Christmas began late November when residents make the Christmas cakes together. Everyone had a stir, made a wish and the wonderful smells of fruit and brandy filled the air!
Festive entertainment
Then, with entertainment from Twos Company, the festivities got underway. The songs, and their fabulous singing, bought back lots of happy memories for residents.
Amelie dropped by to play the piano for residents. It was gifted to West Eaton by her grandfather, so it was very poignant that she came in and she played so beautifully. As you know, it gives us so much pleasure and is much used.
Then, more entertainment from Huw Knight. He is one of our regular singers and has really got to know residents and their favourite songs and spends time making them happy.
Choral Diversity came in to get us all into the Christmas spirit, raising the roof with their singing and raising money for Asthma and Lung UK.
We also spent a lovely Sunday afternoon listening to Corrine Frost play the cello. It was in honour of one of our residents and she had created a special piece in his memory, which was really touching.
Also, back by popular demand, Maxine came in to sing for residents. There was lots of dancing and it was so uplifting.
And, last but not least, we rounded off the run up to Christmas with the Gadzukes Ukulele Band and then Annette and our resident Carmel on the piano together.
Visits from children
Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without the excited chatter of children and hearing their singing.
We had such a lovely visit from the Luston Primary School children sharing songs, stories and music, as well as some handmade cards and Christmas cake for each resident. We are looking forward to seeing them again in the new year.
The older children from Ivington C of E Primary school put on their Christmas jumpers and battled the rain to share some of their festive pieces, which everyone really enjoyed.
More festivities
Amongst all the festivities, Doreen celebrated her 101st birthday! She did think her bubble bed was funny - we covered her bed with lots of balloons!
We had a fabulous afternoon with Luke and his stunning birds of prey from Wye Valley Falconry.
Thank you to The Church of St Mary the Virgin, Eardisland, for loaning to us a knitted crib. It brought the story of Christmas alive and the residents have loved looking at all the beautiful details, and adding to it through advent.
We also enjoyed creating Christmas wreaths using some beautiful variegated holly, given to us by a residents family.
Plus lots of traditions, including Panto, secret Santa's and a fabulous turkey dinner on Christmas Day.
Thank you to all our staffing team, who always go the extra mile at Christmas time to bring the magic and festive cheer to our residents. You were all on Santa's good list!
