Care Assistant has special wedding celebration at The Manor House care home

The Manor House care home in Knaresborough held a special wedding celebration for a Care Assistant on Friday 10 September after her wedding was postponed for over a year due to coronavirus restrictions. 

After their original 2020 wedding date was postponed, Katie Pickering, Care Assistant at Anchor’s The Manor House Knaresborough care home on Hambleton Grove, and her husband Phil Pickering finally said I do on Saturday 7 August at Skipbridge Country Weddings. 

Residents at the care home thoroughly enjoyed hearing about Katie’s plans over the last few years and when the idea of having a second ceremony at the home was discussed, residents responded with a resounding yes. To celebrate Katie and Phil tying the knot, the care team organised a ceremony and celebration for the couple at the care home on 10 September.

Katie said: “I’ve worked at Anchor’s The Manor House Knaresborough for over three years now and from my engagement to the wedding day, the residents have really enjoyed in sharing in all the excitement with me.

"When we started planning the second ceremony residents said it really gave them something to look forward to.

“Although my husband doesn’t work in care, he’s very understanding of how much this role can make you feel like you are part of a whole other family, and its feels very fitting to share our wedding day with them.”

Once residents received their invitations, Anchor’s The Manor House Knaresborough care home was full of excitement in the days leading up to the celebration with residents discussing plans for the day and what they would wear. 

The day started with a ceremony in the garden with Reverend Garry Hinchcliffe from St John’s Church in Knaresborough performing a blessing for the newlyweds under an arch specially set up for the occasion. Residents donned their best fancy dress and hats for the event and were thrilled to be able to spend the special day with the couple. 

Following the ceremony, residents and the care team enjoyed a wedding reception with a special buffet meal prepared by the kitchen team complete with a three-tier wedding cake. 

Joanne Meredith, Activities Coordinator at Anchor’s The Manor House Knaresborough care home, said: “Our residents really enjoyed talking about Katie’s plans for her big day, so we wanted to find a way for them to be part of this momentous occasion.

"We thought holding our own ceremony and reception would be the perfect way to do this. Everyone was so happy they were able to celebrate Katie and Phil and it was even more special after the extra time the couple had to wait.

“We pride ourselves in creating activities for residents that keep them engaged and enhance their wellbeing. Events like this really boost residents’ spirits while also enhancing the sense of community we have at Anchor’s The Manor House Knaresborough care home.”

Katie has been a Care Assistant at Anchor’s The Manor House Knaresborough care home for over three years and met Phil, an IT analyst from Nottingham, eight years ago. The couple has two daughters, Aria and Bella. 

Jean Drivers, 88, a resident at Anchor’s The Manor House Knaresborough care home, said: “Katie is a wonderful carer, and it was such a great fun celebrating her and Phil. Congratulations to them both, to many more happy years!”

For more information on Anchor’s The Manor House Knaresborough call: 01423 797 555.