Winchester care home delights residents with Royal Ascot inspired day

The third-day of the world-famous race is known as “Ladies Day”, when over-the-top hats and colourful outfits are common place. Inspired by the same theme of fashion, team members at Abbotts Barton “brought the races to our residents” so they could glam up in their own home.

Abbotts Barton resident Pauline Elliot and volunteer Peter Russell (Image: Colten Care)Companionship team leader Kirsty Sawyer said: “We put an appeal out to the local community asking for donations of hats and were overwhelmed with the response we received.

“Our ‘race meeting’ began with a royal parade afternoon tea and fashion photoshoot followed by a sweepstake.

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“We sipped glasses of fizz as we eyed the various outfits, including hats, bows and fascinators, and cheered our horses on.”

The prize for best-dressed lady went to Jeanette Mullins, who wore a cream-coloured floral-designed hat and matching top.

Jeanette Mullins won best dressed lady (Image: Colten Care)A delighted Jeanette said: “It was a very special afternoon.”

Fellow resident June Bell shared the same sentiment when she discovered she had backed a winning horse. She said: “I wasn’t going to come but I’m so glad I made the effort. I had such a lovely afternoon.”