STAFF and residents at Blenheim House, a luxury all-inclusive care home in Melksham, celebrated the coronation of King Charles III with a week of royal themed activities to raise funds for local division of mental health charity, Mind.
The lead up to the Coronation saw residents participate in a variety of arts and crafts activities. This included designing their own royal crown and making homemade coronation cupcakes which were served to guests on the Coronation Day.
Staff at the home arranged coronation themed activities for the residents, called Mystery History in the run up to the Coronation. Residents learnt about the coronations through the ages and the history behind the royal palaces.
On Coronation Day itself Blenheim House, part of the Berkley Care Group, opened its doors to friends and family of the residents and staff members from the home. Everyone came together to watch the Coronation on the cinema screen, allowing guests to watch the Coronation in high definition and surround sound with their loved ones. Drinks and Danish pastries were served throughout the screening of the event by the home’s staff.
Following the screening, a buffet lunch was prepared by the home’s chefs and catering team. This allowed families to have lunch together and talk about the historic Coronation with their loved ones. Many residents were able to share first hand memories of the Queen’s Coronation in 1953, much to everyone’s fascination.
The home’s landscaped gardens took centre stage in the afternoon, where guests enjoyed a live performance from the Calne Silver Band, who played classic British marching songs on the home’s lawn whilst guests enjoyed their afternoon tea.
The afternoon tea was classically British, with Pimm’s, cream teas and sandwiches being served to all those attending. French fancies were also available for guests, as well as the homemade cakes which were made by the home’s residents earlier in the week.
The day’s events concluded with a toast of champagne in the late afternoon.
Blenheim also asked for donations from guests to raise money for Wiltshire Mind, a local charity that supports people in Wiltshire who are experiencing mental health problems or emotional distress.
Commenting on the celebrations Blenheim House’s events manager, Chris Preston said, “It was an absolute joy to see the residents and staff come together to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III with their friends and family. The day was filled with joy, laughter, and a true sense of community, and we were proud to be able to share this momentous occasion with everyone who attended.
“Our team worked tirelessly to ensure that the residents had a week of fun and educational activities leading up to the Coronation, which culminated in a wonderful day of celebration with their loved ones.
“We were especially pleased to have been able to raise money for Wiltshire Mind. Giving back to the community is an important part of our mission at Blenheim House, and we are thrilled to have been able to support such a worthy cause.
“Overall, the Coronation celebrations at Blenheim House were a great success, and we look forward to hosting many more events that bring together our residents, staff, and the wider community in the future.
Pictured: A resident at Blenheim House enjoying the Coronation celebrations.
