Royal Celebrations at Colten Care
Hundreds of royal well-wishers across our care homes celebrated the historic Coronation bank holiday weekend in style.
Residents and team members at our 21 homes in Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and West Sussex all shared in the joy of the ceremony, patriotism and colourful spectacle of events.
Amid a sea of Union Jacks and red, white and blue decorations, the fun featured street parties, lunches, live music, games, quizzes, charity fundraising and visits by families, friends and entertainers.
Over royal cuppas, glasses of bubbles and strawberries and cream, green-fingered residents at The Aldbury in Poole contributed to three King Charles-themed artworks in their garden. They spelt out his name by colouring in pebbles around a heart-shaped floral tribute of 40 begonias combined with lilies of the valley, known as his favourite flower.
Nearby, a Union Jack flag design in the ground offered the chance to paint and lay out courtyard stones in red, white and blue. And residents had fun covering a garden throne with national flowers the English rose, Irish shamrock, Welsh daffodil and Scottish thistle.
Resident Jean Sandoe, a Scot, who placed a thistle on the crown, said: “I feel very proud and I do like a good party and a little dance outside.”
Likewise, English resident Elizabeth Kay spoke of her pride in placing the rose and even gave a ‘royal wave’ as she sat on the throne. As well as the fun of the get-together, The Aldbury’s garden party raised more than £100 for Dementia Awareness Week.
Singer Nicola Haynes performed at both The Aldbury and fellow dementia care home Fernhill in Longham near Bournemouth.
Residents there enjoyed a ‘big lunch’ with homemade coronation quiche and fruitcake before dancing to Nicola’s performance. Fernhill resident Joyce Thompson is one of many residents across our homes born during the reign of the last King who can still recall Queen Elizabeth being crowned.
Joyce said: “It was lovely for me to be able to see another Coronation. It looked well organised and despite the rain everyone looked like they enjoyed themselves. It was very colourful and everyone was smiling and happy.”
Similar sentiments were expressed on television by two residents at Court Lodge in Lymington, Hampshire.
Alan Davies and Jane Cockeram were interviewed by ITV about their 1953 memories for a piece broadcast on the eve of the big day.
Alan explained how as a 21-year-old member of the Royal Horse Guards, he rode in the Coronation parade behind the Queen in 1953. He said it was the highlight of his ten years’ service and he recalled the cheering crowds. Jane, who was 17 at the time, was with her boyfriend at the front of the crowds in the Mall and had a clear view of the Queen as she passed.
Jane said: “A lot of people might not remember what a very beautiful person the Queen was. She was very pretty.”
At Castle View in Poundbury, Dorset, residents celebrated the particular association that King Charles has with the home. As Prince of Wales, he performed its official opening in 2002, visited again in 2014 and took time to speak to team members on a neighbourhood walkabout in May 2022.
Castle View Companionship Team member Sue Goodwin said: “Residents watched the Coronation with great interest and we all came together after lunch to toast King Charles III.”
At Brook View in West Moors, Dorset, residents and members of the local parish council shared a Coronation goodies box complete with fizzy drinks and cupcakes.
At the same time, residents at Wellington Grange in Chichester had fun with friends and family at a Coronation lunch held at the nearby Graylingwell Chapel arts and community centre.
Elaine Farrer, our Chief Operating Officer, said: “The Coronation was a wonderful opportunity to have a party, share memories, welcome visitors into our homes and go out and enjoy local community events.
“It was a real joy to see our residents, families and team members sharing in a momentous royal occasion.”