In honour of Her Majesty The Queen and her 70 year unparalleled reign, hundreds of glasses were raised across The Fremantle Trust as the care homes celebrated in style with royal-themed activities, entertainment and welcoming some very special guests.

Throughout the bank holiday weekend, the majority of care homes took advantage of the sunshine by hosting traditional street parties and entertainment outside of the buildings, including Chesham Leys, Sir Aubrey Ward House, Fremantle Court, Cherry Garth, Lent Rise House, Farnham Common House and The Heights. 

Over at Icknield Court in Princes Risborough, the residents worked together with the Activities Team to choose the picnic-style food and make decorations to give the event a fitting royal theme. Before tucking in to enjoy the meal, resident Joyce Miles stood up to recount her memories of The Queen’s coronation and her experience of being a private marching in Guildford at the time: “I was a mere lass at 17 when I joined the women’s army. I’d never been away from home before and even though it was frightening, I loved it. We marched on the day of the coronation and it was lovely.”

On toasting the momentous occasion, special guest and local radio DJ Steve Algar, gave a speech about Her Majesty The Queen and raised his glass to the home: “I am very privileged to say my mother Maureen is one of the residents here. Making an event like this takes an awful lot of planning and the staff has done an absolutely wonderful job.” 

As the day progressed, the residents and guests enjoyed musical entertainment provided by local Ukele band UKe Jams.

During the celebrations taking place at nursing care home, Lewin House, the team were delighted to welcome the Mayor of Aylesbury, Cllr Tim Dixon, who surprised the home with his impromptu visit. On arrival, he exclaimed that Lewin House was “first on his list”.