Buckler’s Lodge in Crowthorne celebrated the first anniversary of Buckler’s Babies – its successful intergenerational stay & play group
The leading not-for-profit care home in Crowthorne, Buckler’s Lodge, has just marked the first anniversary since the start of its successful intergenerational playgroup.
Buckler’s Babies started life in June 2023 as a way to connect local mums with babies or toddlers with the older generation of residents in the home. Since then, the fortnightly event has gone from strength to strength, welcoming tens of visitors into the home for a play date, to the delight of residents. In particular of Rachel, 87, a long-standing resident at Buckler’s Lodge and former Paediatric nurse. “I love coming to see the children, it’s my speciality you know”, says Rachel. “I love getting down on the floor and playing with them”.
The home, which offers award-winning residential and dementia care in a private, purpose-built space overlooking Buckler’s Forest, has been embraced by local families as an ideal play setting.
One of the regulars is Tina, whose own mum lives in the home and who often joins her daughter-in-law and granddaughter in play dates – bringing four generations of the family under one roof. “We are privileged as a family to be able to get all these generations together as my Mum is able to see her great grandchildren in a play environment. She feels enormous pride and pleasure in being able to ‘give something back’ to us”, explains Tina.
“It is wonderful to see the pleasure on the faces of many of the residents as they watch the babies and young children play, whilst enjoying a cup of coffee. It is a relaxed, and welcoming environment. Buckler’s Babies gives residents who don’t have family local or don’t have any young relatives the opportunity to interact with different generations.”
Buckler’s Babies’ first anniversary was marked with the obligatory cake, entertainment by Jolly Babies and, of course, a lot of cooing.
Aimee Hallcup, Activities Coordinator at the home, is particularly proud of the new milestone. “We are beyond excited to be celebrating the first year of life of Buckler’s Babies”, explains Aimee. “We’ve seen firsthand how much joy our residents get out of the regular visits, and mums tell us all the time how much they enjoy the opportunity to come over, mix with the residents and have their little ones play and interact in a safe and welcoming space. Many of them have now become regulars and they and their little ones have forged relationships with the residents, which is lovely to see.”
To find out more about ‘Buckler’s Babies’ or book your spot, follow Buckler’s Lodge Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/BucklersLodge) and contact them through the platform.