Orchard House Care Home Celebrates Burns Night

Orchard House Care Home in Wisbech brought a touch of Scotland to their monthly ‘Company Café’ as residents, staff, and members of the local community gathered to celebrate Burns Night in true Scottish style. Themed food, traditional music, and a special guest speaker made for a fantastic morning filled with warmth, laughter, and cultural appreciation.

A highlight of the event was a reading of the famous Robert Burns poem, delivered by Jean, a guest originally met at the Salvation Army Coffee Mornings. A proud Scot, Jean’s recital of the iconic words set the tone for a wonderful celebration. The Hereward Ukulele Group then took to the stage, delighting everyone with an hour of traditional Scottish music. Residents and guests thoroughly enjoyed the live performance, singing along with the nine ukulele players as they played well-loved Scottish tunes.

No Burns Night would be complete without traditional Scottish fare, and the talented catering team at Orchard House certainly delivered. Led by Head Chef Dave, the team prepared delicious haggis, tatties, and neeps sliders—affectionately dubbed “sliders” by Dave—served with a rich red wine gravy. To round off the meal, guests were treated to a classic Scottish dessert, cranachan, which was a firm favourite among those attending.

The celebration was made even more special with the presence of visitors including Wisbech Mayor Councillor Sidney Imafidon, Tesco Community Champion Julie Bushby and Glenfield Care Home, who all joined in the festivities and shared in the joy of the occasion. “It was a truly wonderful time, and the atmosphere was fantastic,” said one of the Glenfield Care Home staff members. “The warmth and hospitality at Orchard House made us feel so welcome.”

Reflecting on the event, General Manager Sarah Watson said, “It was wonderful to see everyone come together to celebrate Scottish heritage and enjoy such a fantastic morning. Our Company Cafés are always special, but this Burns Night edition was extra memorable. Seeing our residents, staff, and community members singing along, enjoying great food, and sharing in the moment was heart-warming.”  

Lifestyle Lead Miranda also shared her thoughts, saying, “This was such a unique and enjoyable morning for everyone. The live music, poetry reading, and delicious food really brought Burns Night to life. Our Company Cafés are all about connection, and this event was a perfect example of how these gatherings create meaningful moments for our residents and the wider community.”

Orchard House Care Home’s monthly Company Cafés have been a much-loved event for over two years, providing a space for residents, staff, and the local Wisbech and Fenland community to come together, share stories, and make lasting connections. With each themed event bringing something different, the home looks forward to welcoming even more guests to future gatherings.

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