It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Westminster Castle in Westminster, CO gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Westminster, CO is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Since I was not present while caregiver was there and live in Washington state, I”
“This company fits perfectly with all of my needs. Their office team is always informative,”
“Ralph had nothing but great praise for the care he recieved. Thank you so much”
“Appreciate ease of contacting, good follow up and flexibility. Care givers we have met so”
“I just wanted to say thank you for my birthday card, it was very thoughtful.”
“We have engaged Aways Best Care only for about 3 weeks, but the care provider”
“Very pleased with services...wonderful experienced well trained caregivers. Helped with all my needs, questions”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care (ABC) in Longmont provided outstanding,”
“When I was a guardian, ABC provided quality care that allowed my client to stay”
“I am a past client of this provider Our family had a great experience with Always”
“This is an amazing organization!”
“A beautiful and friendly place”
“I am a past client of this provider We had just started and all of these”
“I am a current client of this provider They do a lot of the things we”
“I am a past client of this provider I never had a problem with Always Best”
“I am a current client of this provider They are really good with the clients. They are”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me to take a day off. They”
“I am a current client of this provider It was essential for her recovery. They're very responsive”
“I am a current client of this provider My caregiver helps me with numerous things, like”
“I am a current client of this provider They are reliable and I can count on”
“I am a past client of this provider They helped in the way they interacted with”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregivers are friendly and they help around”
“I am a current client of this provider It's helped me get through a lot of”
“I am a current client of this provider They are helpful for me. Especially the younger”
“I've been here going on three years their so flexible I really enjoy working here”
“They were here for a few hours and always came. Everything was just fine. It”
“When I first came here 10 months ago, Rich couldn't walk. I've never seen a”
“I am a current client of this provider When I first came here 10 months ago,”
“The best employer I have ever worked for. Everyone from the management team and other”
“I am a current client of this provider They have been outstanding. It has not been”
“I’m giving ABC a 5/5 star review because I have been a caregiver with them”
“I’m giving ABC a 5/5 star review because I have been a caregiver with them”
“I am a current client of this provider It leaves me able to get more help”
“I am a past client of this provider They were only there for a short time.”
“This is a great home care company to work for! They are very sweet and”
“I am a past client of this provider They sent the caregiver that we wanted them”
“I am a current client of this provider There is not much they can do. They”
“Great place to work! I've never been happier with a job. The staff is always”
“They help to exercise him and they help with giving him medicines. They provide us”
“I am a current client of this provider They help to exercise him and they help”
“Since I was not present while caregiver was there and live in Washington state, I can only comment on what I learned from a distance. Always Best Care staff, Holly as care manager, was always prompt with reports, caring in her reporting. The staff said Chloe had Mike out involved in activities which contributed to his improved cognitive. Too bad he fell but sadly nothing to be done about Mike's falls. They sometimes just happen no matter how many aids there are in place. I appreciated the ability of Always Best Care to provide a caregiver in 24'. Thank you.”
“This company fits perfectly with all of my needs. Their office team is always informative, caring, and fast at responding. The care that we receive is always amazing and everything that we have been looking for.”
“Ralph had nothing but great praise for the care he recieved. Thank you so much for taking care of my brother.”
“Appreciate ease of contacting, good follow up and flexibility. Care givers we have met so far seem kind and genuinely interested in their client.”
“I just wanted to say thank you for my birthday card, it was very thoughtful. You have a great team, it's recognized and appreciated. Everyone has made me feel welcome and it was nice visiting with everyone on your caregiver appreciation lunch you had. Keep up the good work and try not to work too hard.”
“We have engaged Aways Best Care only for about 3 weeks, but the care provider is perfect for our needs. She is professional, thoughtful, and proactive. The case manager and community liaison are also personable and responsive. We highly recommend Always Best Care.”
“Very pleased with services...wonderful experienced well trained caregivers. Helped with all my needs, questions and all staff at the office is always available.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care (ABC) in Longmont provided outstanding, emphatic service in helping move a family member into a new residence, making possible a higher level of care for her than previously available. In addition to supporting her prior to and through this highly stressful process, ABC, and particularly Madison and Michelle, provided extremely useful advice to us, including recommendations for movers and for a pet fostering service that will care for some of her pets until their new homes can be identified. Throughout the process ABC gave us abundant time and attention. Their recommendations and support were spot-on. We highly recommend them.”
“When I was a guardian, ABC provided quality care that allowed my client to stay in his current living space. They were great with communication, and overall had a wonderful experience!”
“I am a past client of this provider Our family had a great experience with Always Best Care. The case management that provides oversight for the caregivers is what set them apart. I would highly recommend!”
“This is an amazing organization!”
“A beautiful and friendly place”
“I am a past client of this provider We had just started and all of these hospitalizations happened. It would have had a really nice impact we just weren't able to use it for very long. They were great. Their service was wonderful and the communication was great. I was very happy with the kindness and care.”
“I am a current client of this provider They do a lot of the things we cannot do ourselves. Everyone we have had has been exceedingly pleasant and easy to get along with.”
“I am a past client of this provider I never had a problem with Always Best Care. My experience was positive because they were attuned to the time with everything I needed to do. If there was a paper I needed to be signed, they were helpful. I don't have any memory problems, but they were very friendly. We laughed and talked. They were just like a best friend who took me where I needed to go. I have always told people about Always Best Care and the people working there. I have referred people. Always Best Care is the best. I like how they were attentive when I called. Laura, she knew exactly what I needed. And the timing, they were perfect about the timing. Always Best Care was attuned to what I needed.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are really good with the clients. They are prompt and always on time. They are always on top of everything when we call.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me to take a day off. They seem to be very caring.”
“I am a current client of this provider It was essential for her recovery. They're very responsive and work to make sure they have someone here.”
“I am a current client of this provider My caregiver helps me with numerous things, like helping me get out of my chair, and driving me places. Everybody is very kind, efficient, and thorough.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are reliable and I can count on them and she is getting excellent care. They have great caregivers and they are matched very well.”
“I am a past client of this provider They helped in the way they interacted with her. The caregivers were all very friendly and caring.”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregivers are friendly and they help around the house. They do our laundry. They do not always tell us which caregivers are coming.”
“I am a current client of this provider It's helped me get through a lot of difficult periods. I like the quality of the people they send out.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are helpful for me. Especially the younger girls are so helpful, they volunteer to do things. They're helpful and reliable.”
“I've been here going on three years their so flexible I really enjoy working here”
“They were here for a few hours and always came. Everything was just fine. It was just pricey.”
“When I first came here 10 months ago, Rich couldn't walk. I've never seen a client succeed this far for his age. They are so professional. I would not work with any other company besides ABC.”
“I am a current client of this provider When I first came here 10 months ago, Rich couldn't walk. I've never seen a client succeed this far for his age. They are so professional. I would not work with any other company besides ABC.”
“The best employer I have ever worked for. Everyone from the management team and other caregivers are some of the nicest and compassionate people I have ever encountered. They always listen and take care of questions or concerns I may have.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have been outstanding. It has not been easy for me since me and my husband have a lot of medical appointments. When we are not able to get a car, they are willing to take us in their car, pick up prescriptions, and pick up groceries for us. They are very professional and look and see what needs to be done. They are very flexible and help wherever they can. They help us when the time is good for us.”
“I’m giving ABC a 5/5 star review because I have been a caregiver with them for 5 months and I absolutely love my job. I enjoy caring for other people and helping those who are in need. Besides work, every time I go into the office to pick up my checks I always feel so welcomed by the staff. They even let me bring my mini aussiedoodle there too! If you’re looking for a job that has a friendly staff, flexible schedule, and rewarding, apply TODAY to Always Best Care Senior Services.”
“I’m giving ABC a 5/5 star review because I have been a caregiver with them for 5 months and I absolutely love my job. I enjoy caring for other people and helping those who are in need. Besides work, every time I go into the office to pick up my checks I always feel so welcomed by the staff. They even let me bring my mini aussiedoodle there too! If you’re looking for a job that has a friendly staff, flexible schedule, and rewarding, apply TODAY to Always Best Care Senior Services.”
