Residents at Signature at Hendon Hall marked Care Home Open Week with a nostalgic screening celebrating England’s historic victory and community connection.
The event brought together residents, relatives, and members of the local community as part of the national initiative led by Championing Social Care, which encourages care homes across the UK to open their doors and showcase the role they play at the heart of their communities.
The celebration combined match highlights, memorabilia, storytelling, and a full screening of the final, offering residents the chance to relive one of English football’s most iconic moments in a setting uniquely connected to the tournament. Hendon Hall was formerly a hotel and served as the base where the England squad stayed during the 1966 World Cup.
A highlight of the afternoon was resident Edward Cohen, who attended the 1966 final at Wembley aged 28 after securing a ticket through family connections. He recalled the intensity of the match and the atmosphere as England secured victory in extra time.
“As we went into extra time, the atmosphere in the stadium was feverish,” he said. “We all went wild as the crowd surged onto the pitch, even though there was still time left to play. When the final whistle blew, everyone went onto the pitch again – England had won the World Cup.”
Edward said revisiting the match at Hendon Hall carried particular meaning given the building’s history. “It brings back so many memories watching it here, knowing the England team stayed in this very building.”
The event also included a World Cup-themed quiz, highlights screening, and a filmed contribution from former ball boy Neil Rioch.
Vishal Shah from Championing Social Care shared: “Signature at Hendon Hall organised this wonderful event as part of Care Home Open Week, an initiative of Championing Social Care that invites care homes throughout the UK to open their doors. The goal is to celebrate their communities and demonstrate that modern care is warm, welcoming, and vibrant. The event was about more than football; it was about connection, community, and highlighting the importance of meaningful experiences that social care provides for thriving in life.
Social care is central to communities nationwide, and events like this spotlight the incredible people with rich life stories who live and work in social care every day. This event exemplifies the spirit of Care Home Open Week, and with thousands of similar events across the UK, we encourage everyone to find out what their local care home is doing this week and to participate.”
Care Home Open Week (15–21 June) encourages care homes across the UK to open their doors to the public, strengthening community links and showcasing the vibrancy of modern social care.
