Staff at an Ipswich nursing home treated their residents to a spot of festive shopping and afternoon tea.

Ipswich Star: Peggy Brett pulls a cracker with Sally Elliss at the tea St Lawrence Centre in Ipswich after christmas shopping in the town during a trip from Monmouth Court nursing home. Photograph Simon parkerPeggy Brett pulls a cracker with Sally Elliss at the tea St Lawrence Centre in Ipswich after christmas shopping in the town during a trip from Monmouth Court nursing home. Photograph Simon parker (Image: Archant)

Senior activity organiser Sally Elliss arranged for ten residents from Monmouth Court nursing home to take a trip to the decorated town centre followed by a spread of festive treats at St Lawrence Church café in Dial Lane.

Miss Elliss said: “It’s really important for them to get out; sometimes they feel like the outside world doesn’t exist.

“It’s nice for them to realise the world still cares about people in care homes.”

She said one of the residents, Peggy Brett, had not been into town for five years.

Ipswich Star: Sally Elliss (centre) from Monmouth Court nursing home with the staff at the St Lawrence Centre, Mandy Mutch, Oliver Campbell and Tina Willingham who made tea for the residents during a shopping trip. Photograph Simon ParkerSally Elliss (centre) from Monmouth Court nursing home with the staff at the St Lawrence Centre, Mandy Mutch, Oliver Campbell and Tina Willingham who made tea for the residents during a shopping trip. Photograph Simon Parker (Image: Archant)

“You can imagine her delight when she saw all the lights”, she added.

The church café kept their doors open just for the residents and laid them out a special display of tea, cakes, mince pies and sandwiches.

Ipswich Star: Harry and June Patten enjoy the tea St Lawrence Centre in Ipswich after christmas shopping in the town during a trip from Monmouth Court nursing home. Photograph Simon ParkerHarry and June Patten enjoy the tea St Lawrence Centre in Ipswich after christmas shopping in the town during a trip from Monmouth Court nursing home. Photograph Simon Parker (Image: Archant)