Corgis join Basingstoke care home residents celebrate the Platinum Jubilee in style

Residents at a care home in Basingstoke have been enjoying a Platinum Jubilee celebration fit for a queen – with some very special guests.

Care UK’s Dashwood Manor, on Bradley Way, welcomed the community to mark the Queen’s official 70-year milestone and hosted a traditional street party, with special VIP guests, the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Paul Miller, and his wife.

 

Family, friends and residents were entertained by live music from the past 70 years, performed by local singer Stacey, from MAC Entertainment, which got everyone’s feet tapping. The team also organised for two four-legged special guests, corgi’s Daisy and Jack, who spent time with residents and visitors. As part of the celebrations, a local ice cream van also visited the home, and everyone enjoyed a tasty treat. 

Throughout the month of May, residents at Dashwood Manor have been busy knitting mini corgis, which they have placed in the community for the people of Basingstoke to find. 

Residents have also spent time reminiscing about their own memories of jubilee celebrations gone by, including 76-year-old Helen Griffiths, who remembers attending a street party in her road in Ashford for the Silver Jubilee. Helen recalled her neighbours all helping to decorate the street, and everyone brough homemade treats to share – including Helen’s own giant Victoria sponge. Her three children all attended the celebrations, who were seven, five and one at the time. 

Helen said: “It was a wonderful day and a great opportunity to get to know our neighbours. The weather was nice and luckily no rain to spoil the day!” 

Dil Perera, Home Manager at Dashwood Manor, added: “We had a wonderful time celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with the community and Councillor Paul Miller, here at Dashwood Manor. 

“For older people, and those living with dementia, reminiscing about key milestones such as previous jubilee celebrations can help bring back happy memories, as well as prompting conversation and connection with those around them. These positive feelings gained from revisiting fond memories can help decrease stress, reduce agitation, and improve mood. 

 

“Residents had brilliant fun making the knitted corgis and hiding them in the community. If you bark up the right tree and find one of our corgis hidden around Basingstoke, please do send us a photo!” 

Everyone had a fantastic time at our Jubilee celebration, and we’re already planning our next royal knees up!”

To find out more about Care UK’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, please visit: careuk.com/platinumjubilee.

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, the new care home, which opened in September 2021, incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. Luxury facilities includes a café, hair and beauty salon, cinema and bar, and stunning gardens.

To find out more about Dashwood Manor, please call Customer Relations Manager, Leahanne Wilkinson on 01256 805988, email leahanne.wilkinson@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/Dashwood-Manor.