Easter: A season of joy, renewal, and reflection

Easter represents a very special time in the religious calendar for Christians the world over and a time to celebrate Christ’s resurrection, but it is also significant in marking the change of seasons when we gladly bid farewell to winter and welcome in the promise of brighter, warmer times ahead as spring bursts into life.

Always a joyous period at The Old Rectory, Easter has traditionally been a busy time bristling with visitors and events aplenty, and this year was certainly no exception…

Nature, nurture, and pure enjoyment

Our celebrations got off to a splendid start on Monday, April 14 with the arrival of a duckling hatching kit. With the aid of an incubator, over the course of the coming days we were privileged to witness the miracle of life unfold as five eggs – previously nestled safely in the warmth of their temporary home – transformed into bundles of fun before our very eyes as, one by one, each duckling made its entrance to greet a waiting world.

Having enjoyed the arrival of our fluffy friends, by Friday we were ready and eager to welcome more visitors as the garden came alive to the sound of youthful laughter with our annual Easter egg hunt. It is always a pleasure to have the company of the local Rainbow’s End pre-school; their energy, enthusiasm, and capacity for fun always creates a wonderful atmosphere, and we were fortunate to have 70 children and their families join us for hot cross buns as the youngsters pursued prizes by following the clues, encouraged by two excitable bunnies – much to everyone’s delight.

By late afternoon, it was time to recognise the creative contribution of one of our talented residents as we unveiled a beautiful miniature Easter garden, lovingly crafted by Barbara. Over drinks, staff and residents came together to plant flags with a chance to win a prize on Easter Sunday.

Nourishing body and soul

Good Friday concluded with a delicious lunch of baked salmon with hollandaise sauce and new potatoes. This was followed by Simnel cake  ̶  a fruitcake associated with Lent and Easter.

On Sunday, the celebrations continued with our signature cocktails as the winners of the miniature Easter garden draw were announced. There were some imaginative and thoughtful submissions, including prize-winning entries from staff members Elaine, Stanley, Ninny, and Tanya – well done to everyone.

And we couldn’t let the competitive spirit go to waste; there was time for a playful egg and spoon race cheered on by residents, staff, and guests alike. At the finishing tape, the rostrum looked like this: 1st: Gagan; 2nd: Neha; 3rd: Aryan – an Olympian effort, indeed (albeit a slightly stumbling, wobbly one)!

All-in-all, Easter at The Old Rectory, 2025 was a time filled with connection, creativity, collaboration, and celebration – in fact, the very values that we embrace 365 days of the year and part of what makes our home so special.