Willowbrook View Care Home transformed its minibus into a moving display celebrating Blue Light personnel and military veterans for the Royal Wootton Bassett Carnival on Saturday 16th May.
The 55th annual event drew thousands to Royal Wootton Bassett, with this year’s “Heroes and Villains” theme encouraging entries inspired by real and fictional figures.
Inspired by the town’s strong links to the armed forces and its motto, “We honour those who serve”, staff chose to recognise emergency service workers who support communities every day.
The care home’s minibus featured handmade cardboard cut-outs of firefighters, paramedics and police officers seated inside. A life-sized Playmobil firefighter mascot waved from the rear of the vehicle as it joined the procession.
Staff members dressed in emergency service uniforms, while residents helped create the decorations in the weeks leading up to the carnival.
The entry was awarded “highly commended” in the Care Homes category. It was also selected as an overall winner by the Carnival Royalty.
Willowbrook View General Manager Mathan Balasubramaniyan said: “As soon as we heard the theme for this year’s Royal Wootton Bassett Carnival was ‘Heroes and Villains’, we knew it would be a perfect opportunity to celebrate the everyday heroes who do so much for our community.
“At Willowbrook View, we are passionate about supporting local people who dedicate their lives to helping others – from emergency service workers to military veterans. That’s why we recently launched our monthly ‘Blue Light Breakfasts’ as a small thank you for their courage and dedication.”
Dixie, who drove the minibus during the procession, said: “This was a brilliant choice. It celebrates the everyday people who make a difference in our communities, while also adding a fun, creative twist that brings everyone together.
“What I value most about events like this is the sense of unity they create. They bring people of all ages and backgrounds together, strengthen community spirit, and give everyone a chance to celebrate the people and stories that have made the town what it is.”
Royal Wootton Bassett became the first town in more than a century to receive the “Royal” prefix from Queen Elizabeth II in 2011. The honour recognised its role in paying tribute to fallen British service personnel repatriated through nearby RAF Lyneham.
Although residents were unable to attend in person, the home has arranged for footage of the procession to be screened in its cinema room later this week.
Mathan added: “It’s been fantastic seeing the whole team throw themselves so enthusiastically into the planning and festivities.
“Our residents especially loved helping to create the decorations for the minibus – particularly those with familial ties to the emergency services. It was a real pleasure to be part of such an important local tradition, and we’re very grateful to the organisers for allowing us to contribute to this year’s Carnival.”
The appearance forms part of the home’s wider community programme. Residents recently marked VE Day with a themed street party.
Willowbrook View is part of the Connaught Care Collection and is based in the Wichelstowe development in Swindon.
