We welcomed the Year of the Horse at Loose Valley Care Home with a colourful and immersive Chinese New Year celebration. We transformed our Home with a stunning backdrop featuring a traditional Chinese gazebo and pink Sakura blossom displays. Red parasols, horse-themed posters, Chinese hand fans and miniature horses decorated the tables, creating a wonderful festive setting.
Our residents were invited to take part in a themed photoshoot, with a selection of traditional-style clothing and props. The photoshoot was a great success, with plenty of volunteers keen to dress up and join in – including our much-loved cat Billy, who happily became part of our journey to China.
Our ‘Happy Valley Café’ served a delicious Chinese-inspired buffet, including spring rolls, prawn crackers, prawn toast and sweet and sour chicken with rice, followed by a tempting selection of desserts.
Everyone enjoyed taking part in a themed quiz, learning more about Chinese New Year traditions and the 12 animals of the zodiac. As 2026 marks the Year of the Horse, we explored the qualities associated with the horse, including energy, strength and determination. Chinese New Year music played throughout lunch, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
To mark the occasion, we gave our residents Chinese-inspired bracelets featuring a red band and a horse charm as a keepsake of the day.
Gong Xi Fa Cai – health, prosperity and happiness for the year ahead!
