Anchor - Simon Marks Court

11/01/2026

🪩 Fancy a trip back to the 70s?

Join everyone at Anchor - Wharfeside care home on Friday 27 November for a disco featuring classic hits from the decade. Come along to enjoy the music, have a dance or sing along to some familiar favourites.

70s fancy dress is welcome, but not essential.

📅 Friday 27 November, from 11am
📍 Wharfeside care home, Otley

Everyone is welcome. Find out more and book your place: https://www.anchor.org.uk/news-events-blogs/events/70s-disco-special-wharfeside-care-home

11/01/2026

Our Loving Later Life Awards spotlight continues with James Rae, winner of the Neighbour Like No Other Award.

Living at Hanover Close in Andover, James is always ready to lend a hand to his neighbours. Whether helping with practical tasks, giving people lifts to appointments or getting involved in community projects such as building a garden bench, he makes a real difference.

James said: “It’s nice to be thought of, and I couldn’t have done it without everyone else in our lovely community!”

Congratulations, James, and thank you for helping make your community such a supportive place to live. 💜

https://www.anchor.org.uk/news-events-blogs/news/meet-our-2026-loving-later-life-award-winners

10/31/2026

🎃 Happy Halloween!

There’s been plenty of fun across our care homes, with residents and colleagues getting creative with crafts, carving pumpkins, enjoying spooky snacks and getting together for Halloween themed parties.

Here’s a look at what residents and colleagues got up to this Halloween.

10/31/2026

💜 Join West Hall care home for a Remembrance Service on Thursday 5 November.

They will come together to honour the lives of lost loved ones, with singing from Feltonfleet School, a performance by harpist Danielle and a service led by Revd. Dr Keith Elford, Vicar of West Byfleet and New Haw.

Friends, family and members of the local community are warmly invited. Refreshments will be served after the service.

📅 Thursday 5 November, 2.30pm–4pm

Find out more here:

Join us at West Hall care home for a Remembrance Service as we come together to honour the lives of loved ones we have lost.

10/31/2026

What happens when a passion for dance becomes part of your day job?

For Bob, a Care Assistant at Anchor - St Edith's Court, it means bringing music, movement and plenty of encouragement to regular Zest sessions with residents.

Bob has been delivering Zest at the care home since completing his training, and says it’s his favourite part of the job.

“It’s my favourite part of the job. We all feel good after it.”

It’s lovely to see Bob using something he’s passionate about to help residents stay active, have fun and enjoy time together. 💜 Zest Wellbeing

Read Bob’s story: https://www.anchor.org.uk/news-events-blogs/blogs/meet-bob-bringing-energy-and-movement-zest-st-ediths-court

10/30/2026

Did you know we have care homes in Leeds?

The Manor House Roundhay is our luxurious new care home in Leeds offering first class residential care and dementia care in a beautiful setting close to Roundhay Park.

Meticulously finished to the highest standard, The Manor House Roundhay is a light, spacious and elegant home offering five-star accommodation and a wide range of impressive facilities. Beautifully appointed communal spaces, perfect for socialising with friends, relaxing, and enjoying daily life, are complemented by landscaped gardens and an engaging activities programme of social events.

Communal facilities also include:

- Engaging activities programme
- Communal lounge
- Hobby / craft room
- Hairdressing salon

To find out more about The Manor House Roundhay, please visit: https://www.anchor.org.uk/our-properties/manor-house-roundhay-leeds

10/30/2026

10/30/2026

We think residents at Millbeck did a great job pumpkin carving 🎃

10/30/2026

Some very special guests came to visit residents at Anchor - Hurst Park Court 🐴🎃

10/29/2026

10/29/2026

Our lovely Mandy has had the 3 Amigos practising for our SMC choir!!!

Who’s going to join us???

🎤🎶🎵

10/26/2026

🎂🎉 Happy Birthday, Dot! 🎉🎂

A very happy birthday to Dot today, and belated birthday wishes to Pat, who celebrated earlier this month! 🥳💐

A huge thank you to Agim for decorating these beautiful cakes and helping our residents celebrate their special days. ❤️

Agim has been part of the Simon Marks Court family for nearly 25 years and is the first to admit that cake decorating isn’t exactly his favourite thing! 😂 But we absolutely love seeing him learning new skills, mastering butter icing and having a go with the piping bag. 🧁

We think these cakes were absolutely fab, and they were very gratefully received by our residents! 🥰

One thing is for sure, though… no matter what birthday it is, there MUST be a candle to blow out! 🕯️🎂

Now, Agim, keep practising… because we have our eyes on Anchor N3’s Christmas Cake Competition this year! 🎄🏆 We’re expecting great things! 😉😂

❤️

10/25/2026

🌧️ STAY SAFE EVERYONE! 💜

All of us here at Simon Marks Court Care Home are hoping you’re all staying safe and keeping warm during this storm. 💨🌧️

Your safety is what matters, so here are a few little reminders to help you through the bad weather:

⚠️ Our storm safety tips:
🌳 Avoid walking near trees, loose branches or anything that could fall in strong winds.
🚶‍♀️ Take extra care when walking, as paths may be slippery, flooded or covered in debris.
🚗 Avoid unnecessary journeys, especially during the worst of the weather.
🏡 Secure garden furniture, bins and other loose items that could blow away.
🔦 Keep your phone charged and a torch handy in case of a power cut.
❤️ Check in on elderly neighbours, family members and anyone who may need a little extra support.
🌊 Never attempt to walk or drive through floodwater.

