Here at Retirement Villages, we saw a host of different events taking place across our communities to celebrate her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee over the weekend. Watching the communities come together and celebrate in a variety of ways was very inspiring.
Here’s a summary of some of the main events that took place:
Elmbridge Village
At Elmbridge, the residents were treated to a performance by The Winklepickers. The Winklepickers are a fun, lively, and highly entertaining band who joined us on Saturday afternoon. They performed a variety of classic and upbeat tunes from the 50s to the current day to a packed garden full of residents and their families.
Kelvin Glen, Village Manager, commented, “The atmosphere in the village has been buzzing for the whole weekend, it’s been brilliant fun.”
Avonpark Village
Down at Avonpark near Bath, the resident’s spirits weren’t dampened by the wet weather. They hosted their BBQ inside, which included a range of locally produced burgers and sausages. A brass band played for everyone in the gardens.
Some did manage to get out on the terrace and enjoy Pimm’s with the beautiful views across the terrace and down the valley. Our resident chef whipped up the Platinum Pudding, Lemon Swiss Roll, and Amaretti Trifle.
James Grundy, Village Manager, commented, "Over 130 residents and friends attended our 2 days of Jubilee celebrations even the rain on Saturday did not put a dampener on our day. The Singing Group was superb, and we had a classic playlist that I’m sure Her Majesty would be proud of including Roses of Picardy, I Believe, How much is that Doggie, and many more."
Lime Tree Village
Up in Warwickshire, the residents at Lime Village saw a performance from their choir group for the first time in two years. Having not been able to perform during Covid it was a welcomed return for residents and their families and friends. The choir sang several pieces, interspersed with songs, which the audience joined in enthusiastically.
Paul and Helen Baker, Choir Administrators at the village, commented,” The event was overall a great success and a collection at the end raised a welcome of £200 for the local Air Ambulance.”
Debden Grange
The weekend was full of fun and activities in Debden Grange. Forte Dance & Performing Arts Studio entertained everyone in the lounge, whilst the car park was roped off with stalls and music for a traditional street party. All the residents turned out to join in.
One resident, Barbara, had her hair styled by the on-site hairdresser in a very patriotic style. She commented, "I just thought this would be a good way to record an individual’s support for the Queen for all her devotion to duty over the past 70 years. I was very pleased with the result which was the work of Sally, our wonderful hairdresser here."
Thamesfield
Residents at Thamesfield enjoyed hampers to sit out on the riverbank with, a traditional afternoon tea on Saturday, and a BBQ on Sunday. The village was decorated with red, white, and blue flowers and flags all across the grounds.
Lorence Pjetri, Village Manager, commented, “Our chefs put on a great spread across the weekend helping us celebrate in a traditional British style”
Moat Park
Moat Park was joined by the Thaxted Morris Men who blessed the Jubilee Tree planted for the Queens Green Canopy. They then performed various numbers for everyone to enjoy in the gardens. Having performed in the village before it was great to have them back in the village.
Janet, Moat Park resident, commented, "Lisa Marie and the team organised a brilliant Jubilee celebration on Saturday at Moat Park. The day started with Morris Dancers who performed and blessed the white cherry tree we planted as part of the Queens Green Canopy. We had a beautiful BBQ in the sunshine and then went back to Maynards Bistro for afternoon tea later in the day. Louise Masters came to sing for us and everyone was up dancing until late. It was such a wonderful day. I couldn’t have asked the team for anymore."
