A beautiful nativity scene, on display in the foyer of Meadowburn Care Home in Pollok, is bringing Christmas cheer to our HSCP’s care home residents.

A wooden stable and manger built by Meadowburn’s Operations Manager Paul Costello houses nativity figures including Joseph, Mary, baby Jesus in a manger, a sheep, donkey and cow overlooked by an angel, shepherd and three wise men.

Paul Costello said: “We purchased this new nativity scene after St Bernard’s Church re-opened when COVID-19 restrictions were lifted and Meadowburn’s previous nativity scene was returned to its former home there. Residents had enjoyed looking at the scene and it became a focal point for us to remember Christmas and think about family when we could not be together.”

Cost for materials and figures were met using a legacy left to the care home by former resident Isabella Easton’s family. The purchase of the figures and materials were discussed and approved by residents, who felt the purchase of this was appropriate as Isabella’s husband was the minster of a church in Govan for many years. 

Jeannie McBride, a resident in the Home’s Poppy Unit said: “That is amazing, I have never seen a nativity scene so beautiful.”

Anne Gallanagh, Service Manager, Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) which runs Meadowburn Care Home said: “The nativity scene is lovely. It brings a smile to the faces of residents and staff when they pass by. Residents recently enjoyed carol singing around the stable scene led by Father Martin from St James’s Parish.  Our home is very grateful for the generous donation and the woodworking skills of our Operations Manager Paul Costello who also gave up his time to make the stable and manger. We also have a gentleman who rarely leaves his room but chose to attend the service when he heard about the manger and has shared his thoughts on how nice it was with staff regularly ever since.

 “We are sourcing a plaque to put on to the stable scene to remember Mrs Easton and her family for this kind donation for years to come.”