Basingstoke care home brings joy to children at Christmas grotto

 

Residents and team members at a care home in Basingstoke visited local nursery children for a special Christmas event. 

To ensure the community was in the Christmas spirit, Care UK’s Dashwood Manor, on Bradley Way, paid a special visit to Dandelions Pre-School to allow children to experience the magic of meeting Mr. Claus himself. 

Team members from Dashwood Manor dressed up as Santa’s elves, while resident John Manuel, 92, had the honour of stepping into the red suit and donning a white beard. 

John, who was formerly a MET Police officer, said: "I was honoured to play a role in the Christmas magic – I've done it for two years running and it is very enjoyable.

“I had a little chuckle thinking of my late wife seeing me playing Father Christmas for nursery children. She would have loved that."

All other team members, residents, children and family were encouraged to don their festive attire and get into the seasonal spirit while Santa handed out gifts to dozens of children. 

Kelli-Ann Rushton, manager at Dandelions Pre-School, said: “We are so proud of the links we have created with Dashwood Manor. It brings so much joy to everyone. We send thanks to John, the residents of Dashwood Manor and team members for another year of some amazing intergenerational activities.”

Dil Perera, Home Manager at Dashwood Manor, added: “Here at Dashwood Manor, we’re passionate about playing an active role in our community, so we were delighted to bring a touch of festive magic to children at Dandelions Pre-School. 

“It is becoming more expensive for parents to take their children to see Santa, so we wanted to ensure no child missed out this year. 

“It was a wonderful chance to bring people together to get into the Christmas spirit and build new friendships – which is exactly what Christmas is all about.

Dashwood Manor is designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities, with luxury facilities, including a café, hair and beauty salon, cinema, bar and gardens. The highly experienced team provide residential care, dementia care, short-term respite care and nursing care.