“I am a current client of this provider It leaves me able to get more help as the pandemic calms down. I can get errands done. I like that the caregivers have been with us through the pandemic and they have been stellar. They are very helpful and I feel safe leaving my husband with the caregivers.”
“I am a past client of this provider They were only there for a short time. They made a big difference. They took care of the basic daily needs. They were very good at being responsive to our questions and they provided generally good caregivers.”
“This is a great home care company to work for! They are very sweet and do a lot for their clients and care givers! Nothing but good things to say about them! I saw the reviews and decided to go with them over other companies and it was definitely a great choice!”
“I am a past client of this provider They sent the caregiver that we wanted them to send. I like the caregivers. They were responsible.”
“I am a current client of this provider There is not much they can do. They cannot do more than what they are doing now. She never stops serving us. I am very pleased. I like the attitude, they always want to work with you. The person that is here is outstanding.”
“Great place to work! I've never been happier with a job. The staff is always helpful and compassionate. They are always willing to work with my hectic schedule and do their best to give me the hours I want. Very organized and professional.”
“They help to exercise him and they help with giving him medicines. They provide us some very good care, and good caregivers.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help to exercise him and they help with giving him medicines. They provide us some very good care, and good caregivers.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Westminster City Park in Westminster, CO with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Hickory Ash or visit Palace of Westminster, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Westminster, CO, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Westminster, CO understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Westminster, CO 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Claire Carmelia will be the next mayor of Westminster after a resounding win on Tuesday night. Carmelia captured nearly 54% of the vote over challenger Bruce Baker, who won over 25% of the vote, and David Demott, who came away with just more than 21% of the vote.Current mayor Nancy McNally decided not to run for re-election.DeMott is an eight-year council incumbent while Carmelia was elected to the council in 2023. Both touted their experiences on the council and their ability to work with different groups to reach consensus on...
Claire Carmelia will be the next mayor of Westminster after a resounding win on Tuesday night. Carmelia captured nearly 54% of the vote over challenger Bruce Baker, who won over 25% of the vote, and David Demott, who came away with just more than 21% of the vote.
Current mayor Nancy McNally decided not to run for re-election.
DeMott is an eight-year council incumbent while Carmelia was elected to the council in 2023. Both touted their experiences on the council and their ability to work with different groups to reach consensus on various issues as qualifications to be mayor.
Baker — a former council member — is a frequent critic of the city’s current administration for its perceived overspending on big-ticket items, like the new water treatment plant and the downtown area.
Carmelia couldn’t be reached for comment Tuesday night. But in a recent commentary in the Westminster Window, she expressed her wholehearted backing of the development of downtown Westminster.
“This project is more than just a stand-in replacement for the old mall, it’s a long-term investment in our city’s future,” Carmelia said. “And the returns are already visible both financially and culturally.”
Westminster residents also elected three city councilors out of a field of eight candidates in the city’s 2025 municipal election on Tuesday.
Council incumbents Obi Ezeadi and Sarah Nurmela appeared to be winning in their bid to keep their at-large seats on the council. Ezeadi had collected 19% of the vote on Tuesday and Nurmela won just over 16% of the vote, according to preliminary results.
Newcomer Jack Johnson appeared to pick up the third and final slot on the council, also winning just over 16% of the vote.
This story will be updated as new results come in.
(Nathan Hartley)CHILDREN from Peasedown St John Primary School’s Year 6 recently enjoyed a memorable full-day visit to Westminster, exploring the historic Houses of Parliament.Pupils from Year 6 took time out from their regular studies to spend an entire day exploring the historic and iconic Houses of Parliament in Westminster, gaining a unique insight into the workings of British democracy and the country’s rich political history.School Headteacher, Ruth Noall, said:“Year 6 were privileged to visit the...
(Nathan Hartley)
CHILDREN from Peasedown St John Primary School’s Year 6 recently enjoyed a memorable full-day visit to Westminster, exploring the historic Houses of Parliament.
Pupils from Year 6 took time out from their regular studies to spend an entire day exploring the historic and iconic Houses of Parliament in Westminster, gaining a unique insight into the workings of British democracy and the country’s rich political history.
