Christmas is coming to St John’s!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

2020 has certainly been a challenging year for everyone, and especially for those of us in the care sector. Families separated, unable to see each other for months, as well as the stress, strain and anxiety associated with the virus; 2020 has been the toughest year for the charity on record.

However, this has not dampened our Christmas spirit!

Elf Day 2020

The almshouses took part in the Alzheimer’s Society national initiative, Elf Day on Friday 4th December 2020.

Our team went above and beyond last week to spread some festive cheer whilst supporting the Alzheimer’s Society.

You might be wondering: what exactly is Elf Day? It’s all about raising money and awareness for people living with dementia.

This cause is very important to us. St John’s Moorside is a specialist in dementia care, providing unrivalled and truly personalised care. There are many ways to get involved each year, but our almshouse team dressed up as Santa’s little helpers. It was a fun and joyous day for everyone! Our team of elves dancing around the Almshouse sites, handing out candy canes and spreading festive cheer from a safe, sociable distance. Visit our photo gallery to view more photos of our Almshouse elves in action.

Here is a list of upcoming activites across the charity:

Christmas events at Moorside 2020

15th December at 1.30pm: It’s panto time! We will be broadcasting Robin Hood the pantomime on the big screen in the Winchester Lounge, and a Christmas Party will be held for residents in Keats Lounge.

16th December at 1pm: A live theatre showing of Charles Dickens’ beloved Christmas Carol will be shown on the big screen in the Winchester Lounge

17th December at 1.30pm: a Christmas Party will be held for residents in King Alfred Suite

21st December: We are excited to announce that Santa and an accompanying choir will be visiting Moorside to spread some joy.

22nd December at 3pm: Father Mark Hogan will be leading a service in the Winchester Lounge for residents and staff

23rd December at 11.15am: Christmas Carol Service will be held

We also have a lovely video of children singing classic Christmas carols to show to our residents on 23rd December. Like our other viewings and shows, this will be on the big screen in our cosy Winchester Lounge.

Even though this year is going to be a little different from other years previously, our Welfare and Activities team at Moorside have been working hard to ensure we have a fun and safe itinerary of plans for our residents.

Christmas at the Almshouses

11th December at 4pm – 5pm: Sherry & Lights

To all of our Almshouse residents:

Dig out those candles and light them up
Come to the door with a glass or a cup
A tot of sherry or juice, our candles glowing
In a socially distanced way of showing 
We can all join together 
With a thought or a prayer
For friends and neighbours, to show that we care
At 5pm you are cordially invited 
For all at St John’s to stand united 
In sending good wishes from all different places, 
But of course remembering Hands, Face and Spaces!

We will come round with sherry (or juice) and a mince pie between 4-5pm. At 5pm, we ask you to light your candle and raise a glass to the St John’s Community. Together in the light, merry and bright.

Have you visited our social media channels yet? Head over to @stjohnswinch on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to find out more about our festive plans and to stay up-to-date with all news and updates.