Care home residents in Wrexham were treated to a magical day of colour, music and circus antics at their summer fun day.
The show stopping spectacle at Pendine Park’s five homes in Summerhill Road was a feast for the senses – complete with a life-size baby elephant float, clowns, strongmen, music and even a young musician dazzling the crowd.
Led by the ever-enthusiastic maintenance man Paul Morris – aka the Ring Master – a parade weaved its way around the beautifully maintained grounds, drawing cheers, waves and beaming smiles from residents, families and staff alike.
For those unable to step outside, the cavalcade made sure no-one missed out, with residents watching from windows as music from The Greatest Showman and a blast of bubbles filled the air.
The colourful extravaganza also celebrated a major milestone – Pendine Park’s 40th anniversary – with similar events also being held at the organisation’s other care homes, Hillbury and Gwern Alyn in Wrexham and Bryn Seiont Newydd, in Caernarfon, at the same time.
It was a particularly poignant theme as Pendine founder Mario Kreft MBE has a personal connection to the Big Top.
His late father Franz was a professional bear and lion trainer who performed around the world.
In 1953 the dashing young Slovenian arrived in Rhyl where he was contracted for the summer season to Prince Cox’s Circus.
He met and fell in love with a vivacious 17-year-old, Pamela Warburton, the daughter of Fred and Rene Warburton, who ran the former Pen-y-Don Hotel, on the promenade.
The young couple toured the world and Mario was born in Durban, South Africa, and Christened in a circus tent by the Bishop of Durban.
While his parents were working in the circus, Mario moved to North Wales to live with his beloved grandparents who retired to Trefnant, near Denbigh, where he grew up and attended school.
In 1985 Mario and his wife Gill established Pendine Park with a vision to provide enriching care inspired by their own family experiences – a mission that’s grown into a care group known for pioneering arts and music therapy.
Artistic spirit was on full display during the gala, with consultant artist-in-residence Sarah Edwards leading residents in crafting decorations, including the standout wooden baby elephant float – cut out by the maintenance team and painted with residents’ help.
“The residents were hands-on in bringing the magic to life,” said Sarah. “The whole day had a joyful, uplifting energy – it was unmissable.”
Resident and local legend Steve “Speedy” Roberts brought extra charm, riding in a donkey-shaped float fashioned from his wheelchair. Speedy, who helps the maintenance team with regular tasks, was a crowd favourite.
Maintenance team members George Woodward and Mark Jones dressed as a strongman and clown, respectively, adding to the carnival spirit alongside Paul Morris, who also happens to be a skilled chainsaw sculptor with more than 150 carvings displayed across the grounds.
“It’s a real privilege to do this for the residents,” said Paul. “To see their smiles – that’s what it’s all about.”
Each care home embraced the circus theme in style: at Penybryn, soapy bubbles rained down; at Highfield, clown costumes and photo ops kept residents entertained; and at Cae Bryn, activities co-ordinator Denise Roth got fully into character in a rainbow wig and full face paint.
Sarah Edwards praised everyone involved for making the summer gala such a fun-filled occasion.
She said: “As ever our gardens and maintenance team have gone the extra mile to make sure we had a wonderfully uplifting parade in the build up to the party-fare and games activities which were then held in each of our homes.
“In the run up to the day a number of our residents also helped me with the dazzling artwork which made up the baby elephant float. The wooden elephant was designed by me but cut out by the maintenance team. Then myself and some of the residents painted it during our regular arts sessions.”
Carer Jerry Sevilla entertained residents with a hilarious clown dance while Astrid Elano, daughter of Bodlondeb deputy manager Arlene Elano, set up a table on which she performed magic tricks.
Astrid, 13, laughed: “I taught myself using a kit. I’d love to be a magician.
“It’s school holidays so it’s great that I can be here to help with the fun day. All the residents just love it.”
Parties and discos were held at each of the homes during the sunny afternoon and special circus-themed menus were laid on by the Pendine Park catering team, including hot dogs, ice cream and, later in the day, a circus themed buffet tea.
Belinda Roberts, whose daughter Coral Lister, is a Pendine resident, said: “It is such a fun, vibrant atmosphere, everyone has worked so hard to make it a great day. They have really done the residents and families proud.”