School Headteacher, Ruth Noall, said:“Year 6 were privileged to visit the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday, October 8. It was an incredible experience. We were able to enter the House of Commons, the House of Lords and Westminster Hall.”
“We’re very grateful to the staff in Parliament for making us feel so welcome and showing us around. It was a memorable experience that will remain with our pupils for a very long time.”
Highlights of the visit included viewing Queen Victoria’s throne, exploring the chamber beneath which Guy Fawkes famously placed his gunpowder, seeing the statue to which Emmeline Pankhurst chained herself during her suffragette campaign, and touring the 1,000-year-old Westminster Hall, historically used for royal banquets and even by Henry VIII for playing tennis.
Ruth added: “It was a truly wonderful day, and the students represented the school superbly, listening attentively, asking thoughtful questions and behaving respectfully at all times. Since then, the children have been working hard to publish newspaper reports about the experience.”
The trip was one of many excursions organised this year for pupils at Peasedown St John Primary School. Others throughout 2025 have included the American Museum, The Egg Theatre, the MShed and the Life Skills Centre in Bristol.
For more information about Peasedown St John Primary School visit their website www.psjprimary.co.uk and follow them on Facebook at @psjprimary
Katerina Tannenbaum and Eddie Toll in The Wanderers [Mark Senior]ANNA Ziegler’s The Wanderers makes its UK premiere following a critically acclaimed Off-Broadway run in 2023.Set In Brooklyn, Abe (Alexander Forsyth), a prize-winning novelist, is trying to piece together his parents’ untold history, when he is drawn into a provocative, intimate online exchange with Hollywood star Julia Cheever (Anna Popplewell).Their correspondence raises difficult questions: is this a betrayal of his ...
Katerina Tannenbaum and Eddie Toll in The Wanderers [Mark Senior]
ANNA Ziegler’s The Wanderers makes its UK premiere following a critically acclaimed Off-Broadway run in 2023.
Set In Brooklyn, Abe (Alexander Forsyth), a prize-winning novelist, is trying to piece together his parents’ untold history, when he is drawn into a provocative, intimate online exchange with Hollywood star Julia Cheever (Anna Popplewell).
Their correspondence raises difficult questions: is this a betrayal of his wife, Sophie (Paksie Vernon) – a fellow writer and childhood friend – driven by marital dissatisfaction? Or is it creative frustration and unresolved trauma rooted in his parents’ marriage and inherited faith?
Running parallel is the story of Abe’s parents, Schmuli (Eddie Toll) and Esther (Katerina Tannenbaum), an Orthodox Jewish couple in a Hasidic community, bound by an arranged marriage and seeking their own escape.
Schmuli, devout and reserved, clings to tradition, while Esther longs for something beyond the confines of domestic life: autonomy, a job, birth control, and the freedom to define herself outside religious expectation.
Though secular, Sophie and Abe still wrestle with the religious and cultural influences of Judaism. Esther’s quiet rebellion offers an affecting counterpoint to Abe’s own search for meaning – his self-obsession wears thin over time despite, or perhaps because of, Forsyth’s credible performance.
The title The Wanderers reflects the emotional and existential restlessness of its characters – their search for meaning, identity, and connection.
The production is imaginatively directed by Igor Golyak, unfolding on Jan Pappelbaum’s evocative set, with actors using white marker on a transparent screen to sketch settings, objects, and “chapters”.
Though it felt a little flat on the night I attended, it’s a fascinating story; a poignant exploration of family legacy, beautifully performed by the five-strong cast.
Until November 29
‘Wonderful addition to the vibrant arts and cultural scene of the West End’Cutting the ribbon: head of libraries and archives Leanne Bellot and council cabinet member for climate, ecology, culture, and air quality Ryan JudeA BUILDING once the home to arguably the greatest scientist of all time is now the centre of a creative renaissance.The Grade II-listed Westminster Reference Library, where Sir Isaac Newton lived, has reopened as the West End Arts Library.The specialist arch...
‘Wonderful addition to the vibrant arts and cultural scene of the West End’
Cutting the ribbon: head of libraries and archives Leanne Bellot and council cabinet member for climate, ecology, culture, and air quality Ryan Jude
A BUILDING once the home to arguably the greatest scientist of all time is now the centre of a creative renaissance.
