CARE home residents had a Valentine’s Day to remember as RAF personnel dropped in for tea.

Madley Park House in Witney held a tea dance where they were serenaded by servicemen from RAF Brize Norton.

Residents and service personnel chatted over cups of tea and slices of cake and were entertained by guitarist Tristan Pate, who played and sang a medley of romantic and jive songs.

Witney Gazette:

It was a chance to make new friendships, but flight sergeant Pete Newnham was able to surprise his wife’s grandmother, Marge Kingdon, who lives at Madley Park.

He said: “It was a real pleasure and an honour to be invited to the Valentine’s tea dance and to also be able to catch up with gran.”

Wing commander Neil Bunce also enjoyed the afternoon and appreciated the chance to swap stories.

He said: “It was a great opportunity to meet the residents at Madley Park House, learn about their life stories and to tell them more about RAF Brize Norton.

“It was so nice to make some new friendships across generations.”

The care home, operated by The Orders of St John Care Trust, has held a range of special visits for residents.

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In November, movie star monkeys Malcolm and Mitchell from Amazing Animals at Heythrop Zoo near Chipping Norton were special guests as they sat on peoples’ shoulders, laps and walking frames.

Madley Park manager Laura Berry said: “We were very thankful to RAF Brize Norton for coming to join our tea dance.

“The residents had a wonderful time and really enjoyed conversing with the service personnel whilst having a lovely afternoon tea.

“Our staff are dedicated to our residents and it is very fulfilling to see them so happy and for us to be able to initiate experiences like this.”