Suffolk care home residents and school pupils join forces for Harvest Festival fun

 

Care homes in Suffolk have welcomed local primary school children to celebrate Harvest Festival.  

Residents at Care UK’s Davers Court, Glastonbury Court, Mildenhall Lodge and Mills Meadow had a-maize-ing afternoons as they celebrated the annual festival with local youngsters.  

At Davers Court, on Shakers Lane, Ann Beck, Head of Housekeeping, gave a talk about the origins of the festival, what it means for today’s society, and why this long-standing tradition should not be forgotten. 

At Glastonbury Court, on Glastonbury Road, residents were joined by Sybil Andrews School children for a Harvest Festival themed church service, led by Reverand Andrew from St Peter’s Church. Residents and team members are also encouraging the local community to donate their extra, unused or unwanted non-perishable food items to Bury St Edmund’s new foodbank drop-off-point – located in the care home’s reception. The donation point will be live until Thursday 31^st October and donations will be made to Gatehouse, a local charity that provides for disadvantaged families and individuals.

Residents at Mildenhall Lodge, on St John’s Close, celebrated Harvest Festival by entering the Care UK bread making competition with pumpkin, hedgehog and mouse shaped loaves, which were stuffed with cheese and spring onion. Members of the local community joined residents to enjoy the homemade bread, which was served with cauliflower soup, freshly made by the Head Chef. As part of the initiative, food donations have also been made to the King’s Project Food Bank and residents also joined in with a scarecrow making competition.

At Mills Meadow, on Fore Street, residents were joined by Sir Robert Hitcham Primary School children to sing Harvest Festival themed songs and play a recycling game. Residents also enjoyed a harvest cooking session, baking apple crumble with locally sourced ingredients from a local farm. Mills Meadow will also be encouraging the community to donate food to their foodbank, located in the home’s reception area.

Ana Mihai, Home Manager at Glastonbury Court, said: “It was fantastic to welcome Sybil Andrews School to celebrate the annual Harvest Festival tradition and explore its importance today.”

Sophie Evans, Home Manager at Davers Court, added: “Harvest Festival is a day in the calendar where we can reflect and show gratitude for the food that we have, while serving as an opportunity to connect with others, regardless of age or background. Thank you Sam for such an insightful talk.”

Hannah Nurse, Home Manager at Mildenhall Lodge, said: “The Harvest Festival is a great opportunity to come together with residents, their families, and the wider community to support those in need during these challenging times. Thank you to everyone who came along to our tasting session and who donated goods to our local foodbank. By working together, we can help ensure that everyone has access to essential supplies as we celebrate the season of giving and gratitude." 

Kate Smith, Home Manager at Mills Meadow, concluded: “The Harvest Festival allows residents to share in the joy and energy of the younger generation, but also provides an opportunity for children to learn about the traditions and values that have shaped our community. 

“Together, we celebrate the season of abundance and the spirit of togetherness that makes occasions like these truly special."

Mills Meadow, Mildenhall Lodge, Glastonbury Court and Davers Court are modern care homes providing full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, with Davers Court having also recently opened its new day centre. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the homes have their very own cinema and hair salon, and there is plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation.