Samba, smiles and sunshine! Community joins Newbury care home for ultimate summer festival

A care home in Newbury transported the local community all the way to beautiful Brazil with a very special event.

The team at Care UK’s Winchcombe Place, on Maple Crescent, were joined by the people of Newbury for their Rio Carnival inspired festival.

With live entertainment from local singing superstars, Jan Robinson and Harry Goff, guests put on their dancing shoes to show off their best samba-style moves.

Partygoers were also treated to traditional Brazilian dishes, and enjoyed trying their hand at some fun, family-friendly games. Winchcombe Place also held a best-dressed competition, which was won by Linda Seymour, receptionist at Winchcombe Place, for her colourful, carnival outfit.

Making the day extra special, the team arranged a video call with community members from Paranagua City, in southern Brazil, giving residents and visitors chance to learn more about the culture and traditions of its local people. The home has an ongoing relationship with the group, thanks to Lifestyle Coordinator, Eduardo Gegembauer, who volunteers for The Grupo Very Good – an organisation who support the people of Paranagua City. 

93-year-old Ernest Brimble, a resident at Winchcombe Place, said: “I had the best day – we definitely know how to throw a party here! It was lovely to see everyone’s outfits and to try all the different foods.”

Shirley Summerbell, Home Manager at Winchcombe Place, added: “We were delighted to welcome the local community to our Rio Carnival inspired festival where we enjoyed plenty of samba, smiles and sunshine.

“Our festival offered a wonderful opportunity for intergenerational interaction, as families, friends, and neighbours came together to enjoy the festivities. Children showcased their dance moves alongside residents, fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity across all age groups. The event was a wonderful opportunity for the community to witness the vibrant and active lifestyle enjoyed by residents at Winchcombe Place.

“I’d like to extend a huge thank you to the team here at Winchcombe Place for organising such a wonderful event, and to everyone who came along and helped make the day such a success – we’re already looking forward to our next party!”

To find out more about Care UK’s Festival Season celebrations, please visit: careuk.com/festival-season 

To find out more about Winchcombe Place, call Customer Relations Manager, Vicki Lambourne, on vicki.lambourne@careuk.com or call 01635 783098.

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

Winchcombe Place is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, 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.