THE sun was shining down on a Lostock Gralam care home for its special 'getting back together day'.
Families reconnected at Acorn Hollow Care Home after months apart with a St George's Day-themed celebration.
Family members enjoyed a 'pie and a pint' in the decorated garden – which was complete with bunting, music and St George's Day hats to get everyone in the celebratory spirit.
Home manager Rachel Astles said: "We're reconnecting families because we've been in lockdown for so long.
"We're carrying out regular testing and we have started welcoming families back in.
"It's made such a difference to their wellbeing.
"We decided to do a 'pie and a pint' afternoon, just a couple of families at a time, outside in our garden, and the residents have loved it.
"We used to do loads of parties before the pandemic and we've all missed it so we're got more planned soon."
Eric Duncan with Elaine and John Hansen
Care home resident Eric Duncan, 96, was visited by Elaine and John Hansen, who enjoyed the festivities.
John said: "It's the first time I've been able to see him for months, it's been lovely."
Husband and wife Frank and Teresa Buckley are also residents at Acorn Hollow.
They have been married for 39 years and said they enjoyed 'everything' about the 'pie and pint' afternoon.
Resident Virginia Turnbull added: "The staff go to a lot of effort to make sure we're OK."
Moreen Mansfield and Virginia Turnbull
Wellbeing co-ordinator Joanne Hughes put together the afternoon and was pleased with the response.
She added: "It's been really nice to see everyone enjoying themselves together after such a long lockdown.
"We've got lots of other things planned, like an afternoon tea.
"I'm planning on decorating the garden space like a vintage tea room with bunting and lanterns."
John Ikin
Acorn Hollow, located in Manchester Road, offers plenty of spaces for residents to relax, dine, exercise, socialise and be creative, including the pretty landscaped garden, a dedicated activities and entertainment room, and a hairdressing salon.
The garden, which is looked after by some of the residents, has always been a favourite spot for having a catch up with friends and family.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here