Thrill seeking care home residents take IRN-BRU Carnival by storm
Daredevil residents from Glasgow-based care homes, Rosepark, Whitecraigs and Croftbank, have proven to have nerves of steel by taking to fairground classics like the Waltzers, Dodgems and Flying Dumbos at official opening of the 104th IRN-BRU Carnival.
Held at the SEC, Glasgow on 22 December – 14 January 2024, care home residents attended the carnivals official ribbon cutting ceremony, reminiscing about attending the fair in years gone by.
A festive institution in Glasgow, the Carnival first took place in 1919 at the Kelvin Hall, then accompanied by a circus – with many of the residents remembering the smell of elephants. It has since become one of the city’s biggest annual festive events.
Mary Connelly, 90, resident at Rosepark Care Home in Uddingston, shared her memories of attending the carnival as a young girl saying: “My mum used to take me to the carnival with my sisters and brothers when I was younger and I loved going on the big wheel.”
Bella Farrell, 77, also from Rosepark Care Home, reminisced over her favourite rides from attending the carnival with her family when she was younger. She said: “My favourite rides were the Walters and the Ferris wheel.”
Along with testing out the wide variety of rides and attractions at the fair, residents also tucked into a selection of food options available, particularly enjoying the street food style burgers, salt and chilli chips and, for those with a sweet tooth, churros.
“My mum used to take me to the carnival with my sisters and brothers when I was younger and I loved going on the big wheel."
Mary Connelly, Resident
Whitecraigs, Rosepark and Croftbank Care Homes are part of Renaissance Care’s portfolio of 17 care homes across Scotland.
Activities are central to Renaissance Care’s wellbeing strategy, with residents encouraged to take part in events that are tailored to their specific needs and interests, helping them remain in high spirits as well as supporting their physical health.
Annette Frew, activities coordinator at Rosepark Care Home, said: “What a fantastic day for our residents at the Irn Bru Carnival. Everyone’s feeling nostalgic and have been reminiscing over their favourite times at the Carnival with their families when they were children.
“Meaningful activities like this are core to the care that we deliver at Renaissance Care, ensuring that our residents have a schedule of activities and events that support their wellbeing and making sure that they have fun while doing so.”
Earlier this year, the care home group supported two Aberdeen based residents to relive their youth by arranging a boxing session with Scottish professional boxer, Lee McAllister and supporting one last motorcycle ride with a local motorcycle enthusiast club.
Margaret Cowan, lead organiser at IRN-BRU Carnival said: “The IRN-BRU Carnival is a Glasgow institution and has been for its 104 years. It’s great to see the Renaissance Care residents trying out our rides, food stalls and just having a blast on our opening day – they are truly proving that age is just a number, and the Carnival is for everyone, no matter what age you are!
“We love hearing the stories of the Carnival from times gone by, and welcoming back those who have joined us year in and year out, now bringing their kids, and grandkids, to join in the fun. We hope to see more thrill-seekers like the Renaissance Care residents at Carnival throughout the run until we close on 14th January.”
The IRN-BRU Carnival will be open until Sunday 14 January 2024 (excluding Christmas Day). Standard entry tickets are available from £19.50 with discounts available for groups, concessions and Young Scot card holders, and kids under three go free. Tickets are currently available online now here.
