Young and young-at-heart unite for teddy bears’ picnic

A sunny garden gathering has brought generations together at a care home in Chelmsford.

Residents at Care UK’s Manor Lodge, on Manor Road, welcomed pupils from St Michael's CE (VA) Junior School for a teddy bears’ picnic in the home’s garden.

The event saw the residents and children come together to enjoy sandwiches in the sunshine and a relaxed afternoon of activities including singing and dancing. Teddy bears were brought along by the children, adding a playful touch as everyone settled on picnic blankets.

The two generations spent time chatting, singing along to music and enjoying each other’s company. To add to the occasion, resident Sheila Constable celebrated her 92nd birthday.

Sheila said: “Celebrating my birthday surrounded by the laughter of children and listening to them sing ‘Happy Birthday’ at the teddy bears’ picnic was simply magical.

“The children said that it must be my 21st birthday, and I said, ‘Absolutely not…younger, more like 16!’.”

The event was held as part of the Archie Project, an intergenerational programme that brings care home residents and local schoolchildren together through shared activities designed to encourage connection and conversation.

Natasha Webster, Home Manager at Manor Lodge, said: “The teddy bears’ picnic was a very special afternoon for everyone involved. Seeing the residents and children come together really highlights the value of intergenerational activities like this.

“These events are so important, and the Archie Project gives us a wonderful opportunity to build ongoing relationships with local schools to show how meaningful those connections can be.”

Manor Lodge, rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, is a modern care home that provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, it has its very own cinema, café and hair and beauty salon, and there is plenty of space – both indoors and out – for relaxation and recreation.