The royal seal of approval – Epsom care home celebrates the Platinum Jubilee with a letter from the Queen

Residents at a care home in Epsom were granted the royal seal of approval for their jubilee celebrations after receiving a letter from the Queen. 

Care UK’s Appleby House, on Longmead Road, celebrated the Queen’s official 70-year milestone by hosting its very own street party for residents, family members and the local community to enjoy. 

Keen to show their respect and admiration, residents at Appleby House wrote a letter to the Queen, with one resident, Linda Ruse, aged 87, also sending a hand-drawn charcoal portrait of her Majesty the Queen at her Coronation. 

The residents were delighted when the Queen’s Lady in Waiting, Susan Hussey, responded with: ‘The Queen was touched by the very kind sentiments’ expressed by their letter and portrait. 

Resident, Linda, who painted the portrait said: “I feel very proud to be part of this event and to know the Queen has seen my artwork. It has made me feel quite nostalgic – what an honour!” 

Keen to recreate the street parties of the 1950s, team members decorated the garden with Union Jack flags, bunting and balloons, and had tables and chairs laid out for residents and relatives to enjoy a royal afternoon lunch. The catering team also made the Platinum Jubilee Trifle for everyone to enjoy.

Shona Bradbury, Home Manager at Appleby House, added: “We had a fantastic time welcoming the Epsom community for a right royal knees-up to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee – which was made all the more special with a letter from the Queen herself! 

“It’s been a busy 70 years for the royals, with big birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and new additions to the family – conversations about the Queen are never too far from our lips here at Appleby House. Many residents remember her coronation too, so it was great to be able to share those memories and reminisce with the local community. 

“We’d like to say a big thank you to those who joined us on the day and raised a glass to the Queen – we hope to welcome everyone again soon!” 

Appleby House has been designed to encourage residents to live active and fulfilling lives, while remaining as independent as possible in a safe environment. The modern care home provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care.

To find out more about Care UK’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, please visit: careuk.com/platinumjubilee.

To find out more about Appleby House, please call 0333 4343 002, email Home Manager, Shona Bradbury, at Shona.Bradbury@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/appleby-house.