cheddar
Each cheese brought its own character — from creamy and mild to bold and tangy — encouraging conversation about favourite foods, family traditions and past celebrations.
For many residents, cheese boards reminded them of special occasions at home, Sunday lunches, festive gatherings and simple suppers shared with loved ones. These shared memories created a relaxed and sociable atmosphere throughout the afternoon.
Meaningful Activities in Our North London Care Home
At our Muswell Hill care home, close to East Finchley and the wider North London community, activities are carefully designed to support wellbeing in a natural and enjoyable way.
Food-based experiences such as this:
- Encourage reminiscence and storytelling
- Support social interaction
- Stimulate the senses
- Promote independence and choice
- Create opportunities for shared laughter
Engaging activities are an important part of life at Spring Lane. Whether through tasting sessions, music, arts, gardening or group discussions, we focus on helping residents feel involved, valued and connected.
Community, Connection and Life at Spring Lane
National Cheese Lovers Day was about more than food. It was about togetherness.
Residents gathered in our comfortable communal spaces, sampling cheeses, sharing opinions and enjoying each other’s company. The atmosphere was relaxed and full of smiles — a reminder that small moments can have a big impact.
Families visiting that day saw first-hand how activities at Spring Lane support engagement and quality of life. For us, these experiences reflect our philosophy:
Springdene Care Homes – Where life is for living.
Looking for a Care Home in Muswell Hill or East Finchley?
If you are searching for a care home in Muswell Hill, East Finchley or North London, Spring Lane offers compassionate care, meaningful activities and a strong sense of community.
We welcome families to visit and see how we support residents to continue enjoying the things they love — from food and conversation to shared celebrations throughout the year.
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3 months ago
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admin
We are delighted to share the relaunch of The Daffodil, the much-loved newsletter from Springdene Care Homes, published just before Christmas and marking a special new chapter for our community.
Produced twice a year, The Daffodil brings together stories, celebrations and everyday moments from across our North London care homes. It is a chance to reflect, reconnect and celebrate the people who make Springdene such a warm and welcoming place to live.
👉 Read the full Winter 2025 edition here: The Daffodil Winter 2025
A Newsletter Rooted in Community and Connection
After a period away, the Winter 2026 edition of The Daffodil was relaunched with a clear purpose: to celebrate shared experiences and strengthen the sense of community across Springdene.
From residents and families to staff, volunteers and local partners, the newsletter reflects the relationships at the heart of life in our care homes. It highlights not just events, but the everyday moments of kindness, creativity and togetherness that define our approach to care in North London.
Highlights from The Daffodil Winter 2025
This edition is packed with joyful stories and memorable moments, including:
Community Events and Fundraising
A standout highlight was the Summer Festival, where classic cars, live music and a BBQ brought residents, families and neighbours together. Thanks to generous support, the event raised £3,000 for the RNLI Tower Lifeboat Station, reinforcing Springdene’s commitment to the wider community.
Creativity and Resident-Led Activities
Creative expression shines throughout the newsletter. Mosaic workshops with Artist in Residence Odile encouraged residents to explore their artistic talents, producing beautiful pieces while fostering connection and conversation.
Themed celebration days, arts events and cultural activities demonstrate how creativity plays a key role in wellbeing at Springdene.
Celebrating Our Residents and Staff
The Winter 2026 edition also puts people centre stage. Resident spotlights share life stories, passions and memories, while Employee Appreciation Days recognise the dedication and compassion of our care teams across all three homes.
These features reflect our belief that great care starts with valued people.
Intergenerational and Family Moments
From Songs & Smiles baby group visits to festive celebrations and seasonal traditions, the newsletter captures moments that bring generations together. These shared experiences strengthen bonds between residents, families and the local North London community.
Building for the Future at Springdene
The Daffodil Winter 2026 also looks ahead, sharing updates on refurbishment programmes across the homes. These improvements are designed to enhance comfort, accessibility and quality of life, ensuring Springdene continues to be a place residents are proud to call home.
A Bi-Annual Celebration of Life at Springdene
The Daffodil is published twice a year, and future editions will continue to celebrate life across Springdene Care Homes.
We encourage families, friends and members of the local community to keep an eye on:
for upcoming editions and stories from our homes.
👉 Read the full Winter 2026 edition here: The Daffodil Winter 2025
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4 months ago
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admin
A tasty afternoon full of stories, smiles and community spirit
At Spring Lane Care Home in Muswell Hill, North London, residents recently came together to celebrate National Sandwich Day with a fun, educational and very tasty activity that brought everyone chatting, laughing and reminiscing.
