Residents at a Chipping Norton care home have enjoyed a nostalgic afternoon celebrating Cadbury's 200th anniversary.

Staff and residents at Southerndown Care Home took a trip down memory lane with Cadbury archivist Sarah Foden and brand manager Connor Gould.

Since the opening of its first shop in Birmingham in 1824, Cadbury has supplied the nation with confectionary and drinking chocolate.

Oxford Mail: Residents at Southerndown Care Home with retro Cadbury barsResidents at Southerndown Care Home with retro Cadbury bars (Image: Southerndown Care Home)

Ms Foden and Mr Gould told the residents about the brand's journey, from the opening of its first shop to the celebration of its 200th anniversary this year in 2024.

The pair shared photos from down the years, examples of old packaging, and advertising campaigns taken from the Cadbury archive in Bournville.  

The archive material told the story of the 200-year-old brand that has now been part of people’s lives for generations.

The archive material sparked memories with the residents as they shared stories throughout the afternoon.

Mr Gould said: "It is so rewarding to take part in such a special event as this – we just loved entertaining all the residents this afternoon, especially when it got to the quiz.

"They all had their own special memories of the brand to share, which was so rewarding to hear.

"Thanks to everyone at Barchester who joined us.

"It was wonderful to be able to share our brand story with you all and to hear about what Cadbury means to you."

Bex Vernon, resident experience coordinator for Barchester Healthcare, which runs the care home, said: “We are excited to work with amazing brands like Cadbury to bring a wide range of fantastic experiences into our homes for all to share. 

"Our residents had the best time remembering how they have enjoyed Cadbury throughout their lives, looking at all the old ad campaigns brought back so many memories.

“Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active and socially connected, providing a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities."

General manager, Arlene, added: "What a wonderful afternoon we’ve all had, our residents have grown up eating Cadbury chocolate bars, so they were really interested to hear about how the company first came about and how it has evolved over the years."

Cadbury has also worked with Oxford Beaumont Care Home to celebrate its anniversary as it supplied residents with 'memory boxes' filled with nostalgic bars.

Southerndown Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers.

It said it is committed to delivering "high-quality" care across its care homes and hospitals, including at Southerndown, which provides nursing care, residential care, respite care.