On a magical Saturday afternoon, Avocet Court Care Home in Ipswich was transformed into an enchanting fairytale setting as part of Athena Care Homes’ 10th-anniversary celebrations.
The event, aptly named Once Upon a Time, was a magical experience for residents, families, and members of the local community, who gathered to witness a wish come true for one special resident, Sylvia Ratcliffe.
As part of Athena Care Homes’ Making Moments campaign, which encourages residents to share their wishes, Sylvia asked for a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. To her amazement, her wish was granted in spectacular fashion, and the entire home and team worked together to create a magical day she will never forget.
Sylvia, who has been a resident at Avocet Court for the last three years, was accompanied by her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as the first person to be treated to an elegant ride in a glass carriage fit for a Disney princess around the streets surrounding Avocet Court.
Her excitement was palpable and there were a few tears of joy as she climbed into the stunning horse-drawn glass coach, complete with footmen – a scene right out of a storybook.
Reflecting on the experience, Sylvia said, “It was absolutely amazing—I certainly never thought anything like this would happen for me. And to share it all with my family and everyone at Avocet Court was like a dream come true. A big thank you to everyone who helped make my moment happen.”
The coach was one of the many highlights of the day, capturing the hearts of all who watched Sylvia’s wish unfold.
It was a fairytale day for all to enjoy as Avocet Court was transformed into a wonderland of activities and entertainment, with something for everyone. Residents, the Avocet team, and visitors alike delighted in a range of enchanting experiences, including:
- Fairytale reading corner: Led by resident Joan, this cozy spot offered timeless stories for residents and children alike, bringing classic tales to life.
- Snow White’s garden: A whimsical space for photos, designed by Jill Calver complete with a Snow White bed, featuring artwork by Gina, a talented member of the laundry team.
- Robin Hood’s archery: Lifestyles team member Andy took on the role of Robin Hood, leading a crossbow archery experience that was a hit with both young and old.
- Hunt the glass slipper: An interactive scavenger hunt around the grounds, where guests searched for Cinderella’s missing glass slipper.
- Disney dress-up: Many members of the Avocet Court team and visitors alike dressed as beloved characters, including Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Belle, Princess Merida from Brave, and even a Minion. Their costumes brought an extra layer of magic to the day, as they mingled with guests and posed for photos.
The event also featured party games, face painting, bow and arrow making and live music from a fabulous singer, ensuring that the fun lasted throughout the day. With more than 100 visitors, including local residents, families, and community members, the atmosphere was filled with celebration.
A key part of the Once Upon a Time event was the involvement of the local community, including a colouring competition run in partnership with Hillside Primary School. Residents of Avocet Court had the honour of choosing the winning artwork.
Home Manager Ruth Garnham expressed her delight at the success of the event, saying, “Once Upon a Time was a completely new idea for a community event here at Avocet Court, and it was an amazing way to celebrate Sylvia’s wish and Athena Care Homes’ birthday.
“The sun shone, and there was a fantastic atmosphere. I have to say a huge thank you to all the fantastic team here at Avocet—so many members of the team dressed up and had a great day.”
Once Upon a Time at Avocet Court was not only a celebration of Athena Care Homes’ 10th anniversary but also a beautiful reminder of the power of wishes and the joy that can come from making dreams come true.
Sylvia’s wish was a testament to the care and commitment of the team at Avocet Court and the importance of creating special and lasting moments for our residents.
