Stafford Hall Residents Create a ‘Tree of Love’

Stafford Hall Care Home, part of Runwood Homes Group, celebrated a touching moment of festive joy on 20 November 2025, as residents came together to begin decorating for Christmas, featuring a special highlight known as the Tree of Love, created by long-time sweethearts Ros and John.

The activity was supported by Antonia, Lifestyle Coordinator at Stafford Hall Care Home, who shared the emotional and uplifting experience that unfolded during the event.

Residents spent the afternoon preparing Christmas decorations, and Ros and her visiting husband John were invited to decorate their own miniature Christmas tree. Carefully placing twinkling lights, baubles, and festive touches, the couple completed their creation with a heart placed at the top, symbolising the enduring love they have shared for decades. Fellow residents gathered nearby, watching fondly and offering words of praise.

Antonia shared the heartfelt memories the couple talked about while decorating. Ros and John reflected on how the activity brought back cherished times of decorating their Christmas tree at home with their children. John recalled their first meeting in the 1960s at a shirt factory in Benfleet, he on the cloth stamping department, and Ros on the cuffs-on department.

Ros would playfully send his work back “incorrect” just so she could attach notes asking, “When are we going out then?” John described her as lively, funny, and the life of the factory floor, dancing whenever a song came on the radio and making the whole room roar with laughter. She even used to clock him in when he wasn’t there, earning him an unexpected telling-off from management!

The pair married in 1966, had two children named Matthew and Mark, and a dog called Luke, giving them what John joked was “the full set of apostles.” Reflecting on their lifelong bond, John said:

“When I look at her, I still see the same girl causing mischief that I met on the factory floor that day. I never want her to change.”

The Tree of Love project became a meaningful moment for the couple, giving them a shared sense of involvement and sparking joyful memories throughout their visit.

Antonia described the atmosphere as “a lovely warm one throughout… beautiful to see a couple still so in love, enjoying precious times together creating Christmas memories they will cherish.”

The highlight of the day came as Ros and John placed the heart at the top of their tree.

Stafford Hall Care Home looks forward to more heartfelt festive celebrations as Christmas approaches.

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