The Big Green Picnic: A Joyful Celebration of Community, Care & Dementia Awareness
Published: 02/07/2025
On a bright and beautiful afternoon in June, Right at Home Swindon hosted a very special event in partnership with Dementia Adventure — The Big Green Picnic. Set in the gardens of Willowbrook View Care Home in Wichelstowe, the day was all about bringing people together, raising awareness of dementia, and celebrating the strength and warmth of our local community. With delicious food, live music, laughter, and sunshine, it was a truly heartwarming afternoon. Here’s a closer look at everything that made the Big Green Picnic one to remember.
What Is the Big Green Picnic Initiative?
The Big Green Picnic is a joint initiative between Dementia Adventure and Right at Home. Its mission is to encourage communities across the country to come together in green spaces, enjoy the benefits of nature, and open up conversations around dementia. It’s a powerful yet simple idea — use the humble picnic to spark joy, raise awareness, and create inclusive spaces for people living with dementia and those who care for them.
At its heart, this initiative is about connection. It’s about stepping outside, sharing stories, enjoying the little things, and making sure that nobody feels alone or forgotten. By combining the national reach of Dementia Adventure with the trusted local care of Right at Home teams, the Big Green Picnic brings together people from all walks of life to create moments that matter — and make a real impact.
When and Where Did It Take Place?
This year’s Big Green Picnic in Swindon was held on Wednesday 18th June 2025 at Willowbrook View Care Home in Wichelstowe. The event ran from 12pm to 2pm, and despite the heat, it was clear from the moment guests arrived that the sunshine wasn’t going to slow anyone down.
Picnic blankets were laid out, parasols popped up, and there was a lovely buzz in the air as families, carers, residents, and community members gathered for an afternoon of good food, good music, and good company.
A Warm and Wonderful Welcome
As people began arriving, there was an instant sense of togetherness. Guests were greeted with smiles, hugs, and cups of tea — the proper British welcome! Some brought their own picnic setups while others mingled with residents from Willowbrook View and staff from Right at Home Swindon.
It didn’t take long for the garden to fill with chatter, laughter, and that unmistakable feeling of something special unfolding. People caught up with old friends and made new ones — proof, if ever we needed it, that a bit of sunshine and a shared purpose can bring people together in the best way.
Food, Drinks and the Joy of Sharing
No picnic is complete without a great spread, and we made sure no one left hungry. Our team laid out a delicious variety of picky bits, from finger sandwiches and sausage rolls to cakes and fruit platters. There were also plenty of cold drinks to keep everyone refreshed under the sun — and, of course, the kettle was never far away for a comforting cuppa.
People helped themselves, shared their favourites, and enjoyed relaxed conversation over plates of picnic goodies. It wasn’t fancy or fussy — just feel-good food and the joy of eating it together.
Live Music from Cally — Singing Through the Decades
One of the highlights of the day was a stunning live performance from local singer Cally, whose voice could be heard all across the garden. Her setlist was a true journey through time — from golden hits of the 1950s all the way up to today’s favourites. It was the kind of music that brings people together, with something familiar for every generation.
As she sang, you could see shoulders relaxing, feet tapping, and faces lighting up. Her warm vocals created a backdrop of calm and joy, and before long, guests were humming along, singing the words, and even getting up for a little dance on the grass.
Catch, Conversation and a Bit of a Boogie
Although we had planned for several garden games, sometimes the simplest things bring the most fun. A spontaneous game of catch quickly became the go-to activity, with guests — young and old — joining in and taking turns tossing the ball across the garden. It was a moment of real, unfiltered fun.
And for those who weren’t up for catch, the music had its own pull. A few brave souls took to the grass to dance, spinning each other around and swaying to the sound of Cally’s voice. It was beautiful to see so many people connecting through movement and music — just going with the flow and enjoying the moment.
Ray’s Ice Cream — A Sweet Treat to Beat the Heat
The Raffle — Big Cheers and Bigger Smiles
As the event drew towards its end, excitement turned to our raffle draw — one of the most anticipated parts of the day. With a whole table of prizes on offer, everyone leaned in to hear the winning names. There were cheers, claps, and some very happy winners!
It was more than just a bit of fun — it was a chance to raise extra funds for a truly meaningful cause, while also celebrating the generosity of our wonderful community.
Our Amazing Raffle Donors
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the kind businesses and individuals who donated raffle prizes and made the event even more special. We were blown away by the support:
- LUSH Swindon – luxury product samples
- Marks & Spencer- Luxury selection hamper
- UK Café – breakfast for two voucher
- My Pilates Swindon – six pilates classes
- Brits Fish and Chips – £20 voucher
- Sentai – high tea hamper
- Thatchers Cider – crate of cider
- Hall & Woodhouse – £40 voucher
- The Highworth Hotel – afternoon tea for two
- Willowbrook View Care Home – generous hamper donation
Every prize was received with huge smiles and lots of gratitude — and helped us raise extra money for an incredible cause.
A Successful Day — And a Final Thank You
As the sun began to dip and guests started to make their way home, one thing was clear: the Big Green Picnic had been a huge success. The garden was full of smiles, hugs, and chatter, and people left feeling uplifted, connected, and proud to have been part of something that mattered.
The atmosphere throughout the day was one of joy, togetherness and celebration — all while supporting a charity that’s doing life-changing work. We’re beyond grateful to Willowbrook View for hosting us so beautifully, and to every single person who helped, donated, or came along.
We Raised £160 for Dementia Adventure!
Thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended and donated, we’re delighted to share that we raised £160 for Dementia Adventure. This money will go towards helping people living with dementia access the outdoors, connect with nature, and experience all the benefits that fresh air and freedom can bring.
Until Next Time...
The Big Green Picnic was more than just a summer gathering — it was a reminder of the power of community, compassion, and the simple joy of being together. Whether you danced in the sunshine, cheered on the raffle, or just enjoyed a scoop of ice cream with a friend, thank you.
We’re already looking forward to doing it all again. 💚
