A flippin’ good time – Halstead care home welcomes penguins for a festive surprise

A care home in Halstead welcomed the local community – and some very special guests – through its doors for some festive fun.

Care UK’s Colne View, on Dame Mary Walk, welcomed local people, as well as a team of penguins to join residents, their families and team members at this year’s Doorstep Carols for a very special Christmas sing-along.

Widget and Pringle turned heads when they waddled through the doors to add some extra festive cheer to the caroling. The duo was brought to the home by Amazing Animals – and are the perfect visitors for older and younger people alike, thanks to their friendly and relaxed nature. 

Resident Ruth Silverlock, aged 86, said: “It was so wonderful seeing the penguins! I was surprised at how tame they were. They were quite happy just sitting on my lap and they seemed to enjoy the attention from everyone!”

Doorstep Carols aims to inspire the nation to take to their front doors and sing-along to well-known carols and Christmas songs. 

Monica Boldeata, Home Manager at Colne View, said: “We had a wonderful time getting into the festive spirit with help from our feathered friends – it’s not every day we have penguins running round the home! 

“The residents had a fantastic time singing their favourite Christmas classics and sharing festive memories with their relatives and friends, as well as meeting some new faces.

“Everyone here at Colne View are now feeling well and truly ready for Christmas and we’re looking forward to continuing the festivities over the coming days. I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who came – especially Widget and Pringle – and wish everyone a merry Christmas.”

Colne View is a care home designed to deliver the very best standards of care, and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home offers a range of services including residential care, residential dementia care and respite care.

For more information about please call Customer Relations Manager, Kim Richardson on 01787 389474, email kim.richardson@careuk.com 

For general information please visit, careuk.com/colne-view