West Bridgford care provider New Care enlisted the help of ‘The Queen’, Isla Bates aged 3, to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee with residents at The Grand Care Centre in West Bridgford and Ruddington Manor Care Centre in Wilford.
The royal engagement comprised a red carpet arrival for Isla at The Grand, who was accompanied by two guards of honour, Sergeant Sean Mooney from the RAF Waddington and her granddad, Andrew Fairhurst veteran of the Queens Lancashire Regiment, followed by the planting of a tree, leaving a ‘green’ lasting legacy at the 82 bed facility during this special year.
At Ruddington Manor, residents gathered outside to watch the ‘mini Queen’ arrive with her granddad, walk the red carpet and plant the tree. She then mingled with residents, showcasing her royal wave.
Part of The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, the planting of the tree for the jubilee is designed to enhance the environment and create a legacy in honour of The Queen’s leadership of the nation, with the ultimate aim of benefiting future generations.
Isla’s mother, Alex Fairhurst, who works for New Care, comments: “Isla thoroughly enjoyed her day in Nottingham, and especially loved dressing up as The Queen! It is a real privilege for Isla to be involved in the Platinum Jubilee and by planting a tree at The Grand and Ruddington Manor, she is playing her part in improving the environment and leaving a lasting legacy in Nottingham.”
Anne Hughes, home manager at The Grand, adds: “The residents were thrilled to have a mini Queen for the day and enjoyed all of the celebrations, from the red carpet arrival for Isla to watching the tree being planted.”
Laura Lambert, home manager at Ruddington Manor, adds: “There were smiles all round and the residents loved Isla!”
On behalf of New Care, Isla has visited 10 care homes across the region planting trees and meeting residents. Isla concludes: “I have loved being a mini-Queen and helping to plant all of the trees. I like waving and making the residents smile.”
