A wonkey donkey and a one-eyed Shetland pony were the stars of the show as care home residents enjoyed a taste of the American wild west.
Residents at Pendine Park’s care homes in Wrexham got into the spirit of things, letting out cries of Yee Haw and whoop whoop when were treated to a Western-themed fun day.
They also made friends with a Shetland pony, while staff wore cowboy hats, chequered shirts and bandanas, and a hot diggity menu was laid on.
Among the highlights of the day was the arrival of Sherriff Paul – aka Pendine Park maintenance man Paul Morris – and his deputies with Wonkey Jack, their specially created wooden donkey on wheels.
Paul designed and made the donkey in his spare time over the course of a few weeks, fitting it with wheels so he could ride it around the sloping grounds of Pendine Park’s Summerhill site.
He said: “It took me about two days’ worth of time in all doing a bit here and a bit there. I just designed him ad hoc really, thinking of new features to add as I went along.”
Paul was helped by maintenance assistant George Woodward who pushed around a giant teddy bear donning its own cowboy hat, while Pendine resident Steve “Speedy” Roberts turned his wheelchair into a donkey designed chariot and joined them along the route.
Also taking centre stage was Fudge, a Shetland pony, much to the delight of residents.
Seven year old Fudge is a specially trained therapy pony owned by Jessie O’Brien who runs her own business Jessie’s Party and Therapy Ponies in nearby Llanfynydd.
Jessie said: “Fudge just loves occasions like this. He is so gentle with the residents and lets them stroke his long mane. We always have a lovely time visiting Pendine Park and it is wonderful to watch how people’s faces light up when Fudge comes along.”
Fudge only has one eye, having lost one in an accident, but he doesn’t let that stop him from being a star of any occasion he attends.
Jessie said: “The beauty is that he is specially trained so he can go indoors or outdoors and he is so calm-natured that we can even go in a lift so we can take him to visit those residents who are unable to get outdoors. It allows everyone to join in the day’s activities.”
Residents Harold Butcher and Coral Pickard, were both thrilled to greet Fudge.
Coral said: “He’s a real treasure, so gentle.”
In the recreational lounge set up for all to gather to play Wild Western themed games, resident Georg Ullman said: “It’s a real good day.”
Another resident Carole Ball joked with Paul Morris as he demonstrated his lasso-throwing skills while music blared out from a stereo on his wooden donkey.
She said: “I think Sheriff Paul’s a bit crazy, but I’m loving the country and western tunes. I’ve always liked the classics.”
There was more music in the afternoon when singer and entertainer Dolly Boo visited the Summerhill site.
Pendine also staged a similar fun day at their home in Caernarfon, Bryn Seiont Newydd.
Artist in residence Sarah Edwards, who headed up the party plans, said: “We always have a fun theme for our annual summer festival and this year we decided to go to the untamed frontier of the American wild west.
“We got out the Stetsons and knee high boots and hanged wild west decorations in each of our care homes so all residents could get into the spirit of the day.
“All the staff have worked really hard to make it a party to remember across all our Pendine Park sites, from our five care homes which share the same grounds in Summerhill, Wrexham, to Hillbury House and Gwen Alyn on the other side of town, plus our specialist dementia care site at Bryn Seiont Newydd, Caernarfon.
“It’s take a lot off organising but it’s been worth it to see the smiles on all our residents’ faces.”
I’d really like to say a special thank you to our marvellous maintenance team who always go the extra mile to support events like these. We’d be lost without them!
Sarah added: “We’ve also enjoyed a wild west themed menu throughout the day courtesy of our fantastic catering team.
“Over at our Hillbury House site I know they have also been having a great time with a big party, props and lots of games. The staff there have also worked super hard to make it a memorable day.”
