Horsham care home celebrates Chinese New Year

The festivities, inspired by Chinese culture and traditions were a delight for staff, residents, relatives and friends of the home.

To set the scene, Westlake House was decorated with hanging red lanterns. The chef cooked up an oriental feast and everyone celebrated in style with a special lunch of traditional Chinese food including spring rolls, sweet and sour chicken and egg fried rice.

Elizabeth Higson, general manager of Westlake House saw the occasion as the perfect opportunity for residents to do something different, and bring the popular celebrations going on around the country and local community into the home. She said: “Whether it’s learning about the origins of the mythical lion dance or learning some traditional Chinese dancing, activities like these always provide a fun and engaging way for our residents to celebrate Chinese New Year.

One resident said: “I love the vibrant costumes and learning about the Chinese Zodiac animal traits.

“A person born in the Year of the Rabbit is said to be gracious, amiable, compassionate and a good companion, which sounds like one of my friends here.”