Community joins Stockport care homes for a journey into Christmas past

Old festive traditions came to life at two care homes in Stockport, where residents welcomed a local group and the community for two very special seasonal activities. 

Care UK’s Abney Court, in Cheadle, invited residents’ families to revisit customs from Christmas past.

As part of the activity, the home hosted a 1950s-themed Christmas tea party, where they were joined by singer Natalie Ciufo, who filled the home with festive sounds as she performed Christmas classics.

Guests could also indulge in a festive afternoon tea featuring residents’ favourites, including turkey sandwiches, cakes and mince pies.

83-year-old Abney Court resident, Jayne Marsh, said: “I really enjoyed the entertainer and the traditional songs, it got us into the festive mood. It was great to spend time with my family and the team at Abney Court made it really special.”

Meanwhile, over at Ladybrook Manor, in Bramhall, residents were joined by the Bramhall Cub Pack for a cosy evening of traditional card-making, complete with a hot chocolate station. 

By blending storytelling, crafts and carol singing, the event created a space for meaningful intergenerational connection.

Ladybrook Manor resident, John Hanlon, said: “Having the Cubs visit meant more to me than I can say. The moment they walked in, all the years I spent as a Cub Master came rushing back.

“It just warmed my heart watching them laughing and making their Christmas cards. It felt like being part of the pack again. They didn’t just make cards — they made my whole week." 

Both events were part of Care UK’s ‘Step into Christmas’ initiative, which aims to revive residents’ festive traditions, encouraging them to share memories with the local community.

Zoe Smart, Home Manager at Abney Court, said: “Christmas is such a special time of year, and this event allowed us to honour those memories by bringing the golden era back to life.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to bring families together for a day of festive cheer, and it was truly heartwarming to watch residents reminisce and share memories of festive celebrations from their youth.”

Susan Cameron, Home Manager at Ladybrook Manor, added: “We believe in the power of intergenerational connections, and inviting local youth groups to celebrate Christmas traditions with us is a great way to foster these relationships. 

“The card making activity was a wonderful opportunity for creative sparks to fly. It was lovely to see residents' faces light up as they shared memories from Christmases celebrated in their youth while teaching the children crafts, they themselves learned decades ago. 

“It’s activities like these that keep traditions alive and ensure they are celebrated for generations to come. I’d like to say a big thank you to Bramhall Cub Pack for coming along and making the day one to remember!”

For more information about Step into Christmas, visit https://www.careuk.com/Step-into-Christmas  

Abney Court and Ladybrook Manor have been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The homes have been configured into a series of neighbourhoods to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents. There is also plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.