MK Dons Join Castlemead Court Care Home’s Christmas Light Switch-On

On Friday 21st November, care homes across the Excelcare Group lit up their festive displays in celebration of our annual Christmas Light switch-on.

Members of our care home communities, their friends, family members and local people were invited to join the festivities and celebrate the countdown to Christmas with us.

At Castlemead Court Care Home in Newport Pagnell, they were also joined by some VIP guests from MK Dons FC to celebrate the special occasion with them.

Amongst the guests included team members from the football club, players and their mascots which made the festive celebrations more exciting for the people living and working at Castlemead – especially the MK Dons football fans!

This wonderful partnership between the care home and the football club began following the launch of the MK Dons Community Trust. They began to host physical activity sessions every Wednesday for people living with dementia, brain injuries, and other neurological conditions. From the very first session, the relationship between the Community Trust and Castlemead Court blossomed. The team saw—almost instantly—the difference the sessions made. Some of the people living at Castlemead who are often quiet began to engage; smiles appeared and moments of connection filled the room. It was clear that these sessions weren’t just activities; they were enjoyable occasions that helped to build connections.

During the evening of the Christmas Light Switch-On, they leaned on the relationships they had developed, sang Christmas songs together, enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies, and counted down to the moment their lights illuminated. A special performance from Push Button B also got the crowd in the spirit as they sang and danced along.

“I was delighted to see our community turn up in their numbers to celebrate our Christmas Light Switch-on with us, as well as our friends from MK DONS FC who brought the festive spirit and raised many smiles,” said Home Manager, Grace Madenyika. “Occasions like this remind me how lucky we are to have the community behind us and support the work we do – it has a big impact on the people who live and work in our home and I am eternally grateful.”

It was a wonderful occasion to celebrate the start of the festive period in collaboration with friends, family and the local community.

click here for more details or to contact Castlemead Court Care Home