☕ And remember, our doors are always open! 💜

If you fancy a little escape from the rain, need to warm up, or simply fancy a friendly face and a nice hot brew, pop in and see us. There’s always time for a cuppa and a chat here at Simon Marks Court! 🫖😊

10/23/2026

Please share with your friends and family.

We hope to see you on the day.

Also, if you know anyone who makes and sells Christmas goods then please ask them to contact us.

£10 donation to our residents fund for a stall 🎅🏼🤶

10/23/2026

Getting ready for Halloween 🎃 👻 🧙

Don’t forget to put your clocks back on Sunday morning folks!!! ⏰

We’re getting ready for dark nights and spooky times with keeping warm and decorating.

We love a good themed month at Simon Marks.

10/22/2026

A fabulous afternoon of crooning today. Hard to take pictures when there are too many hips moving ❤️❤️❤️🕺🕺🕺💃💃💃

10/20/2026

Here at Simon Marks Court we love nothing more than laughing, with a competitive streak.

As the manager of this beautiful home I love receiving images like this.

Unfortunately I’ve been down with a virus this last few weeks 🤧🤧🤧 so haven’t been able to join in the fun.

BUT… I will be back firing on all cylinders soon and I need your help to make Christmas and 2027 filled with fun and laughter.

🕺💃 Do you know dancers???
🎤🎶 Do you know singers???
👩‍🎨🎭 Do you know artists or performers???
🎅🏼🤶 Do you know Santa???

We want you 🫵🏻

Let’s party like we’re coming into 2027!!!

10/14/2026

Creative Minds Bradford

Thank you for another wonderful session getting ready for halloween. 🎃

Who said pumpkins have to be orange!!! We love colour and creativity ❤️

10/10/2026

🐾❤️ THE MAGIC OF ANIMAL THERAPY IN CARE HOMES ❤️🐾

Sometimes, the most powerful therapy doesn’t come from words, medication or traditional activities. Instead, it arrives with four paws, a wagging tail, a gentle nuzzle and a whole lot of love. 🐶🐾

Animal therapy can bring something truly special into a care home. From ponies to creepy crawlies, and from friendly farm animals to our managers’ dogs, Jester and Ace, animals can awaken cherished memories, encourage conversation, ease feelings of loneliness and anxiety, and bring smiles to faces that may not have smiled for a while. ❤️

For some residents, an animal’s presence recalls beloved pets, childhood companions and happy moments shared throughout their lives. For others, it offers comfort, companionship and a meaningful connection that needs no words.

✨ A gentle touch.
✨ A pony visit.
✨ A fascinating creepy crawly.
✨ Jester and Ace’s wagging tails.
✨ Laughter shared between residents.
✨ Memories brought back to life.
✨ A moment of calm, comfort and unconditional love.

These moments may seem small to some, but in care, we know that the smallest moments can make the biggest difference.

Animal therapy is about so much more than simply bringing an animal into a care home. It’s about supporting emotional wellbeing, encouraging meaningful connections and enriching the lives of the people who call our homes home.

Whether it’s the gentle presence of a pony, the curiosity inspired by creepy crawlies or the joyful companionship of Jester and Ace, every animal encounter can create a special opportunity for connection, conversation and happiness. 🐴🦋🐕🐕

Of course, every resident is different, and animals must always be introduced safely, respectfully and in line with individual preferences and needs. When the right animal meets the right environment, however, something truly beautiful can happen. 🐕💜

Because care isn’t just about meeting physical needs. It’s about nurturing hearts, creating happiness, preserving identity and making every day meaningful.

Sometimes, all it takes is a little fur, a wet nose, a gentle hoof or a fascinating creepy crawly to make someone’s day brighter. 🐾❤️

10/08/2026

We just love a good old rock and roll with our visiting Little Movers Leeds West. Who doesn’t love a blow-up guitar? 🎸🎤

With our love of music we are seeking dancers and singers of all genres.

From rock to classic, pop to singing the blues.

From Irish dancing to bollywood, Salsa to Jive.

If you have a talent… We want you 🫵

🕺💃🎶🎤