The Grand National is always an event to mark in our calendar as many of our residents have fond memories of the Aintree races. After last year’s event was cancelled due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, we went all out with our Ladies Day celebrations at Warren Park this year.

Our residents began preparations in our arts and crafts session earlier in the week where several of our ladies decorated their own hats for our ‘Best Hat’ competition. Eleanor was our prize winner with her beautiful butterfly bonnet! All of our ladies and gentlemen looked great in their best outfits to enjoy the day.

Then, the races began! Our staff team rallied round with our very own (hobby) horses and residents were able to bet on the winning runners. Karl compared as the “horses” raced around the garden, and our residents watched and cheered from the side-lines. The final race was a close one between our carers Sian and Leah, with Leah’s horse winning first place.

We were grateful to be joined by James, a professional cocktail maker, who designed a purpose themed menu for our residents to enjoy. The ‘Run Tom! Run’ cocktail went down a treat! Nicola and Dan put together a delicious buffet which was enjoyed by all, followed by a karaoke singalong courtesy of some of our care staff.

Our residents chose their horses out of a hat for the Grand National sweepstake on Saturday and our winner was Amy who picked out Minella Times!