Care South, a not-for-profit charity and leading provider of residential, nursing and dementia care across the south of England, celebrated the King’s Coronation weekend with a programme of events and parties involving VIPs and local mayors.

The Mayor of Gillingham, Councillor Sharon Cullingford, joined Fern Brook Lodge care home for their Coronation party on Monday 8, talking to residents, relatives and staff as well as starting the afternoon with a speech.

In Poole, Elizabeth House care home unveiled a commemorative plaque. Unveiled on May 6 by The Mayor and Mayoress of Poole, Councillor & Mrs Tony Trent, the plaque will stand as a permanent reminder of The Coronation. The home’s celebrations continued with a party for residents and their families, with a BBQ, music, and cake stall.

Fairlawn care home, situated in Ferndown, enjoyed a calendar filled with exciting Coronation-themed events. Whilst watching The Coronation on television, residents sipped on fizz and enjoyed cordon bleu canapés. Sunday  saw a unique performance from Fairlawn’s own choir made up of residents from the home who sang songs in celebration.

A resident from Fairlawn who watched the choir’s performance, said: ‘It never fails to amaze me how talented my friends at the home are. I sometimes hear them singing when I pass their rooms. When you bring all those voices together it’s really moving.’

Alexandra House in Poole was also joined by the Mayor and Mayoress of Poole at their party. Residents at the home reminisced about the last time they saw a coronation in 1953 when Queen Elizabeth II was crowned.

One resident, Phyllis, said: ‘My family all went to London to watch The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. We had friends who had a balcony in their hotel overlooking the parade so that’s where we went to watch The Queen go past. People were very joyous. We all had a great time.’

Another resident, Shirley, said: ‘My dad owned an electrical shop in Lower Parkstone and he bought a TV for us and the neighbours to be able to watch the Coronation. I had the day off school. The gowns they wore were beautiful; kind of bride-like with trains.’

In Weymouth, Buxton House care home tucked into a classic British meal of fish and chips wrapped in nostalgic newspaper whilst watching the event on television with loved ones. On Sunday (7 May) the home enjoyed a party with the local mayor in attendance. The home was also visited by members of the local service who stopped by to meet with residents.

Maiden Castle House, in Dorchester, enjoyed a star-studded party with a performance by the lead singer of Dorset rock band, The Leggomen, who played an acoustic set whilst residents ate ‘cream teas fit for royalty’.

Another home which enjoyed a full weekend of activities is Wickmeads in Tuckton, Bournemouth. On the day of the Coronation, residents enjoyed a street-party-style lunch and activities whilst watching the ceremony. On Sunday, the home welcomed singers to perform alongside entertainment by the Activities Team, followed by a roast dinner buffet with friends and family. The home invited the community for refreshments and a games morning on Bank Holiday Monday.

Simon Bird, CEO of Care South, said: ‘Much like the recent Platinum Jubilee, this hugely significant occasion gave us all a chance to celebrate as a community. The Food, Fun, and Friendship shared across our homes over the weekend will stay in the memories of everyone involved for a very long time. Special moments happen daily in a care home, but events like this, especially when family and friends are involved, are extraordinary.’