Care Home Residents enjoy Farm Visit and Flight Simulator Experience while raising over £500 for Charity

Residents, families and members of the local community came together for a unique day of countryside charm and hands-on adventure at The Dower House Residential and nursing home in Winchester, raising more than £500 for the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

The special event combined the best of nature and technology, with traditional British farm animals visiting the grounds thanks to local partner Mill Cottage Farm Experience, while guests also had the opportunity to take to the skies through the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance’s helicopter flight simulator.

Set within the beautiful gardens of The Dower House, the event attracted multiple generations of families, bringing together residents, relatives, friends and local supporters for an afternoon of fun, laughter and fundraising.

Christine Farmery, Activities Co-ordinator at The Dower House, said: “It’s lovely to organise events that bring every generation together. We had residents, their children and grandchildren spending quality time together, enjoying new experiences and creating wonderful memories. Seeing everyone smiling, laughing and sharing the day was truly special.”

Residents particularly enjoyed meeting and interacting with the farm animals, while many embraced the chance to test their flying skills in the state-of-the-art helicopter simulator.

Resident Mrs Ottewill said: “It was a marvellous afternoon. Not only was it lovely to see old friends and family enjoying time together, but it was wonderful to know we were also raising money for such a worthwhile cause.”

Among those taking on the virtual flying challenge was Head Gardener, Ben Weatherall, who proudly earned his “virtual flying badge”. He said: “I really enjoyed having a go on the helicopter flight simulator and even managed to fly over The Dower House to see our glorious grounds from above. The simulator was incredibly realistic, but the best part of the day was seeing how much everyone was enjoying themselves together in the gardens.”

The event forms part of The Dower House’s ongoing commitment to providing meaningful, enriching experiences for residents while strengthening community connections and supporting local charities.

Chris Golding, Chief Operating Officer at The Dower House, added: “At The Dower House, we believe that life should continue to be filled with new experiences, opportunities and moments of joy. This event brought together residents, families and the wider community in a way that perfectly reflects our values, and we are delighted to have raised such a fantastic amount for the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.”