101-Year-Old Toray Pines Resident Meets Santa for the First Time

A heartwarming Christmas moment took place at Toray Pines Care Home in Coningsby when 101-year-old resident Gwen Chapman met Santa Claus for the first time.

Volunteers from the Coningsby and Tattershall Lions Club helped make the visit possible through a special community partnership.

Gwen grew up during wartime and never experienced Christmas as it is celebrated today. Looking back on her childhood, she said:

“We didn’t have much. I hung up my dad’s socks as Christmas stockings and woke up to a piece of coal and a bit of chocolate.”

Born in 1924, Gwen met her late husband Eric in 1947. Together, they raised four children. She is now a proud grandmother to nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Gwen moved into our Lincolnshire care home in March 2025.

Meaningful Activities at Our Residential & Dementia Care Home

At Tanglewood, we believe later life marks the start of a new and meaningful chapter. Our dedicated activities team creates engaging dementia activities and seasonal events that bring joy and build community.

Sophie Lamming, Activities Co-ordinator at Toray Pines, organised the visit so residents could experience festive traditions they missed earlier in life. Sophie said:

“Many of our residents didn’t experience Christmas and Santa as we know them today. We wanted to make this moment as magical as possible.”

Santa arrived with a sleigh full of gifts as Gwen’s family gathered to share the occasion. The moment held deep meaning for her. Gwen said:

“It felt like I was a little girl again meeting Santa. Having my family around made it even more special.”

Person-Centred Care & Strong Community Connections

We deliver person-centred care by learning each resident’s life story, preferences, and values. Sophie explained:

“Gwen is warm and kind. She often talks about her childhood, her love of animals, and the simple things in life. When we spoke to the Lions Club, we knew this visit would create lasting memories for Gwen and our other residents. Everyone deserves a little childhood magic.”

Simon Burr, President of the Coningsby and Tattershall Lions Club, added:

“We felt honoured to help create this experience for Gwen and the residents. We’re always glad to bring the community together at special times.”

About Toray Pines Care Home in Coningsby

Toray Pines Care Home provides residential and dementia care in the historic town of Coningsby, Lincolnshire. The home offers a welcoming, supportive environment where residents can live with dignity and independence.

Our Coningsby care home residents enjoy:

• Bright, comfortable accommodation

• Fresh, nutritious home-cooked meals

• Daily activities matched to individual interests

• Landscaped gardens that support wellbeing

If you or a loved one are considering residential or dementia care in the Coningsby, Lincolnshire area, we warmly invite you to learn more about our person-centred approach. Our dedicated team at Toray Pines is focused on promoting independence and dignity in historical surroundings. To take the next step, please arrange a viewing at Toray Pines care home, or for an in-depth look, download a care home brochure.