Residents and team members pulled out all the stops this year to celebrate the season of goodwill.

Wing-based care home, Carey Lodge, was host to a Yuletide Bake-Off with a variety of themed creations put forward to tempt the taste buds of a discerning panel. The Carey Lodge choir, including 31 residents, also treated an audience of residents, family members and employees to traditional carols, which was a great opportunity for reminiscence and brought a festive glow.

Residents from Cherry Garth (Holmer Green), Farnham Common House, Lent Rise House (Burnham) and Mulberry Court (Chalfont St Peter) got into the party spirit for a tea dance hosted at RAF Halton in Wendover. Farnham Common House resident, Barbara Fox, took to the stage to sing along with the band. Attendees also took part in a fun and flamboyant ‘Strictly’ style contest encouraging residents to revisit their love of ballroom dancing.

The Bucks-based care homes run by the Trust work hard to develop relationships with local schools in the community and were delighted to watch nativity productions and welcome pupils to their home environments to reiterate the importance of inter-generational experiences, which are particularly valuable for those living with dementia.

Residents from The Heights (High Wycombe), Cherry Garth, Farnham Common House, Sir Aubrey Ward House (Marlow), Mulberry Court and Lent Rise House took trips to see Cinderella at the Wycombe Swan theatre while Stoke Mandeville-based Fremantle Court held a Strictly Come Dancing themed festive event.

A number of other local care homes, including Chesham Leys, Lewin House (Aylesbury) and Icknield Court (Princes Risborough) also enjoyed our annual carol concert at The Cotton Wheel pub in Aylesbury to fully immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit.

Commenting on the range of activities during the run up to Christmas, Jo Head, Regional Director of Older People’s Services at The Fremantle Trust, said:

“Our seasonal events schedule is the result of lots of careful planning and enables residents, their families and team members to spend quality time together taking part in a host of themed activities. These not only spark nostalgia and warmth, but they bring people together to reiterate a strong sense of community which is especially important for older people at this time of year.”