Cherished memories at Brooklands’ annual lights switch on

Santa arrived at Brooklands care home for their annual lights switch on celebration as residents and the team got into the Christmas spirit.

Residents were joined by their loved ones and the home’s team for the event, welcoming Santa and his reindeer, along with Mayor Cllr Caroline Karimi-Ghovanlou, who officially pressed the button.

The event brought back wonderful memories of Christmases gone by for residents at the home and the special moments they have shared with their families as well as creating new memories.

“It took me back to my youth and how it was always such a special family atmosphere,” resident Iain Scarborough, 88, recalled.

Another resident, Joy Baxter, 92 added: “We never had lights like this when I was a child, it’s just amazing.”

Resident Nancy Wooden, 94, said: “The mince pies were lovely, and being able to see the switch on with my family made them taste even better!”

Santa set up his grotto to meet residents and to give gifts to children from the local community, which included nursery children from the Montessori Cherubs.

They are regular visitors to the 64-bed home, which provides high quality residential, nursing and dementia care and were Regional Finalists for the ‘Care Team Award’ at the Great British Care Awards 2023.

Festive food and drinks were served and Christmas carols were sung by the Heartstrings duo, while reindeer, Almo and Sven, stole the hearts of revellers.

“We love to bring joy to the residents and to see that on their faces means everything to us,” said lifestyle coordinator, Jamie Willimott.

“Almo and Sven were the stars of the show, they were really calm and well behaved. Everyone loved stroking them and getting a picture with them.”

Care home manager, Karen Willimott, said: “It truly is the most wonderful time of the year, and to see the smiles and hear the laughter from our residents and their families, makes it all worthwhile.

“To be able to hold events like this for our residents is so special as it brings everyone at Brooklands together. Everyone has gone above and beyond to make it a special evening for them.”