Dozens of treasured teddy bears of all shapes and sizes came out to play at a Dorset care home’s picnic.
Residents, relatives and team members at Colten Care’s Amberwood House in Ferndown had fun as they showed off their personal collections to each other.
Some of the bears brought along by residents were – like their owners – aged in their 90s.
And a human-sized teddy, aka Companion Nicky Stevens, made an appearance too, prompting plenty of smiles and laughter.
As well as the bears, the picnic featured nostalgic treats echoing childhood parties such as marmalade sandwiches, scones and lemonade, and there was a teddy parade and quiz with the chance to win a bear prize.
Among the residents enjoying the goings-on and sharing childhood memories were husband and wife Bill and Betty Chalkly,
Betty said: “It was fantastic! What an unusual and wonderful idea. We really enjoyed seeing all the teddy bears and sharing the memories they brought back. It was such a lovely afternoon.”
Home Manager Kerry Mason said: “Our picnic was a lovely celebration of childhood nostalgia and personal histories. It was heart-warming to see the residents enjoying themselves so much.”
Amberwood House is one of seven Colten Care homes rated Outstanding by care sector regulator the Care Quality Commission.
