Schoolchildren join Bracknell care home for journey into Christmas past

Old festive traditions have come to life at a care home in Bracknell, where residents welcomed a local school and church congregation for a day of seasonal activities. 

Bickerton House, on Warfield Road, joined forces with young visitors from Whitegrove Primary School to revisit customs from Christmases past.

Residents were treated to a special performance of traditional and new Christmas carols from the talented schoolchildren.

The generations came together to sing Christmas carols through the ages, from music dating as far back as 1848, to new Christmas pop songs from recent years. Song sheets weren’t even needed, as once the children started singing, old memories came flooding back to the residents, and they quickly joined in with the songs! 

Resident Jennifer, age 77, said of the day: “I loved seeing all the children singing the carols I remember singing with my friends in my own youth! It made me feel quite emotional that these songs are still passed down through the generations, and I love that they’re still being sung by the children of today. The performance was so beautiful, and I thoroughly enjoyed the children’s visit.”

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

By blending storytelling, crafts and carol singing, the sessions create a space for meaningful intergenerational connection. For further information on Step into Christmas, visit careuk.com/Step-into-Christmas.

Michael Pallister, Home Manager at Bickerton House, said: “Christmas is such a special time of year, and this event allowed us to honour those memories from residents’ childhoods of carol singing with their families and loved ones.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to bring different generations and the local 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 Whitegrove Primary School for joining us and making the day so joyous for all involved! Their presence brought an extra sparkle to the day.”  

Bickerton House has been designed to encourage residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, while remaining as independent as possible in a safe environment. The state-of-the-art care home provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, and features a bar, cinema and hair and beauty salon.