A Dorset care home has donated its prize money to charity after winning the best parade entry at a popular local carnival.
Residents, families and team members from Colten Care’s Avon Reach in Mudeford dressed up on a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory theme to take part in the Christchurch Carnival.
They decorated their minibus with sweets, golden tickets and chocolate bars, and took to the route in costumes reflecting Roald Dahl’s famous story characters such as Veruca Salt, Oompa-Loompas and factory owner Willy Wonka himself.
Colby, one of the children involved, drove his own electric pick-up-truck, kitted out Wonka-style.
Avon Reach Companionship Team Leader Denise Marks said: “The atmosphere was full of music, laughter and celebration. As we made our way through the parade we handed out sweets, lollipops and Wonka chocolate to the crowds. Colby’s vehicle was a huge hit alongside our costumes and the transformation of our minibus.”
Adding to the excitement, Home Manager Ruth Wildman, dressed as an Oompa-Loompa and resident Pat Torpey, acting as Willy Wonka, chose one lucky member of the crowd to receive a golden ticket, which won them a chocolate hamper.
At the closing ceremony by Christchurch Quay, the Avon Reach party learned they had won the best-in-parade award, securing a £100 top prize and winner’s shield.
Pat said: “We had a wonderful time and were even more delighted to be named winners of the parade at the end.”
In the spirit of giving back, Avon Reach residents decided to donate the cash prize to the home’s chosen charity of the year, the Christchurch Community Partnership.
