Oh yes they did! Dorset care home residents have fun with panto dame
Residents of Fernhill dementia care home were treated to an exclusive singalong with visiting panto performer Dame Daisy.
Fernhill in Longham near Bournemouth was the venue for the interactive show with relatives and staff enjoying the fun too.
It marked the opening of the home’s Christmas season which has also featured festive visits by Brownies and Girl Guides.
Companionship Team Leader Cara Duroe said Dame Daisy’s 45-minute show involved lots of singing, dancing and audience participation.
“The residents could join in no matter their ability,” explained Cara. “The visit tied in with three residents’ wishes.
“Barbara Baker, Pam Coles and Iris Bishops told us they all loved going to pantomimes in the past so we thought it would be a great idea to invite Dame Daisy to come and open our season.
“Our residents had amazing fun. It really got us into the Christmas mood with people’s faces smiling brightly and lit up as they sang along.
“The physicality on show and hilarious one-liners had our residents laughing until their sides ached.”
Daisy, aka Jamie, is an experienced dame seen each year at Weymouth’s town pantomime with outrageous costumes bringing his character to life.
After the Fernhill performance, Iris’s daughter Fiona told staff: “Thank you so much for inviting us, we really enjoyed it. It was so good and lovely to have fun with mum too.”
Resident June Welford said: “Wasn’t she lovely, what an amazing show!”
Separately, Fernhill residents have welcomed members of Ferndown’s Girl Guides, the home’s main nominated charity this year, for a ‘carols by candlelight’ evening.
And on another evening of songs, Brownies from the 19th Bournemouth Division came along to perform Christmas favourites with the residents.
The visit was arranged thanks to Senior Nurse Emma Gwynne’s mother who volunteers with the Brownie group.