From discovering the surprising origins of the humble sandwich to sampling a variety of classic fillings, it was truly a case of the best thing since sliced bread.
📜 Discovering the story behind the sandwich
Residents learned how the sandwich is believed to have been invented by John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, an English aristocrat who reportedly wanted a meal he could eat without leaving the card table.
We also explored how sandwiches appear in different cultures, including the Passover Matzo sandwich in Jewish tradition, sparking lovely conversations about family memories, faith, and food from years gone by.
🥪 Taste testing favourites at Spring Lane Care Home, East Finchley
Once the history lesson was over, it was time for the best bit… the tasting.
Our residents enjoyed a delicious selection of fillings on both white and brown bread, including:
- 🐟🥒 Tuna & cucumber
- 🧀🍅 Cheese & tomato
- 🥚 Egg mayonnaise
- 👑🍗 Coronation chicken
Everyone then voted for their favourites, with plenty of friendly debate around the table. It was wonderful to see residents from Muswell Hill and East Finchley connecting over something so simple yet so comforting.
💛 Food, friendship and feeling at home in North London
At Spring Lane Care Home, part of the Springdene group in North London, activities like this are about far more than food. They help build confidence, encourage conversation, and create moments that feel just like home.
Events such as National Sandwich Day bring residents, families and our care team together, strengthening the sense of community that makes Spring Lane such a special place to live.
🏡 Life at Springdene Care Homes
We love finding creative ways to combine learning, culture and enjoyment into everyday life. Whether it’s sharing childhood memories, discovering traditions from different cultures, or simply enjoying a tasty treat, these moments really do make a difference.
What’s your go-to sandwich filling? Let us know next time you visit or drop us a message. We’d love to hear.
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7 months ago
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admin
At Spring Grove Care Home in North London, residents and staff came together to mark Yorkshire Day with an afternoon of cheese, history, singing and plenty of laughter. The home was filled with the warm spirit of Yorkshire traditions, reminding us all of the importance of food, culture and community in everyday life.
A Taste of Yorkshire – Cheese, Crackers and Local Ale
Residents enjoyed a spread of Yorkshire cheeses, Rakusen’s crackers and Timothy Taylor’s beers, bringing authentic flavours of the region right into our lounge. Sharing these treats sparked conversation and memories, and was the perfect way to mark this special day.
Music, Memories and Laughter
The day also included plenty of singing, laughter and reminiscing. Residents looked back at photographs, shared stories, and enjoyed time together celebrating the best of Yorkshire heritage. For many, it was a chance to revisit happy memories and create new ones with friends.
Community Spirit at Spring Grove
At Spring Grove, events like Yorkshire Day are about more than just food and song — they’re about creating meaningful moments, encouraging conversation, and fostering the friendships that make our home feel so special. Our team works hard to make sure residents always have activities that are fun, stimulating and rooted in tradition.
Want to Find Out More?
To keep up with everything happening at Spring Grove Care Home, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
If you’re looking for a care home in North London with a strong sense of community and plenty of engaging activities, we’d love to show you what life at Spring Grove has to offer.
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9 months ago
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admin
On July 14th, residents at both Spring Lane and Spring Grove care homes enjoyed a vibrant celebration of Bastille Day – a nod to French culture that brought smiles, laughter and a lovely sense of community. With French flags fluttering, tables were set with a delicious selection of cheeses and a splash of red wine to mark the occasion in true Parisian style.
Bastille Day, or La Fête Nationale, is celebrated every 14 July and commemorates a turning point in the French Revolution. For our residents, it was a chance to enjoy good food and drink, and connect with staff and fellow residents in a fun, themed afternoon.
Springdene care homes – Spring Lane in Muswell Hill, Spring Grove in Hampstead and Springview in Enfield – regularly host cultural days like this, helping residents stay active, socially engaged and mentally stimulated. Our events are designed to spark joy and conversation, encouraging everyone to join in while promoting wellbeing through shared experiences.
Whether it’s an afternoon of music, seasonal celebrations, or simply trying something new, the team at Springdene always aims to go the extra mile for our residents.
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12 months ago
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admin
A joyful Easter celebration across our North London care homes
We hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Easter at Springview. The season brought plenty of smiles, colour and shared moments as residents took part in a joyful Easter celebration at our care home in Enfield, joined by festive activities across other Springdene care homes in North London.
