Newbury care home residents and local children’s football club cheer on England in the World Cup

It’s officially coming home at a Newbury care home, which has kicked off its England support with a range of activities.

Football fever has taken over for residents at Care UK’s Winchcombe Place, on Maple Crescent, who hosted a cinema-style viewing of the England vs Wales match, inviting players from the AFC Newbury under 14s team to join the fun.

The team decorated the home with England flags and red and white balloons, while the children and residents sported face paint and novelty hats for the occasion, kicking off the evening by singing the national anthem together.

Showing its support for the budding young football players, Winchcombe Place has also donated £400 to AFC Newbury under 14s to sponsor the team’s new kit and will also be hosting a residents vs children football match in January.

Lifelong football fan and Reading FC supporter, Ken Peedell, aged 84, was delighted to receive a signed football and shirt from the club on the night of the match – securing a win for both England and Ken all in one evening.

Resident Patricia Stevens, aged 86, who helped present the football club to the AFC Newbury under 14s, added: “It was a wonderful evening, and the boys were so polite – definitely a credit to their club!”

Shirley Summerbell, Home Manager at Winchcombe Place, added: “We had a wonderful time watching England win their World Cup match with the AFC Newbury under 14s – the atmosphere each time a goal was scored was amazing – and it was wonderful to see everyone bond over their love of the sport.

“Here at Winchcombe Place, we strive to play an active role in the community, and we’re delighted to be sponsoring the kit of our younger sporting friends. We’d like to say a huge thank you to Reading FC for Ken’s gifts and to AFC Newbury under 14s for being great company – we’re already looking forward to welcoming them back soon!”

 

Winchcombe Place is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia and short-term respite care. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.

To find out more about Winchcombe Place, call Customer Relations Manager, Vicki Lambourne, on 01635 899526, or email vicki.lambourne@careuk.com.

For more general information, visit careuk.com/winchcombe-place.