A Swindon care home has been recognised at this year’s Royal Wootton Bassett Carnival after transforming its minibus into a tribute to emergency service workers.
Residents and staff from Willowbrook View took part in the annual carnival procession on Saturday 16 May, embracing this year’s “Heroes and Villains” theme with a display celebrating Blue Light personnel and armed forces veterans.
The home’s decorated minibus featured handmade cardboard cut-outs of emergency service workers, while staff dressed in uniforms representing various emergency services joined the procession alongside a giant firefighter mascot.
The decorations were created with help from residents, many of whom have personal or family connections to the emergency services and armed forces.
Willowbrook View was later named “highly commended” in the Care Homes category and also received recognition from the Carnival Royalty judges.
General Manager Mathan Balasubramaniyan said the theme had provided a fitting opportunity to honour local people who dedicate their lives to helping others.
“As soon as we heard the theme for this year’s Royal Wootton Bassett Carnival was ‘Heroes and Villains’, we knew it would be a perfect opportunity to celebrate the everyday heroes who do so much for our community,” he said.
“At Willowbrook View, we are passionate about supporting local people who dedicate their lives to helping others — from emergency service workers to military veterans.”
The care home recently launched monthly “Blue Light Breakfasts” for emergency service workers as part of its wider community engagement work.
Among those taking part in the procession was team member Dixie, who drove the carnival minibus and said Royal Wootton Bassett held a special personal significance because of its long-standing connection to the armed forces.
Royal Wootton Bassett became nationally recognised for honouring fallen military personnel repatriated through RAF Lyneham and was granted the “Royal” prefix by Elizabeth II in 2011.
Dixie said this year’s carnival theme had resonated strongly with the community.
“It celebrates the everyday people who make a difference in our communities, while also adding a fun, creative twist that brings everyone together,” she said.
“What I value most about events like this is the sense of unity they create.”
Although residents were unable to attend the procession in person, Willowbrook View arranged for footage of the carnival to be shown later in the week inside the home’s cinema room so residents could still enjoy the celebrations.
Mr Balasubramaniyan said residents particularly enjoyed helping create the decorations for the event.
“It was a real pleasure to be part of such an important local tradition, and we’re very grateful to the organisers for allowing us to contribute to this year’s Carnival,” he said.
Willowbrook View, based in Wichelstowe, forms part of the Connaught Care Collection and provides residential and specialist care services alongside a programme of community activities and events.
