A Special Return to Music for Manor Barn Resident Brian
At Manor Barn Care Home, residents are encouraged to keep up the hobbies and passions that matter most to them.
For our resident Brian, that’s always been music. And recently, the team took him back to a place where he spent decades doing what he loves.
Brian visited St. Peter & St. Mary Church in Fishbourne, where he sat down at the organ and played for the Manor Barn team. He’s played the organ for more than 40 years, with music and the church having always been a big part of his life. Being back playing music in a setting he knows so well was a beautiful magic moment for everyone there.
Most importantly, Brian smiled throughout the entire visit and clearly loved every moment.
Brian’s Journey
What made the afternoon even more moving was how far Brian has come since moving into our Manor Barn Care Home in August 2025.
When he first arrived, he was bed and chair-bound and often confused. Today, he walks with a Zimmer frame, joins in with chair exercises set to music and dances along to the live bands that visit the home. This is something he wasn’t able to do at his previous care home.
Music has been a huge part of his progress. He lights up around anything musical, so the Manor Barn team works around that, providing:
- Chair exercises set to music to help rebuild his strength
- Live bands he can dance along to
- Personalised activities that play to what he loves
Marie, the Care Manger at Manor Barn, said:
“It was such a meaningful moment to see Brian play the organ. For all of us standing there witnessing such a beautiful occasion, it is a memory that will stay with me forever. Since Brian has been with us, the changes have been remarkable, and it has been wonderful to see him achieve such special moments.”
“Magical moments are what make working in care so rewarding and enjoyable. Being able to support people to reconnect with treasured memories, passions and experiences that bring happiness is truly priceless.”
Marie – Care Manager at Manor Barn Care Home
Praise from Brian’s Family
Brian’s family have been just as moved by the change in him. His stepdaughter, Dee, shared this review:
“I do not have enough words of praise for the care and how my stepdad has improved in his time at Manor Barn Care Home since he moved in. His level of fragility has significantly improved due to the activities that have strengthened his muscles. He has regained all the weight he lost with tasty, healthy food.”
Dee – Brian’s stepdaughter
Why Moments Like This Matter
Behind Brian’s Magic Moment and new lease of life was a team of carers who’d taken the time to get to know him as an individual.
Learning about his history with music, they knew what the church meant to him and made it happen. Manor Barn is proud of the personalised care that allows residents like Brian to keep doing the things they love.
