Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Widget and Pringle the penguins join care home residents for Christmas carolling

‘I was surprised at how tame they were,’ 86-year-old resident Ruth Silverlock said.

Lily Ford
Monday 19 December 2022 14:57 GMT
Widget and Pringle helped to spread the festive cheer in Essex (Care UK)
Widget and Pringle helped to spread the festive cheer in Essex (Care UK)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Residents at a care home in Essex were treated to a visit from some special guests when a pair of penguins waddled through the door for a Christmas sing-along.

Care UK’s Colne View in Halstead organised the arrival of Widget and Pringle, who helped spread the festive cheer alongside residents, their families and team members for the home’s Doorstep Carols.

The duo, brought to the home by Amazing Animals, were considered the perfect visitors thanks to their friendly and relaxed nature.

“It was so wonderful seeing the penguins, I was surprised at how tame they were,” 86-year-old resident Ruth Silverlock said.

“They were quite happy just sitting on my lap and they seemed to enjoy the attention from everyone!”

Doorstep Carols aims to inspire others to sing at their front doors in the spirit of Christmas.

“We had a wonderful time getting into the festive spirit with help from our feathered friends – it’s not every day we have penguins running round the home,” home manager at Colne View Monica Boldeata said.

“The residents had a fantastic time singing their favourite Christmas classics and sharing festive memories with their relatives and friends, as well as meeting some new faces.

“Everyone here at Colne View are now feeling well and truly ready for Christmas and we’re looking forward to continuing the festivities over the coming days.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in