Local community joins Woking care home for a journey into Christmas past

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

Care UK’s Greenview Hall, on Streets Heath in West End, welcomed its Woking neighbours and Councillor Amanda Boote to revisit customs from Christmas past. 

On the day, Greenview Hall’s own singing group, made up of residents and team members, brought festive classics to Woking – including ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’ and ‘Silent Night’, as guests filled up on seasonal snacks and refreshments, provided by the home’s Head Chef.  

Resident Evelyn Hayes said: “I started the singing group two years ago and had the pleasure of singing a solo during the performance. It made me feel nostalgic as I used to sing in the Christmas choir when I lived at home.“ 

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 local community.

By blending storytelling, crafts and carol singing, the events create a space for meaningful connection. 

Meera Govindapillai, General Manager at Greenview Hall, said: “Hearing residents and the community sing together filled the home with such joy. For many residents here, these carols are cherished songs from their own childhood and sharing them with the younger generation was a beautiful way to keep tradition alive. 

“The activity really brought out the true spirit of the season and we are so grateful to Woking for joining us in bringing the festivities to Greenview Hall.” 

Designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Greenview Hall incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, with the layout of the building configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.