'To Love and To Cherish' care home revisits memories of matrimony

A wedding is often one of the highlights of family life and usually the build up to the ‘big day’ is often as exciting as the wedding day itself. Weddings linger in the memory and are often recalled with emotion, laughter and a few tears, but, it is inevitable that as the years pass and everyone grows older, the likelihood of attending a wedding lessens and it is this very fact that was recognised by the Home Manager and staff at Hilltop Hall in Stockport. So, as a consequence, it was decided that the home would stage a ‘wedding day’ for all residents to attend as guests. The happy couple who kindly agreed to share their ‘wedding’ were Adam Worsley and Rachel Foreman. Adam is a Director of Harbour Healthcare, who own the homes on the Hilltop site in Stockport, and by happy coincidence is engaged to Rachel!

Handmade invitations were sent out to all residents three weeks before the wedding date. Rachel and Adam might not have known it but the excitement about their ‘wedding’ was building long before the day itself. A programme of wedding themed activities were devised, which included ‘Lucky Silver Horseshoe’ decorating, ‘Prize Wedding Word Bingo’, a specially designed ‘Wedding Quiz’ and a special showing of the film ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ was enjoyed by everyone. Of course a pamper day with nail care and manicures was an absolute must on the day before the event. All of the activities prompted conversations, laughter and memories of many weddings from the past, our residents own special wedding days as well as those of friends and family. It has been a wonderful subject to explore and all residents were able to share their own unique experience.

On the day it was ensured that the residents experienced all that you might expect as a guest attending a wedding. Corsages and button holes, wedding hats and fascinators were all selected to match specially chosen outfits. The main reception and lounge were decorated beautifully for the event with tulle and flowers. The atmosphere was just as you would expect while waiting for the bride to walk down the aisle with her father. Diane, the minister who attends the home, kindly agreed to proceed through the traditional wedding service. Rings were exchanged, registers signed, a photographer and buffet with wedding cake, plus an entertainer took over when the formalities came to their natural conclusion, nothing was forgotten.

Harbour Healthcare’s CEO and Owner, Andrew Worsley who attended as father of the Groom said “This proved to be a wonderful event for Hilltop Hall. The excitement began when our residents received their personalised invitations and from then, all attention turned to preparation for the big day. Time spent choosing outfits and hats proved to be time well spent and everyone certainly entered into the fun of the day, which was fantastic and everyone had a great time”