Staff and residents at Barchester’s Vecta House care home in Newport celebrated 40 years of London Fashion Week with their own unique beach-themed fashion show. Participants had prepared their costumes for the big day, and the activities team alongside residents created a catwalk with a sea-themed backdrop and a sandy runway, setting the scene for the afternoon events. Residents gathered in their chairs and were greeted with the offer of a flower garland to wear throughout the show. The event kicked off with Charlotte Tomlinson the home’s deputy manager (aka the Vecta Airways air hostess) welcoming residents and handing out boarding passes to inspire residents’ imaginations with their destination being the beach. Charlotte continued to host the show introducing each member of staff and what was their chosen costume. Residents laughed throughout at the rather unusual fashion display with the home’s manager Nichola Shepherd creating a great deal of laughter by showing off her shark costumes as she proceeded down the sandy catwalk. This inspired some residents to take the opportunity to strut their stuff down the catwalk in their beach-inspired costumes. 
At the end of the show, residents indulged in snacks and a refreshing glass of Pimm’s or a cold beer served in coconut cups while discussing the afternoon events. Lifestyle Leader Tanya Everson said:
“It is wonderful to work alongside residents in organising these events giving them all a great sense of purpose and where they can feel proud of their achievements. We all worked hard as a team to make it an unforgettable experience for everyone involved”
Diana a resident at Vecta House remarked:
“I enjoy helping the staff around the home in any way I can so when I was asked if I would like to help organise the fashion show I jumped straight in. I was laughing throughout the show at some of the costumes I saw and couldn’t resist in taking the opportunity to try a few on myself. It really was a fantastic afternoon”
Lifestyle Leader Tanya Everson commented:
“It is wonderful to work alongside residents in organising these events giving them all a great sense of purpose and where they can feel proud of their achievements. We all worked hard as a team to make it an unforgettable experience for everyone involved”
Great to see such events having fun like this. Well done all.