Christmas at Wickmeads: A season filled with music, laughter and togetherness
Christmas at Wickmeads was a joyful celebration full of cheer, shared moments and, above all, music. Throughout December, residents enjoyed a wonderful programme of entertainment, catching up with friends, welcoming familiar faces and creating new memories together.
This year, residents set Hudson, Activities Lead at Wickmeads, a festive challenge. They asked for plenty of different entertainment and lots of opportunities to come together socially. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Hudson set out to find as many different styles and performers as possible, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.
A month of music to suit every taste
The festive programme began with Lisa Locarno, who transported residents back to the 1950s and 1960s with songs full of Motown-inspired charm. The familiar tunes sparked smiles, memories and plenty of toe-tapping across the home.
Next on the musical Christmas list was Jane Kerfoot, joined by her pianist Natalie. Together, they brought residents joy through poetry, song and even a touch of Gilbert and Sullivan, adding variety and a sense of theatre to the celebrations.
A much-anticipated return followed, as Jewel Harmonies came back to Wickmeads after visiting in the summer. As promised, they delivered Christmas cheer with songs spanning the 1940s through to the 1980s, encouraging residents to sing along and dance happily in their chairs.
Continuing the residents’ wish list, Jem the Singer brought along a wide range of music from the 1960s through to the 2000s, ensuring every generation of favourite songs was represented.
For the Wickmeads Christmas Party, residents were delighted to welcome back Alan Dove. With his trademark dad jokes and lively musical performances, he had the room filled with giggles, laughter and enthusiastic singalongs.
A traditional carol concert and some very special guests
The final musical wish was for a traditional Christmas Carol Concert. Hudson invited Debbie Murphy and friends to perform, filling the room with festive music played on the accordion and keyboard. The concert ended, fittingly, with a rousing rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas.
Adding an extra touch of warmth to the occasion, residents also met Debbie’s two rescue dogs, Betty and Gus, who sat quietly at her feet, soaking up the atmosphere and delighting everyone present.
Festive cuddles and furry friends
Music was not the only highlight of December. Wickmeads was also visited by some very special animal guests. Therapy dogs Chloe and Lottie spent time with residents, happily sitting on laps and enjoying plenty of cuddles and attention.
Loki the therapy cat also visited several times during the month, choosing warm laps and empty chairs where he could curl up and enjoy gentle strokes. These visits brought calm, comfort and smiles to many residents, adding another layer of joy to the festive season.
A special day out and shared celebrations
Among the season’s highlights was a visit to Vitality Stadium to join other Care South homes at the annual AFC Bournemouth Christmas Coffee Morning. It was a day full of music and celebration, with Pat especially eager to get up and dance along to the Christmas singer entertaining everyone.
A challenge well and truly met
With more musical entertainment planned right through until the New Year, Wickmeads has been filled with song, laughter and togetherness throughout the festive period. When Hudson asked residents whether he had met their challenge, Sadie replied with a smile that the mission had been passed and that they would have to think of a new challenge for 2026.
Christmas at Wickmeads has truly been a season to remember.