Springview is known for creating a warm, welcoming environment where residents can enjoy meaningful activities throughout the year, and Easter is always a special time in our community calendar.
A special visit from the Easter Bunny
One of the highlights of the day was a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny, who made a personal appearance at Springview to spread happiness and laughter among residents. From cheerful waves to gentle chats, the Bunny brought a sense of fun and nostalgia that residents thoroughly enjoyed.
Small Easter gifts were shared, and residents were encouraged to take part at their own pace, whether that meant joining in with the excitement or simply enjoying watching the celebrations unfold from the comfort of our lounge areas.
Interactive activities that bring people together
Easter activities at Springview focused on gentle engagement and shared enjoyment. Residents took part in simple Easter games, including discovering hidden surprises, opening Easter eggs, and enjoying hands-on moments that encouraged conversation and connection.
These activities are carefully chosen by our care team to support wellbeing, mobility and social interaction, reflecting Springdene’s long-standing experience in providing thoughtful residential care across North London.
Celebrating Easter across the Springdene family
While Easter fun was in full swing at our Enfield care home, celebrations also took place at Spring Lane in Muswell Hill and Spring Grove in Hampstead. Sharing seasonal events across our North London care homes helps maintain a sense of connection between residents, staff and families throughout the Springdene group.
Each home celebrates in its own way, but the focus remains the same: creating moments of joy, familiarity and comfort for the people who live with us.
Life at Springview Care Home in Enfield
Springview is part of the Springdene Care Homes group, which has been supporting older people and their families across North London for many years. Our Enfield care home offers residential care in a calm, supportive setting, with a strong emphasis on dignity, companionship and quality of life.
Seasonal events like Easter are just one example of how we enrich daily life for residents, alongside regular activities, home-cooked meals and attentive, professional care.
👉 You may also like to read about life at our other North London care homes, including Spring Lane in Muswell Hill and Spring Grove in Hampstead.
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1 year ago
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admin
Opening our doors this Valentine’s Day
On 14 February 2025, we welcomed families, friends and local professionals to our latest Open Day at Spring Grove Care Home in Hampstead, North London. Our doors on Finchley Road were open for tours, conversations and plenty of warm hospitality, giving visitors a real feel for life in our long-established, family-run home.
Guests were able to meet residents and team members, see our beautifully furnished lounges and cinema room, and explore our peaceful garden spaces. Most importantly, they could experience the friendly atmosphere that makes Springdene one of the most trusted North London care homes.
Throughout the afternoon, our team were on hand to answer questions about residential care, dementia care and short-term respite stays. Whether people were considering a move now or simply planning ahead, the Open Day offered a relaxed way to see what day-to-day life is like at Spring Grove and how we support every resident to feel at home.
Part of the Springdene family of North London care homes
Spring Grove is part of Springdene Care Homes, a small group of family-run homes that have been caring for older people in North London for many years. Alongside our Hampstead home, families looking for a care home in Enfield or surrounding areas can also explore our sister homes, all offering person-centred care, meaningful activities and a commitment to residents’ wellbeing.
If you were unable to join us on Valentine’s Day, you are very welcome to arrange a personal visit at a time that suits you. Our team will be delighted to show you around, introduce you to residents and answer any questions about finding the right care home in North London for yourself or a loved one.
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2 years ago
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admin
Springdene is excited to invite you to the grand re-opening of Spring Lane Care Home in Muswell Hill, taking place on Sunday 27th October from 11am to 4pm.
After a major refurbishment, Spring Lane now offers a modern, luxurious environment for high-quality residential and dementia care in the heart of North London. Join us for a community celebration with food, music, dogs, and family-friendly fun.
Located just minutes from Muswell Hill Broadway (N10), Spring Lane is a family-run care home with excellent transport links, newly upgraded facilities, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Guided tours will be available on the day – we’d love to show you around.
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3 years ago
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admin
HAPPY New Year and welcome to our first newsletter of 2023!
We’ve had a great Christmas season – probably the best for years – now the shadow of Covid has been largely lifted. Folk had a fantastic time with parties, carols, singalongs and even a staff festive jumper competition at Spring Lane (above). One of the high points was a delicious Christmas Day lunch, served by our directors so that staff could have a well-earned rest.
The success of the season was enhanced by the fact that we now have a full house of well-being coordinators. Thanks so much to Christina, Anoohya, Odile, Magda, Malwina, Emily, Steve and Pamela. Our activities programme is the envy of many other homes.
