Member Article

Residents at Marchwood care home can’t reign in their delight on Ladies Day

An equine enthusiast at a Marchwood care home relived cherished memories of helping to train horses as residents turned heads in their fineries to celebrate Ladies Day at Royal Ascot.

The team at Oaklands Rest Home, on Veal’s Lane, helped residents pick out special dresses for the occasion and provided badges, flags and fascinators as they transformed the home into their own Royal Ascot.

Helena Bassham lived just down the road from the famous racecourse and has fond memories of going to the racing as a young girl.

“I used to own horses as a child and rode them. I also used to help train horses for the races at Epsom,” the 87-yaer-old said.

“Visiting the racecourse at Royal Ascot was always a magical experience, and the vibrant atmosphere of the races was unforgettable.”

“Getting dressed up today and reliving those memories with everyone was very special.”

The event featured a large interactive screen, allowing residents to select their horse for every race and the winner was awarded with medals and a trophy, adding an element of friendly competition to the day’s festivities.

One resident, Amy Twigg, 81, proudly wore the fascinator she’d chosen for her grandson’s recent wedding while fellow resident, Mo Barnatt channelled her artistic talents to decorate her hat for the occasion.

“I used to go riding with my daughter,” she remembered. “The last time we went out together, my daughter’s horse suddenly sped up, and I found myself flying off its back!

“The air left my body, but the laughter and the memory remain with me. I’ll never forget the look on my daughter’s face that day.

“I would love to go riding one more time. Ladies Day at the home was such a special day to relive all those memories.”

Care home manager Nicola Ray added: “Reminiscing about cherished memories and creating new ones through engaging activities is so important for our residents.

“Ladies Day at Royal Ascot offers a great opportunity to celebrate their lifelong love for horses and racing.

“We have been thrilled to see the excitement in their eyes as they prepared for this event and seeing everyone all dressed up for the day was really special.”

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