We have been so busy over Christmas at Newstead with non-stop festivities. We were concerned that with the lockdown restrictions in place, everyone would be feeling low, so we kept the mood jolly. Both residents and staff were very touched by the well wishes, support and generosity of friends, family and the local community.
Starting early with the festivities
We joined the nation in decking our halls early this year! Residents threw themselves into making wreaths for their doors, homemade Christmas cards and tree decorations.
There was also time among the festivities to reflect on the year and be hopeful for the next. We put up a memory tree and each star on the tree represented a resident who had passed away in the year. It was lovely to share memories of their time at Newstead and to know that no-one is ever forgotten.
Thank you to Herefordshire Growing Point for send us snowman tablecentre decoration kits. They made a lovely Christmas Eve project, ready for Christmas Day lunch with all the trimmings.
There has been lots of festive baking including a gingerbread house, cookies and cakes. We watched Robin Hood (the panto version!) classical orchestras and festive films. Plus sing-alongs, parties, quizzes, games, eating, drinking and merry-making!
Adding to the festivities; gifts and donations from our local community
With generous donations from local businesses, Vanda put together hampers for a Christmas raffle. Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket. Special thanks to Waitrose for donating such a wonderful hamper, and Vanda for her hard work. The funds raised have gone towards our Residents Fund.
Thank you to Broadlands Primary for dropping off personalised Christmas letters, cards and pictures. Residents loved seeing all your artwork.
Thank you to Dunelm Hereford and the Hereford community for providing us with Christmas boxes for all of our residents! We were overwhelmed by the generosity. Everyone was on the nice list this year! Father Christmas and Rudolph handed out all the presents on Christmas morning.
Vaccination News
Most of our staff and our residents have now had the first Covid-19 vaccination. This is an important first step towards a more normal 2021. We celebrated the end of 2020 with a bit of a party and have since been relaxing into the new year. We are feeling heartened by the vaccination rollout. And looking forward to times when we can hug loved ones again.
With best wishes for a happy healthy 2021 for all of us at Newstead.
