Ferendune Court care home hosts Easter egg competition with local nursery

Residents at Ferendune Court care home in Oxfordshire are putting on their judging hats and hosting a ‘Design an Easter Egg’ competition for local nursery children. 

To mark the run up to Easter Sunday, Anchor Hanover’s Ferendune Court is partnering with Old Station Nursey in Oxfordshire to maintain important intergenerational connections.

Prior to the pandemic, the children at the local nursery were regular visitors at the care home, something that both the residents and children have dearly missed. 

Whilst the children can’t currently meet with the residents due to ongoing coronavirus restrictions, this Easter, they will be celebrating together by decorating and designing various coloured eggs, which will then be delivered to the residents of Ferendune Court for judging.

With a nominated judging panel, the residents will award their top three young designers with chocolate Easter egg prizes, with all of the 30 participating children receiving a sweet treat to mark the occasion.

The decorated eggs will then stay at the care home for all the residents to enjoy, as part of their Easter decorations. 

Alison Grimshaw, Home Manager at Anchor Hanover’s Ferendune Court said: 

Here at Ferendune Court, we are incredibly proud to be a part of the close-knit Faringdon community. Our residents have always enjoyed visits from local community groups and schools, and we have held some wonderful events in the past. Sadly, the restrictions have meant that our regular visits have had to be put on hold and the residents are really missing seeing and engaging with the children. This is why we were thrilled that the nursery was keen to join in with our easter egg competition. We can’t wait for our home to be filled with the brightly coloured Easter egg designs and the residents are very much looking forward to seeing all the wonderful artwork on display as part of our Easter celebrations!

Stephanie Dorling, Nursey Manager, The Old Station Nursey said: 

We are so thrilled to take part in this competition. Over the years we have built up a lovely relationship with Ferendune Court and have enjoyed visiting the residents. Covid-19 has altered this, and we really look forward to the day once again, when we are able to visit in person with the children and share lovely mornings over crafts and stories, and of course with the lovely treats that they spoil the children with.

Despite the ongoing coronavirus restrictions, Anchor Hanover care homes continuously look for ways to foster bonds between residents, colleagues and the local community, focusing particularly on activities which connect different generations. Whether through exchanging arts and crafts or communicating using technology, throughout the pandemic, residents continued to maintain relationships with children in the community. These interactions give them a chance to connect, build intergenerational understanding and bring them joy during this difficult time. 

Catherine Holmes, Director of Care Quality at Anchor Hanover said: 

At Anchor Hanover, we see first-hand the benefits of intergenerational interaction, for both our residents and the young people. We’re very proud of how we managed to continue our various intergenerational activities despite the limitations of the pandemic. They have really lifted spirits and brought smiles to everyone’s faces. We can’t wait to meet with our young friends in person again.

For more information on Anchor Hanover’s Ferendune Court care home, please call: 01367 244267