Robert Burns celebrated in Mansfield Care Homes

Residents in two of Mansfield Care Homes’ Scottish Borders properties recently celebrated Robert Burns in traditional style with food, song, poetry and dance.

At Peebles Care Home, residents celebrated the bard with an entire day of events, starting with poetry readings led by members of the local community, and followed by a singalong in the afternoon, with everyone coming together to sing ‘Auld Lang Syne’.

Residents enjoyed traditional haggis, neeps and tatties, rounded off with a dram, and a toast to the immortal memory of Rabbie Burns from Jim Murdoch, musical director of the Peebles Singers.
Jim said: “We had a brilliant time celebrating Burns. It was great to see so many enthusiastic residents on this landmark day. As well as talking to the residents about the history of the bard, it was great to hear the residents completing some of the lines from Burns’ poems.”

The day finished up with an evening of entertainment with local piper Nicola Stewart, Highland dancers from the Fiona Henderson School of Dance, who performed a traditional sword dance, and music from local accordion player, Alan Hunter.

Karen Ritchie, Peebles Care Home Activities Coordinator, said, “Burns Day was an absolute treat. It was busy, but the residents really enjoyed everything that was going on. There was something for everyone to enjoy and it was fantastic to host so many different people within the community and get them involved.”

Meanwhile, over at St John’s Care Home in Melrose, Burns Day began with a visit from bagpiper Donald from Melrose Pipe Band. The pipes were played around both sides of the care home, getting appreciative thumbs-up and applause from the residents.

St John’s Wellness Coordinator Denise said, “Afterwards everyone enjoyed a lunch, including traditional haggis, and for dessert, there was cake with berries and custard. We chatted about Robert Burns and his poetry, focusing on ‘The Address to a Haggis’.”

Many thanks to Holyrood PR and Mansfield Care Homes staff for the lovely photos.