Local primary school joins Maidstone care home for a journey into Christmas past

Old festive traditions came to life at a care home in Maidstone, where residents welcomed local primary school children for a day of seasonal activities. 

Care UK’s Invicta Court, on Gidd’s Pond Way, joined forces with young visitors from Leigh Academy, Bearsted, to revisit customs from Christmas past, with a very special personal connection for one of the team.

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 younger generations. 

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

On the day, residents were joined by children from Leigh Academy, Bearsted, who took part in some festive crafting including making paper chains, vintage Christmas cards, and Christmas decorations.

Adding to the afternoon’s journey into the past was a 1950s living room, decked out in its fifties Christmas best, which had been purpose built by the home’s Maintenance Manager, Brian Thornton. Residents showed the youngsters around, to reminisce and share stories of their own Christmases gone by, before reading a special festive story. 
 
Brian said: “I enjoyed building the display, but I did find it quite a challenge this year as I wanted it to be as authentic as possible. My vision was for residents to see the display and hopefully stir memories of a typical Christmas in the 1950's, then share these with their families and the wider community. The feedback has been amazing with many residents thanking me for transporting them back to a Christmas past!”
 
 Resident Christine Sachs, 78, said: “Brian is always so passionate about everything he does for the residents, and it's reflected in his hard work with our annual Christmas displays. It looks exactly like my grandparents’ home – his research has definitely paid off. 

Sara Barbosa, Home Manager at Invicta Court, said: “Christmas is such a special time of year, and this event allowed us to honour those memories from residents’ childhoods of crafting and telling stories at Christmas time. 

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

“Brian’s fantastic display helped everyone truly step back in time to be transported to the 1950s and allowed us to celebrate his craftsmanship and attention to detail. 

“We’d like to extend a huge thank you to Leigh Academy, Bearsted, for joining us and making the day so joyous for all involved! Their presence brought an extra sparkle to the day.

“If there are any members of our local community who would like to see the living room for themselves, then it will be on display until Monday the 5th of January 2026, all are welcome!”

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

Invicta Court offers a permanent residential, dementia and nursing care and short-term respite care in luxurious surroundings, ensuring that residents can lead active and fulfilling lives. The home has its very own café, hair and beauty salon, bar and cinema room, and the highly trained, professional team deliver an excellent standard of person-centred care.