Residents at Brewster House Care Home, part of the Runwood Homes Group, were treated to a joyful and festive afternoon on 3 December 2025, as the Maldon All Saints Bell Ringers paid a special visit, an event inspired by resident Edna, who shared fond memories of her many years as a bell ringer.
Lifestyle Coordinator at Brewster House, Leoni, who organised the visit, said:
“It was so lovely seeing Edna smile. The moment she saw familiar faces and heard the bells ringing, she lit up—it brought back so many cherished memories.”
Edna, who once founded and led the very same group many years ago, was deeply moved by the reunion.
“How wonderful to have them here,” she said. “I know the ringers—I started it so many years ago. I can’t believe they are still keeping in time.”
The idea for the visit came naturally during conversations with residents about what festive activities they would enjoy. When Edna mentioned how lovely it would be to see bell ringers again, the team acted quickly, inviting the Maldon ringers, only to discover they were indeed the group she had founded.
The atmosphere during the event was filled with warmth and festive cheer. Residents and staff sang along to the tunes, with many commenting on how Christmassy it made them feel. A particularly touching highlight was watching Edna reconnect with her old friends and relive her bell-ringing days. Even overseas staff who had never experienced traditional English bell ringing smiled and enjoyed the performance.
Leoni added:
“It is important to keep as many traditions as possible and bringing back those memories that Edna has had made her smile and talk to the staff about how it works and how much she loves it.”
The visit created special memories for everyone involved, reinforcing the power of community, music, and tradition.
