Fornham House calls on the community to help create Winter Wonderland

The team at Fornham House care home in Fornham St Martin, near Bury St Edmunds, is calling on neighbours, business owners, schools, local organisations and members of the public to help them create a magical Christmas experience for their residents.

Deputy Home Manager, Clare Pethick set out to find a way to make Christmas extra special for residents this year, as Coronavirus restrictions remain in place for care homes. 

Determined to make the festive season as enjoyable and memorable as always, Clare and the team are aiming to create a ‘winter wonderland’ in the grounds of the home, and are calling on the local community to help make it a festive spectacle. 

With an extensive outside space, the team hopes to fill the garden with Christmas trees, decorations and lights for residents to enjoy.  Now, they are looking for help, and are asking anyone who can, to loan or donate contributions of surplus decorations, lights or trees to help them make the garden spectacular in the run-up to Christmas.

Clare explains, “We’re absolutely determined to make Christmas of 2020 memorable for all the right reasons for our residents, and it means we’re getting creative to think of additional ideas to bring them the beautiful festive season that they all know and love.

“Obviously our priority is keeping our residents safe, so by creating a festive wonderland in our garden, we’ll be able to make this happen.  We’re already underway with our own decorations, but ideally we would love as many trees, lights, decorations, ornaments and garlands as possible to fill our outdoor space.

“If anyone can spare some of these items that they no longer need or have surplus, we would be delighted.  We’re also keen for offers of help in setting up the spectacle and will be organising this with social distancing rules in place.”

Speaking about Christmas, resident Neville said “I think everyone here is really looking forward to seeing lots of bright light around the garden this Christmastime. I will certainly enjoy seeing it all on my regular evening strolls.”

Anyone who would like to find out more or would like to contribute to the home’s winter wonderland is asked to contact Clare on 01284 768327 or via email to deputy@fornhamhouse.healthcarehomes.co.uk.

Pip Rich