Oidhche Bhlas Burns: Hertfordshire Care Home Homes Together to Celebrate Burns Night
Staff and residents at a Hertfordshire care home came together to celebrate Burns Night last night (25th), pulling out all the stops to honour the life of Scotland’s national bard – with many of its Scottish residents embracing their heritage through the highland fling!
To celebrate the man who created timeless poems such as Auld Lang Syne, To A Mouse and Tam O’Shanter, residents and staff at Foxholes Care Home, near Hitchin, collectively indulged in a Burns-inspired supper, which included a traditional Scottish menu.
The main dish was, of course, centred around Haggis, which was served alongside neeps and tatties – a combination of mashed turnips and mashed potatoes, while a dram of whiskey was thrown over the haggis to help wash down the crumbly sausage.
In typical Scottish fashion, a bag-piper was arranged to play in the patio area facing into the Orangery at Foxholes, which took place upon the serving of the haggis. For dessert, residents were served clootie dumpling – a sweet treat fusion of carrot cake and fruit cake. Some residents even dabbled in deep fried mars bars!
After eating, the festivities continued with a traditional Highland Fling dance routine led by Adele Querelle, Activity Co-ordinator at Foxholes, before a recital of Burns’ works was performed in tribute to the Bard, which was read by resident, Hilmar Warenius. A poet himself, Hilmar, 80, said: “I may not be Scottish, but my heart is in it. Robbie Burns addresses that wonderful thing called haggis, which was served on our plates!”
Neil Gandecha, Estate Manager at Foxholes Care Home, said: “Burns Night was another great way to bring all of our residents together and keep spirits high throughout another challenging winter period. It’s important that we respect and celebrate our residents’ cultures, so it was nice that we could help bring a bit of home to our four Scottish ladies in what proved to be a special occasion.”