Despite the grey clouds and raindrops falling, at Redcot care home spirits were not dampened as The Redcot Arms was officially opened. The honour of cutting the red ribbon and serving the first drink went to The Mayor of Haslemere, Councillor Jerome Davidson and the internationally renowned, The Folding Lady, Sophie Liard.
Prior to the opening of The Redcot Arms, Sophie presented the charity’s Care Home Director, Cheryl Rothschild with a cheque for a staggering £8,268.10. Sophie raised this extraordinary amount for Friends of the Elderly by conquering this year’s London Marathon, completing the exhausting and exhilarating challenge in six hours.
“It was a really special moment being able to present the cheque to Friends of the Elderly. I’m so grateful to everyone who donated and supported me every step of the way, from training through to crossing the finishing line. I must say, I’m also pretty proud to have finished the Marathon and raised so much for such a worthwhile charity,” said Sophie.
“I’m so very proud of Sophie for taking on the London Marathon on behalf of Friends of the Elderly. I couldn’t be prouder as Sophie is my Niece and for her to do such a fantastic thing for our charity is amazing,” added Cheryl.
Before braving the weather, The Mayor and his wife, Penny, enjoyed a special performance by The Redcot Residents’ Choir who sang ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ and ‘Show Me The Way To Tipperary.” Then, with the grey clouds still floating overhead, the Mayor and Sophie braved the drizzling rain and cut the red ribbon, officially opening The Redcot Arms. 98-year-old Joyce Douglas, who has lived at Redcot for two years, was the first resident to christen the pub, enjoying a delicious glass of fruit punch specially served by Mayor Davidson.
“It was lovely to see such a wonderful choir in action and really enjoying themselves singing. The whole of Redcot Care Home has such a lovely feel about it. It was so great to see all of the residents enjoying themselves and meeting the extremely kind Care Team,” said Mayor Davidson.
The Redcot Arms is fully accessible to all the residents and their guests and can be safely reached in the care home’s lower garden by a Stannah Stair Lift – which accommodates wheelchairs – or easy to manage steps with handrails.
“Now it is open, The Redcot Arms will not have opening hours, it is totally unique and will be open for our residents whenever they want it to be,” added Jan Daly, the Registered Manager at Redcot. “Everyone here is so grateful to Mayor Davidson and Sophie for officially opening the pub and taking time to chat to all the residents – and even joining in with the Redcot Choir. It was a lovely way to start our Care Home Open Week event, our 4th July celebrations and, of course, christening The Redcot Arms.
“This afternoon we will be joined by the Reception Class from St Ives School who will be visiting our residents and meeting the animals from EMS Friendly Farm who will also be here. To round off this special day, Bill Clayton will be entertaining us with performance of a medley of hits from the 50s to today, to keep the party going.”
Find out more about Redcot care home by calling 01428 644 637 or emailing enquiries@fote.org.uk.