The countdown to Christmas started early at Abbeyfield with a host of festive outings and activities under way and lots more to look forward to in the coming weeks. Here’s a selection of some of the events that are helping to make Christmas a very merry time for our residents:
At Abbeyfield Bourton on the Water residents will be entertained by children singing carols on December 16 and volunteers will be putting on a show later in the week.
Abbeyfield Braintree and Bocking’s festive programme includes Rock Around the Christmas tree, a tea party, Carols by Candlelight at the local church and children singing carols.
The Abbeyfield house in North Park Road, Bradford decked its halls at the beginning of December when residents took part in a decoration workshop with park ranger Ian and the education team from the local council. Festive highlights include a pre-Christmas lunch on December 16 and a party with a musical entertainment and carols in the lounge.
Abbeyfield Brighton and Hove Society started its celebrations on December 2 with a Carol Service and tea at Brighton College. Residents will also be joined by friends, relatives and volunteers for pre-Christmas lunches and a musical afternoon rounding off with a carols sing-along on December 15.
The panto Puss-in-Boots is coming to Abbeyfield Bromley. Other treats include a bell-ringing concert and sing-along carols performed by a church choir. There will also be a New Year Party.
At Cunningham House singer Paul Ross entertained on December 2 and residents have also been to see the St Andrew’s School Nativity play. They are looking forward to a carol service on Dec ember 15 and entertainment by Geoff Jukes on Dec 24. Post Christmas activities include The American Song Book Sing-a-long and The Magic of Christmas Show. Arts and crafts mornings and afternoon film matinees in the lounge are being held at the house throughout December.
Abbeyfield Falmouth residents went out for Christmas lunch on December 8 and schoolchildren have also been in to sing carols. A performance by Salvation Army Band and singers and a buffet with family and friends is also on agenda.
The clock was turned back at Abbeyfield Gerrards Cross when the Swingtime Sweethearts - dressed as WAAFs and fresh from recording with Dame Vera Lynn the previous day - performed every wartime song you could think of! Residents were also entertained by about 20 carol-singing Cubs. There is still the house Christmas lunch with staff, followed by a very short version of Cinderella featuring staff and trustees on December 15, to look forward to.
Abbeyfield Gosport and Tamar got into the Christmas spirit on December with an evening featuring St Faith’s Singers, mulled wine and mince pies. Privett Farm House is also the venue for a performance of the panto Jack and the Beanstalk on Christmas Eve.
The Hill House in Sydenham Hill organised a trip to London to see the Christmas lights at the beginning of December, a local school choir came to sing carols on December 10 and there will be a a Christmas party with saxophonist on December 20.
Residents at the Abbeyfield House in Horsham headed off to a local Beefeater for a special Christmas lunch.
Victoria House in Kew is holding a Christmas party for residents, relatives and guests on December 16. Residents will also be attending a church service at St Luke’s Church on the Sunday.
Abbeyfield Locks Heath, Hampshire have had a very busy month, kicking off with Tickled Pink’s Christmas Show on December 4. Other highlights include a Christmas lunch, entertainer Annie singing songs from the 60s and, of course, mulled wine and mince pies.
There has also been an abundance of mince pies at Marsh House Crosby where they have been very busy baking 100 of the festive favourites in time for the Christmas Fayre on Saturday December 12.
Abbeyfield Mullion residents are looking forward to attending the Advent and Carol Service at Truro Cathedral on Christmas Eve .
At Oswestry the Abbeyfield house is bedecked with Christmas decorations and residents went to the Sweeney hotel for a Christmas lunch.
Abbeyfield Oxford residents enjoyed a performance by Magdalen Boys School Choir on December 8 and have several more musical treats in store including St Clements’ Singers on December 21.
In Loughborough, residents from the sheltered houses, Ingleside, May Mills and Victoria Street had a wonderful time at the Christmas lunch at the Six Hills. A Christmas Buffet with entertainer for the families and residents from Westfield Drive is also set to be a very jolly affair.
Abbeyfield Solihull is taking residents out for a Christmas lunch at the local Golf club in respect of a former resident who reached the grand age of 102 when she passed away. It was one of her bequests.
A group of local bell ringers ringing carols, served up with mince pies and mulled wine, and a carol concert by children from a local primary school are just two of the Christmas events planned at Stafford House.
Sutton House is continuing its tradition of throwing a Christmas party for residents, staff, families and friends and the old committee members of Abbeyfield. The event has been held every year for several years and the residents really enjoy the party atmosphere.
Abbeyfield Swanage is holding a Carol Service on December 13.
Abbeyfield Telford is holding Christmas carol concert with local rotary club on December 17.
Two weeks’ of fun and entertainment lie ahead for Abbeyfield Waltham Abbey residents. Cheshunt Chimes are visiting on December 14, followed by karaoke with Dot & Dave on December 19 and a Carol Service with mulled wine and mince pies on December 22. The Brownies came to perform their annual Carol Concert back in November and the mayor joined residents for a party on December 6. A New Year’s Eve party is also planned.
A Christmas quiz, carol singing by Wendover Choral Society,and carols sung by local sixth formers are among the events at the Abbeyfield House in Wendover.
Westfield House is holding a Christmas Buffet on (Dec 13) when ‘Our Flossie’ will be performing. Carols with the Kegworth Choir is planned on Dec 15, there will be more carols on December 21 and a Victorian Christmas with Brandwine entertainers on Dec 23.