The team is led by a great new appointment in the form of Samantha Horsburgh who is our new group engagement and wellbeing manager. Samantha is busy devising a brilliant new activities programme, which will bring in a host of outside entertainers and coordinate activities between the homes. There will be more outings, too. (In the autumn Steve organised a brilliant trip of Springview folk to Westcliff-on-Sea for some fish ’n’ chips and lungfuls of sea air.)
There are other welcomes, too. Iva Petrova has joined us as manager at Springview, replacing Tamas Fazekas. Iva is also a qualified nurse, which adds to the range of skills in the home. Also joining us is Andrew Page, who takes on the new role of group catering manager.
As many of you know, in the summer we dispensed with the outside contract catering company and brought services in house. This led to a great improvement, overseen by director Stacey-Louise Balcombe. Now Andrew is taking forward the good work. Expect an even greater enhancement of our excellent dining services!
We have been making other improvements, also. After remedying a leak in the roof, the lounge at Spring Grove has been undergoing major renovation – structural and aesthetic – including redecoration, new fittings, and furniture.
Over at Springview there has been a total renovation of the third-floor bedrooms, bringing them up to a luxury standard, complete with showers. The lift refurbishment has been completed to a high standard.
Now the lift engineers are turning their attention to the lifts at Spring Lane, where other further improvements are under way. There is a complete refurbishment of the fourth-floor bedrooms and reworking of the lounge, while the entrance is to be enhanced and modernised.
Meanwhile, we’ve been checking in on the progress of Spring, your sponsored puppy who is being trained by the Medical Detection Dogs charity to sniff out illnesses, such as Covid and diabetes.
Spring has progressed very well over the past six months and is a very affectionate boy who just needs a little extra work on his recall. The trainers ask a lot of these dogs to remain undistracted in every possible circumstance, but with some further training we’re confident he’ll do well.
Spring has been increasing his public access experience, including travelling on buses and trains. It’s important for Spring and his fellow dogs to to be confident in differing surroundings, as once they are partnered with a client, they will accompany them everywhere.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11088411/Care-home-fees-rocket-20-CENT-hammer-blow-middle-class-families.html
We know how much you rate the quality of the care in our luxury homes – your testimonials demonstrate it. We hope you will continue to support us in upholding the highest standards.
He has been working very hard to perfect all the skills he has learnt so far in preparation for his final assessment. This requires the dogs to showcase their ability to perform a wide range of tasks, such as a 90-second “wait” in an exciting environment, walking to heel at varying speeds and regular direction changes.
Spring has also been tested to review how comfortable he is in different areas of public-access training, including visiting a shopping centre and using amenities such as lifts and stairs and demonstrating that he can settle comfortably and confidently in a busy environment.
The good news is that Spring passed with flying colours and will now go on to undertake more specific training before the matching process begins. Well done, Spring! If you would like to support him further, you may make a donation via Kathy Dunn, our business administrator at Springview (svadmin@springdene.co.uk).
One of the things we emphasise in our marketing is that Springdene represents the best of family values. The company is still run by the descendants of the family that founded it more than half a century ago. Indeed, Theodore Powell, grandson of founders Arnold and June Powell, has just been appointed a director, bringing a third generation into the Springdene management.
In this family environment we offer a warm and intimate approach to care of your loved ones. This is in frequent contrast to the large anonymous homes that have been springing up in London and elsewhere in recent years. Often funded by overseas corporations, they cannot compete with the personalised care that is the hallmark of Springdene.
And to confirm we are doing the right thing, we have had some marvellous recent endorsements. Helen Kogan, daughter of Philip Kogan who was resident at Spring Lane, says: “I am writing to thank you on behalf of my mother, brother and sister for the wonderful care you gave Philip during his time with you. Your staff are exceptionally caring and compassionate, and we all felt he was treated with the utmost care and kindness.”
Also on the subject of Spring Lane, Mrs Anna Markou writes: “It has been a wonderful place for my father to have his rehab. All the staff are wonderful – from the welcome at reception – from Alex to management, Zoey and Lori. He has been well cared for and has enjoyed joining in with exercises. I can highly recommend Spring Lane for your loved one to come to, for either a short or long stay. Exceptional care!”
You can rest assured we’ll be keeping up the good work in 2023. One thing we are doing is to enter for the national care home awards, whose judges will rate us, based on your comments. So, if you have positive thoughts, please share them with us by writing to our chairman Michael Williams at mwilliams@springdene.co.uk. All communications will be acknowledged.
In the meantime, may we wish you a wonderful New Year!
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