Residents, families and members of the local community gathered together at Katherine & Griffiths House in Westbury-on-Trym for the much anticipated and extremely popular annual summer fair, this year titled ‘Wild West Country’.
Carefully planned over several months by the amazing Wellbeing Team, who also made many of the decorations by hand, the summer fair combined a classic Western theme with the traditional West Country. Guests added to the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere by wearing a variety of imaginative costumes, from scarecrows and farmers to cowboys, cowgirls and even characters from the Wizard of Oz.
Live music performed by West Country tribute band the Twerzels was a highlight, with guests of all ages taking to the dancefloor, and as the event drew to a close, a dramatic fire show performed by Sass Events provided a memorable finale.
The event also featured a wide variety of entertainment for children and animal lovers. Two therapy goats from the Little Farming Company proved especially popular with residents, while younger guests were thrilled to meet Mr Biggleswade, a friendly Shetland pony brought along by Honeybuns Bakery who also supplied a delicious range of homemade baked goods.
A dedicated children’s area offered classic games including hook-a-duck, as well as face painting and family-friendly activities. Slightly less serene, Dawn the Rodeo Sheep, a sheep-themed bucking bronco, proved to be a rather noisy family favourite!
The award-winning care home’s talented kitchen team laid on a generous Wild West-style buffet, and a pop-up saloon bar served homemade cocktails, cider and locally inspired refreshments. Visitors could also browse stalls featuring handmade goods from small businesses, including cakes, preserves and crafts.
Care home manager, Leanne Thorne, said: “Every member of our brilliant team pulls out all the stops for our summer fair, and every year it somehow gets even bigger and better! It’s a really special event that brings the community together and our residents absolutely love sharing the fun with their family, friends and members of the care team. The atmosphere was fantastic from start to finish.”
Resident Tony Parker said: “The staff were absolutely brilliant, all so cheerful, helpful and full of energy! They didn’t just organise a party, they made this an outstanding occasion for us all to remember. I have been watching the Wellbeing Team create the decorations for months and all the staff put on an incredible show.”
Resident Denise Simmons said: “The therapy goats giving me a cuddle were so adorable, they warmed my heart! With sunshine, music and all my friends around me, I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”
Resident June Cooke was joined at the party by her granddaughter and great grandson. She said: “My family had such a good time, and I did too. To see my granddaughter and great grandson all smiling and having fun, that was the real gift. This party reminded me how lucky I am to be surrounded by such a beautiful family.”
Resident Janet Maskall said: “Now that was a day to remember! The staff put their hearts into every little detail. You could see it in the decorations, the delicious food, the music, everything. They made it special not just for me but for everyone attending. I felt truly cared for.”
Several of SMV’s members attended the event to offer a helping hand, including Dr Jackie Cornish and Ed Ware, as well as Jonathon and Melinda Baker who rolled up their sleeves and helped serve lunch to the residents.
Jonathon, SMV’s Senior Warden, said: “The entertainment and food were fantastic, and everyone was clearly so proud to be connected in one way or another to the home – thank you to the team for all they do.”
Dr Cornish, Chair of SMV’s Care for Older People Committee, said: “Another happy event delivered by such a caring team who work so hard to make this annual fair such a success. It was a pleasure to speak with the head chef who, together with his team, cares so much about providing nutritious and tempting meals for our wonderful residents.”
