Wolverhampton care home shines bright to mark the Festival of Light

A vibrant celebration has been held at a care home in Wolverhampton to mark the festival of light, Diwali.

Residents at Care UK’s Foxland Grange, on Wergs Road, celebrated the Hindu festival with Indian-inspired treats and special performances.

The celebrations were led by 75-year-old resident and former deputy headteacher Jenny Davies, who was a member of the Punjab Group of Wolverhampton UK while she worked as a deputy head teacher at Bingley School in Bantock Wolverhampton (Now called Bantock Primary School). 

As a talented Bhangra dancer, Jenny performed around the world, including in France, Belgium, and Canada. She shared her passion with her students through school projects and organised special performances, inviting all to embrace and celebrate Indian culture.

Keen to bring the same energy and spirit to Foxland Grange’s celebrations, Jenny brought Indian outfits for residents to try on, as well as an array of instruments for everyone to explore, offering a fun introduction to Punjabi fashion and music. 

As part of the celebrations, residents and team members also enjoyed special performances accompanied by Bollywood tunes and traditional Indian cuisine prepared by the Home’s Head Chef, which included a resident favourite – samosas. 

Reflecting on celebrations, Jenny said: ''It was such a wonderful event and brought back so many amazing memories, the bhangra music makes me feel so exhilarated – I am thankful for the opportunity to join in and have the whole care home involved.''

Katy Anderson, General Manager a Foxland Grange, said: “Everyone had a joyous afternoon coming together to celebrate Diwali and embrace Indian culture.

‘’We are committed to ensuring the home is a welcoming and supportive place for everyone, where all cultures and interests are celebrated through memorable activities and events.

‘’A special thank you to Jenny for going above and beyond to make this day so memorable. It was a delight to see residents enjoying themselves trying on traditional outfits, filling the home with music and indulging in their favourite Indian treats - it really was a day full of laughter and light.’’

Foxland Grange provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care, in a luxury environment. Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, the home incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, and has its own café, hair and beauty salon and gardens. The building has been configured into a series of neighbourhoods to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.