Team members, residents, family and our friends in the community came together in a spectacular celebration of music, dance, and camaraderie at the 1940s Tea Dance, the first joint event hosted by Athena Care Homes’ sister homes in Cambridge—Alex Wood House and Langdon House.
Held at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Arbury, a welcoming and beautiful space for the occasion, the event was a heartwarming success, bringing joy and nostalgia to all who attended and raising funds for the Red Hen Project at the same time.
A total of 72 tickets were allocated for the event, with residents arriving in their finest attire, ready to embrace the spirit of the 1940s. The afternoon was filled with laughter, dancing, and community spirit, as everyone waved flags and joined in the lively dance sessions.
Alex Wood House General Manager, Julie Fuller, shared her delight, saying, “It was fantastic to see the residents arriving at the church and having a wonderful time—flag-waving, dancing, and we all tried to learn the Gay Gordon dance, with some achieving more success than others!”
Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, the event featured a captivating performance by the talented May Blossom, Vintage Songbird, whose stunning vocals and engaging dance class made the experience all the more special.
Team members from both homes were on hand to assist throughout the afternoon, ensuring that residents and guests had a fantastic time.
“It was lovely to see the two homes coming together like this, along with members of the community, for such a wonderful cause,” said Amber. “The joy and enthusiasm were evident on everyone’s faces, making it a truly memorable event.”
A key highlight of the event was the fundraising efforts for The Red Hen Project, a local charity that supports families in need. Attendees had the opportunity to contribute through various fundraising activities, including a craft stall featuring handmade items from residents, family members, and friends. Among the delightful creations were embroidered felt decorations, bookmarks, and hanging ornaments.
The Red Hen Project is a small but impactful local charity that has been working with primary school children in North Cambridge for over 20 years. Their family workers provide essential support to children and families, bridging the gap between home and school. They offer one-on-one support tailored to each family’s needs, addressing challenges such as behaviour difficulties, reluctance to attend school, family routines, and access to extracurricular activities.
Residents from both Alex Wood House and Langdon House also played a significant role in the event’s preparations. In the weeks before the event they created bunting to adorn the church hall, handcrafted Red Hen pin badges, and even small gonks stuffed with Crème Eggs as fun, seasonal gifts for attendees.
The event was not only a celebration of history and dance but also a testament to the strong community spirit that exists within the Athena Care Homes family.
“We want to thank everyone who was involved in making this event such a success,” said Andreea Militaru, General Manager at Langdon House. “It was a real team effort, from those who prepared the delicious food in our homes to the volunteers who set up and tidied up after the event. It couldn’t have been done without the dedication and support of so many.”
Looking ahead, the success of the 1940s Tea Dance has paved the way for more joint events between the two homes. Plans are already in motion for a special VE Day celebration in early May, in collaboration with the Cambridge Veterans Club, promising another fantastic gathering for residents and the wider community.
This event exemplified Athena Care Homes’ commitment to fostering connections and being there for each other, making moments, and supporting charitable causes in our local community. It was an afternoon to remember, filled with joy, dancing, and heartfelt generosity, all in support of The Red Hen Project, which continues to make a positive impact in the lives of families across North Cambridge.
For those who attended, it was a chance to relive cherished memories, embrace the joy of singing and dancing and create new moments to treasure.
To find out more about daily li8fe and lifestyle at our Cambridge care homes you can visit our website here.
Langdon House – Langdon House Care Home, Cambridge | Athena Care Homes
Alex Wood House – Alex Wood House Care Home, Cambridge | Athena Care Homes
