Residents at The Orchards care home in Ely, alongside their families and members of the local community, have enjoyed a heartwarming run up to Christmas thanks to a packed programme of festive activities celebrating music, kindness and togetherness.
One of the standout highlights has been the return of The Orchards’ Wishing Tree, now in its second year. The gifting tree allows individuals to be anonymously nominated for an extra special Christmas present. Recipients may include residents, volunteers, community champions, lonely individuals without relatives, or parents who have been struggling to buy gifts for their children.
Generous donors take a tag from the tree and return with a thoughtful gift, ranging from cosy scarves and books to children’s toys. The initiative has once again proven hugely popular and has been just as successful as its inaugural year.
Festive celebrations have also embraced intergenerational connections, with children from Lantern Preschool visiting residents to take part in Christmas arts and crafts before performing their nativity. The visit created a touching bond between generations and brought smiles to residents and young performers alike.
Music has played a central role throughout the festive period. The home welcomed a range of choirs and musicians, including The Isle Singers, who performed traditional and uplifting Christmas carols. They were joined by the Cambridge University Brass Band and the City of Ely Military Band, whose lively performances filled the home with seasonal cheer.
The celebrations culminated in a lively Christmas party featuring the Band of Ukes, alongside a raffle, craft stalls and plenty of homemade mince pies, enjoyed by residents, relatives and visitors.
Erin Huggins, Assistant Activities Coordinator at The Orchards, which is run by not for profit care organisation Greensleeves Care, said:
“It’s been a busy but truly joyous run up to Christmas. The activities have captured the spirit of the season and reflected the strong sense of community we’ve fostered here at The Orchards. There’s still more to come on Boxing Day, with performances from two Ely Cathedral choristers, followed by a visit from relatives who sing together as the musical duo Gaudete, adding a very special touch to the holiday celebrations.”
These festive events form part of Greensleeves Care’s Warmth of Care winter campaign, which highlights the importance of compassion, connection and practical support for older people during the colder months.
Rebecca Buck, Activities Coordinator at The Orchards, added:
“Warmth of Care aims to help people feel good about care and reinforces the important role our homes play in their local communities. Nearly one in two adults in England increase the support they give to older relatives during winter, making this a key time to spot growing care needs and explore longer term solutions.
“We’re here to support not only our residents and their families, but anyone caring for an older person at home or in the community. Our free online resources are available to everyone, and our doors will be open from 2 to 8 February 2026 for our Big Warm Up week. This will be an opportunity to ask questions, get practical information and explore care options in a relaxed and welcoming environment.”
Families looking for advice on keeping older relatives safe, warm and well during winter can access free guidance via Greensleeves Care’s Warmth of Care campaign. www.greensleeves.org.uk/WarmthOfCare
The Orchards Wishing Tree is now in its second year (C)Greensleeves Care 
The Orchards Wishing Tree is now in its second year (C)Greensleeves Care 
The Orchards Wishing Tree is now in its second year (C)Greensleeves Care 
Residents enjoyed a Christmas visit from Lantern Preschool (C)Greensleeves Care 
Residents enjoyed a Christmas visit from Lantern Preschool (C)Greensleeves Care 
Residents enjoyed a Christmas visit from Lantern Preschool (C)Greensleeves Care 
The Isle Singers ©Greensleeves Care 
Band of Ukes (C)Greensleeves Care