As 2025 draws to a close, Gibraltar Nursing Home in Monmouth, Wales is reflecting on a year shaped by shared experiences and strong community connections.
Just some of our highlights from 2025!
Over the past twelve months, residents (fondly referred to as family members) have taken part in a wide range of activities alongside team members, relatives and the wider community, supporting wellbeing, encouraging connection and celebrating the interests and traditions that matter most to them.
Animal Interactive Visits
Family members enjoyed a range of hands-on animal therapy visits throughout the year. There were much-loved regular visits by Poppy the therapy dog, and memorable encounters with alpacas, guinea pigs, owls and even a giant snake! Family members really enjoyed these visits as can often spark conversation about previous pets.
Pillars Pizza Party
Social activities were a highlight this year, including an Italian-themed pizza party in the home’s Pillars Restaurant, which is always a hub of activity, where family members and team members rolled dough, chose their own toppings and baked pizzas together.
VE Day Commemoration
On the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, the home was decorated with bunting and wartime memorabilia, with music from the era playing throughout the day. David Evans, former Mayor of Monmouthshire, officially opened the event, followed by visits from the British Legion and Monmouth Brass Band.
Quiz Night
Family member Mark took centre stage hosting a quiz night, bringing his love of learning and humour to the role of quizmaster. With a mix of categories and lively participation, the evening celebrated the importance of family members leading activities themselves.
Summer Festival
The highlight of the summer was Gibraltar Nursing Home’s summer festival. Weeks in the making, the event featured live music, animal encounters, a BBQ, ice cream stall, creative activity areas, raffles and stalls run by local businesses – strengthening bonds within the community and creating a vibrant and inclusive day for all!
Halloween Celebrations
In the lead-up to Halloween, family members made decorations and carved pumpkins, before coming together for a Halloween-themed afternoon tea on the 31st of October, in the Pillars Restaurant. Family members, team members and visiting relatives who brought along their children/grandchildren enjoyed a mystery box challenge, fancy dress and homemade Halloween cupcakes.
Monmouthshire Floods
When severe flooding affected Monmouth and surrounding areas, Gibraltar Nursing Home supported neighbours where they could. Several team members and their families were directly affected, and the home helped by setting them up with temporary accommodation, taking food donations to local churches and foodbanks, and offering transport support.
Christmas Celebrations
As the year drew to a close, Gibraltar Nursing Home hosted their very own Christmas Market, raising over £650 for the home’s COGS committee (Creating Occupation in Gibraltar and Supporting Social Skills). Visitors enjoyed stalls run by team members and independent local businesses, buying items made and decorated by family members, festive food, live music, and a Santa’s grotto.
The festive celebrations continued with a Christmas decoration competition across the home’s households, judged by a long-standing friend of Gibraltar, Vivien Coughlin.
In the spirit of giving, the home also partnered with the Monmouth and District Foodbank, becoming an official donation point and collecting over 30kg of food to support local families.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on the year, Home Manager Verity Walmsley shared: ‘What a year it’s been! We’ve been privileged to host so many fantastic events that have been supported by so many. We are so grateful to be part of such an incredible community.’
As Gibraltar Nursing Home closes the chapter on 2025, the team would like to thank relatives, friends of the home and the wider Monmouth community for their continued support, and wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.