Un-bear-ably cute - Chester care home hosts teddy bear picnic for local primary school

A care home in Chester invited local primary school pupils to join a very special picnic.

Care UK’s Deewater Grange, on Chester Road, hosted a teddy bear’s picnic, where children and residents took part in fun, intergenerational activities, including teddy bear role-play, story time and outdoor garden games. 

The children, who are in from year two, brought along their own books and cuddly bedtime friends to the picnic, where they were able to show off their teddy bears and read along to their favourite books with residents. The picnic was complete with a delicious spread for everyone to enjoy, which included sausage rolls, sandwiches, scones and lemonade – all specially prepared by the home’s chef.

Ellen Reynolds, aged 96, said: “It was an absolutely wonderful experience, and the children were lovely, with one child on each arm reading to me. The picnic brought back memories of when my younger brother used to sit my favourite teddy bear in the rocking chair in the garden!”

Sally Cooper, Home Manager at Deewater Grange, said: “We were delighted to welcome the pupils from Huntington School to Deewater Grange for our teddy bear’s picnic – it was an afternoon filled with fun, and the residents thoroughly enjoyed it.

“Intergenerational relationships are proven to be enriching for both sides, providing older people with a sense of purpose and fulfilment. The special day gave residents an opportunity to reminisce about their own childhood memories, and the many picnics they have attended with their own children and grandchildren. 

“We are always looking for innovative ways to encourage intergenerational friendships, and this picnic was a great opportunity for residents to reminisce and to create special bonds across the generations – we look forward to another visit from the pupils very soon!”

Deewater Grange is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care. The home has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, and incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities, including its own café, bar, cinema as well as a hair and beauty salon. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.

To find out more about the care home, contact Home Manager at Deewater Grange, Sally Cooper, on sally.cooper@careuk.com or call 01244 259480.

For more general information, visit careuk.com/deewater-grange.