Advent time at Mansfield Care Homes

Christmas church services, carol concerts and advent activities have taken place throughout December at Mansfield Care Homes, including visits from Priestfield and Mayfield Parish Churches at Belleville Lodge and Warner Hardie at Peebles Care Home.

Warner is a retired Minister from St Andrew’s Leckie Church and, as Home Manager Jenn explains, “our relationship goes back many, many years. Our residents with dementia have thoroughly appreciated his use of flannelgraph in delivering bible readings and prayer, and we look forward to sharing many more meaningful moment of religious reflection together in the new decade.”

Resident Mardie meanwhile enjoyed decorating the Christmas tree, and has done this ever since she came to live in Belleville Lodge.”

At Eildon House, December was a busy month, “as would be expected!” says Wellness Coordinator Fiona. “High on the list of enjoyable events was our annual Christmas Party, with good attendance. Residents, staff and visitors enjoyed excellent entertainment from singer Sarah Laing, who has been to Eildon House a few times now and is a popular choice when I’m sourcing outside entertainers. The continuity of Sarah coming helps in creating a sense of familiarity, as she is recognised and is very good at involving the residents in a variety of Christmas carols and themed songs.”

“George’s buffet was a big success with everyone,” says Fiona, “and what is it about those little curry pasties? Seldom are there any left over! Residents’ feedback comments: “Oh, she is very good and I’ve seen her before – good voice and a nice woman.” “Aye, it was good, the food was delicious, but I ate too much!” “I liked the carols, she has a lovely voice. I enjoyed myself and the food was good, too.”

Gemma at Peebles says, “We have had a wonderful Christmas time at Peebles Care Home; our home has been busy with many welcome visitors, lots of creativity and fun entertainment for all to enjoy. We enjoyed a particularly special visit from Kingsmeadows Nursery, who brought the adorable wee ones from the ‘Rainbow Room’ and gifted us with a beautiful hamper full of treats.”

“Our annual Christmas Party on the 13th of December was a great success with plenty of festive cheer and lots of fizz to go round, and we thoroughly enjoyed our lively musical entertainment.”

Many thanks to Mansfield Care staff and residents for the lovely photos.