The residents of Appleby Care Home in North Shields have had a Christmas wish come true as one of their most-loved traditions has returned.
Before the pandemic, the ‘Appleby Angels’ (and elves) would transform the home’s summer house into a fantastic Christmas grotto and toy workshop in the run-up to December.
In previous years, Father Christmas would often pop into the grotto to hear the Christmas wishes of the home’s residents, their families and children from the local area.
Well this year, we’re pleased to say that the Appleby grotto is back and Santa and his elf have already returned to spread some Christmas joy!
On Tuesday 20th December, Santa, his reindeer, and his elf landed in Appleby’s garden on the roof of the grotto.
They came to see the home’s residents, but also to surprise the nursery children who had arrived to sing carols for the Appleby Christmas party.
The children were in awe of the man in the red suit and were thrilled to receive a gift from Santa in his grotto.
Clare Leonard, home manager of Appleby, said: “This was the first proper Christmas party with residents’ loved ones and local children for four years, and we have all been looking forward to it so much.
“It was such a lovely moment to see the children’s faces when Father Christmas walked in to surprise them. We’re thrilled to have the Appleby grotto back up and running and our home filled with Christmas cheer. Thank you to our Appleby Angels team for working so hard to make this Christmas magical for our residents.”
