Halstead care home residents take the reins for Royal Ascot – with a twist

There were frills, thrills and inflatable fillies at a care home in Halstead, as residents took to the racetrack to celebrate a special take on Royal Ascot.

The garden at Care UK’s Colne View, on Dame Mary Walk, was transformed into a miniature racecourse for ‘the mane event’, complete with water and high jumps, Pimms on ice, and homemade headpieces – all adding a splash of Ascot glamour to the day.

Residents got crafty ahead of the occasion by designing their own fascinators, before taking to the track or cheering from the sidelines. The races brought out some unexpected competitive streaks, with team members also joining in on the action.

Resident Beryl Hector, 88, took part in the races and said: “It was so much fun and everybody enjoyed taking part. Never did I think I’d be horseracing in a care home!”

Dorothy Pye, Interim Home Manager at Colne View, said: “We had a fantastic day hosting a mini Royal Ascot for residents and team members. It was great to see how much fun the residents had, from creating their own fascinators to getting involved by racing on the inflatable horses on the day.

“Events like this are a great way to support physical activity, creativity and connection among residents.”

Colne View is a purpose-built care home designed to deliver the very best standards of care, and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home offers full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care, and incorporates luxury facilities, including its own cinema, café and hair and beauty salon.