Halstead care home a part of nationwide carol signing event

Care UK’s Colne View in Halstead were part of a carol singing event across the UK.

Residents and team members headed out onto their doorstep alongside people across the country to take part in the official Doorstep Carols.

Last year, more than 125,000 people took part in the initiative that sees the nation to take to their front doors and sing-along to well-known carols and Christmas songs in unison.

This year, Care UK was an official supporter of the initiative, with residents in more than 126 of its homes taking part in various ways.

Those at Colne View were joined by relatives, Halstead Community Choir, United in Kind, Essex Fire Service and A&H Associates.

They were also paid a visit by four-legged friends Autumn and Jasmine the donkeys, from Kyloe Farm.

Dorothy Nolan with her daughter Anni Nolan

Joanne Donnegan with her mother Freda Rayner

Carols sung by Colne View included resident favourites ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’, ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, and ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’.

Home manager at Colne View, Monica Boldeata, said: “We had a wonderful time sipping mulled wine, snacking on roasted chestnuts, and singing along to our favourite carols.

“After the last year, we were keen to ensure this Christmas was filled with festivities, and what better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to take part in some good old-fashioned carolling.

“Although we are unable to welcome the community into the home as we have done in previous years, Doorstep Carols offered the perfect way for us to connect with local people and help to spread some cheer across the local area.

“Having Autumn and Jasmine the donkeys join us was the cherry on the cake, and residents loved having a furry friend surprise them for the afternoon.

“Doorstep carols was a wonderful success, and we are looking forward to taking part again next year!”