Horley care home welcomes community for a journey into Christmas past

Old festive traditions came to life at a care home in Horley, where residents welcomed the local community for a day of seasonal activities. 

Care UK’s Amherst House, on Court Lodge Road, opened its doors to locals to revisit traditions from Christmases past with their annual lights switch on and Christmas story telling with Meath Green School.

The event was part of Care UK’s ‘Step into Christmas’ initiative, which aims to revive residents’ festive traditions, encouraging them to share memories with the younger generation. 

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

On the day, residents were joined by Father Christmas to switch on Amherst House’s Christmas lights, and the Grinch, who was determined to steal the spirit of Christmas and turn the lights back off again! 

This year, there were special visitors all around, with a visit from some younger friends from Meath Green School who enjoyed listening to stories told by the home’s residents. Visitors were also treated to a performance of classic carols by local classical and opera star Demelza, who sang Christmas songs from across the decades. 

Resident Betty, 94, said of the day: “I loved reading old stories to the children. They were so well behaved throughout the day, even when the Grinch was around! It was such a wonderful way to get into the festive spirit, and switching the lights on with Father Christmas is a tradition that should always be a part of Christmas.”

Cristina Cristea, General Manager at Amherst House, said: “Christmas is such a special time of year, and this event allowed us to honour those memories from residents’ childhoods of singing carols in their own childhood. 

“It was a wonderful opportunity to bring different generations from the community together for a day of festive cheer. It was truly heartwarming to watch residents reminisce and share stories from Christmases gone by. 

“We’d like to extend a huge thank you to Meath Green School, Father Christmas, and the local community for joining us and making the day so joyous for all involved! Their presence brought an extra sparkle to the day.”

For further information on Step into Christmas, visit careuk.com/Step-into-Christmas.

Amherst House has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and enable residents to lead active and fulfilled lives in a luxury environment. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, and has its own cinema room, pub and hair and beauty salon.