Chichester care home residents treated to Glorious Goodwood garden party

Normally, a minibus full of residents from Marriott House Lodge and Care Home makes the short journey to enjoy a day out at Glorious Goodwood, but due to the current situation with Covid-19, this year it was not to be.

Instead Debbie Matthews, who runs the #GoRacingGreen initiative, decided to take the racing to the residents, with help from sponsors Unibet and the home’s activities coordinator Sarah Harding.

A special lunch was served on the day, followed by an afternoon garden party while watching the racing – with staff and residents all dressed up for the occasion.

Debbie said: “When I spoke to Sarah she was absolutely delighted that the residents were going to have the opportunity to be involved in Glorious Goodwood and do something different.

“They have been in lockdown since March and it has obviously become a little mundane and monotonous for them all, staff and residents alike.

“I have been very conscious that with the ongoing limitations on raceday attendance it was really important to start reaching out to communities in a different way, so it is brilliant that we are able to involve those at Marriott House to start things off.

“Hopefully going forward, we can do much more of this, thanks to Unibet’s support.”

Jon Barnett, general manager at Goodwood Racecourse, said: “It been fantastic seeing this wonderful initiative between GoRacingGreen and the Barchester Care’s Marriott House Lodge in Chichester come to fruition.

“Many care homes and their staff have faced an incredibly challenging few months during Covid-19.

“While we are sad not to host residents on the course this year, it is fantastic that everyone at the Marriott House has entered into the spirit.”

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