Luton care home hosts outdoor cinema night for residents

Residents at a Luton care home were treated to a special outdoor cinema screening of Mary Poppins with popcorn and all the trimmings.

Friends of the Elderly's Little Bramingham Farm care home organised the evening in partnership with local independent company Magical Hideout, and it was a film-tastic affair with popcorn, lights, goodie bags and themed accessories for the residents to enjoy.

Resident Eileen Gleasure said: “Watching one of my all- time favourite films, in such a lovely setting, was a real treat.

"Everyone was singing along with Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke – especially to ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’.

"I think I impressed some of the care home team when I told them that the actual word was added to the Oxford English Dictionary with a definition of ‘extraordinarily good or wonderful’, which actually sums up the film night perfectly.

"Well, practically perfectly – in every way!”

Care Home Manager, Emma Lawrance, said: “The movie night was a huge success. All the residents thoroughly enjoyed the outside cinema experience.

"It was a warm night, but we made sure everyone was wrapped up, cosy and well hydrated.

"The atmosphere was brilliant and with everyone singing along to the well-known tracks, it was magical. I think that ‘Jolly Holiday’ would have raised the roof if we’d been inside.”

Thelma Guess, another resident at Little Bramingham Farm added: “What a wonderful evening we had. The film brought back so many happy memories.”

Emma added: “During the COVID-19 lockdown, the team and I have been focused on ensuring our residents have enjoyable, fun-filled days with lots of socially distanced activities, and the movie night was certainly one of the recent highlights.

"We’re hoping to put on more outside cinema experiences before the colder nights draw in.

"We know the residents are keen, it’s now just deciding what to show next, perhaps ‘Singing in the Rain’ would be a good choice.”