AS 2025 comes to a close, Gibraltar Nursing Home in Monmouthshire is reflecting on a year shaped by experience and strong community connections.

Over the past 12 months, residents (also 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.

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 a snake. Family members enjoyed these visits as they often have conversations about the pets.

The care home took part in social activities, 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.

On the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, the homes 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.

Family members also took part in a family quiz. Family member Mark took centre stage as he hosted the evening. There were a mix of categories and lively participation and the evening celebrated the importance of family members leading activities.

The highlight of the summer was Gibraltar Nursing Home’s summer festival. The event took weeks of preparation but it featured live music, animal encounters, an ice cream stall, creative activity areas, raffles and stalls run by local businesses.

In the lead-up to Halloween, family members made decorations and carved pumpkins, before coming together for a Halloween-themed afternoon tea on October 31 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.

When the severe Monmouth flooding happened in November 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 food banks, and offering transport support.

As the year came to a close, the nursing home hosted their very own Christmas Market, raising over £650 for the home’s Creating Occupation in Gibraltar and Supporting Social Skills (COGS) committee.

Visitors enjoyed stalls run by team members and independent and local businesses, buying items made and decorated by family members, festive food, live music, and 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 food bank, becoming an official donation point and collecting over 30kg of food to support local families.

Reflecting on the year, Home Manager Verity Walmsley, said: “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.