Some of Keynsham’s oldest and youngest residents got together for a Christmas play-date with a difference at housing association Curo’s Hawthorn Court Extra Care Centre.
Curo invited children and parents from the local playgroup along to a messy play session at the centre in the style of Channel 4’s ‘Old People’s Home for Four-Year-Olds’ TV programme.
Over 50 children and grown-ups joined together to paint and create, with singing and a visit from Father Christmas adding to the festive atmosphere.
Curo Sheltered Housing Officer, Terri Underhill, said, “It’s wonderful to see both ends of the age spectrum enjoying each other’s company. This is the second time we’ve held this session and the older residents at Hawthorn Court will be talking about this for weeks and weeks afterwards. You can see how happy events like this make everyone.”
Hawthorn Court’s oldest resident Dorothy Thompson was at the session. She said, “I watched a programme about this on TV and it’s lovely to see the children here today enjoying themselves.”
Dorothy is one of Hawthorn Court’s first residents, moving in just before her 90th birthday, and will be celebrating her 100th birthday with a party on Saturday.
Local mum Becky Walsh came along with her two-year-old son Casper who was busy painting with Hawthorn Court resident Joan. Becky said, “I live nearby and walk past Hawthorn Court most days. I heard about this through a friend so I decided to drop in today. It’s nice to hear about events like this. I think this is a great idea.”
Curo provides sheltered housing across the West of England with many schemes like Hawthorn Court running a busy programme of activities through their Livewell Hubs. Find out more about hubs nearby at www.curo-group.co.uk/livewellhubs.