The Grade II-listed Westminster Reference Library, where Sir Isaac Newton lived, has reopened as the West End Arts Library.
The specialist archive of art, music and performance was reported to be at risk of closure in 2022. City council officers had considered it was “not cost effective” to continue to run both Charing Cross Library and Westminster Reference Library.
This week Cllr Ryan Jude said: “The West End Arts Library is a wonderful addition to the vibrant arts and cultural scene of the West End. Whether you are looking for rare resources or attending one of the free classical music concerts, there is something for everyone to discover in this library.
“By creating welcoming public spaces and providing free events, the council is committed to improving access to culture for our residents so that everyone can share in the rich cultural heritage of the city.”
City councillors, staff and supporters at the library in Saint Martin’s Street
He added: “The reopening of the library is a powerful step in that direction and I look forward to seeing it grow into a cultural landmark in the heart of the West End.”
The library is the West End’s only arts library and also houses Westminster Music Library, a treasure trove offering extensive loan collections of books, scores, performance parts, and sheet music.
In the wider library visitors will find curated collections in art and design and the performing arts providing valuable res-ources for everyone from thespians and musicians to town planners and interior designers.
A collection of periodicals includes significant runs of Apollo, British Vogue, Tatler and Studio.
A “delighted” Emma De Souza, director of Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre welcomed the relaunch of the library as “a vibrant hub for creativity and learning”, and said: “As proud neighbours of the library at our Official London Theatre ticket booth in Leicester Square, and partners with the council on West End Live, we share a commitment to celebrating and sustaining the West End’s rich culture.”
A multi-purpose exhibition space will host events year-round, including free classical music concerts every week.
The library is opening with an exhibition from the Professional Cartoonists Organisation and an interactive workshop on Afrobeats/Ndombolo organised by CheriCoco.
Tracy-Ann Oberman in The Assembled Parties [Helen Murray]EVERY Christmas, Julie (Jennifer Westfeldt), a former movie star, and her affluent husband, Ben Bascov (Daniel Abelson), gather their secular Jewish family for a lavish dinner in their palatial New York apartment. They are joined by Ben’s sister, Faye (Tracy-Ann Oberman), her husband, Mort (David Kennedy) and their daughter Shelley (Julia Kass).This year, their older son Scotty (Alexander Marks, a striking stage debut) invites his best frie...
Tracy-Ann Oberman in The Assembled Parties [Helen Murray]
EVERY Christmas, Julie (Jennifer Westfeldt), a former movie star, and her affluent husband, Ben Bascov (Daniel Abelson), gather their secular Jewish family for a lavish dinner in their palatial New York apartment. They are joined by Ben’s sister, Faye (Tracy-Ann Oberman), her husband, Mort (David Kennedy) and their daughter Shelley (Julia Kass).
This year, their older son Scotty (Alexander Marks, a striking stage debut) invites his best friend Jeff (Sam Marks) to join the festivities. Jeff, drawn to the warmth of the Bascov household and Julia’s Pollyanna optimism, quickly becomes a confidante to Scotty’s concerned parents, who are worried by his lack of ambition.
Richard Greenberg’s 2013 family dramedy unfolds across two periods. The first half is set in 1980 as Ronald Reagan prepares to enter the White House; the second takes place 20 years later, in 2000, when the assembled party has been diminished by time and loss.
Blanche McIntyre’s slick direction – where scenes cut across one another with the repetition of a single line – together with James Cotterill’s revolving set, vividly conveys the sense of an apartment you can get lost in.
In the final half, the setting is as depleted as the family. Julie, now unwell, gamely produces a festive meal for Faye, Jeff and her younger son Tim – also played by Alexander Marks. Jeff remains transfixed by the family and determined to support Julie, who remains resolutely upbeat.
Although the years have taken a personal toll, we are reminded that their world is as yet untouched by the seismic shift of 9/11 and all that would follow.
There’s much to admire, though Greenberg doesn’t break new ground in the dysfunctional family genre. While a Christmas run might have added resonance, the dual timelines are deftly handled, and McIntyre’s production is well-acted with some laugh-out-loud moments.
Until November 22
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