Olney Meadows Gets Ready to Celebrate Mardi Gras in Style

Residents at Olney Meadows Care Home are getting into the spirit of Mardi Gras as preparations begin for a lively community celebration taking place alongside Olney’s world-famous Pancake Day.

Ahead of the big event on Friday 17 February, residents have been busy hand-crafting colourful Mardi Gras masks — adding feathers, glitter and bold designs in readiness for an afternoon of music, food and festivities. The creative sessions have already brought plenty of smiles, laughter and anticipation as the home looks forward to welcoming guests from the local community.

With Pancake Day being such a highlight in the historic Buckinghamshire town, Olney Meadows is keen to make sure the celebrations continue long after the races have finished. From 12.30pm to 3.00pm, the home will host a free Mardi Gras Open Afternoon in its Community Café — a warm and welcoming space designed for residents, families and visitors alike.

Guests will be treated to a New Orleans-themed buffet created by the home’s International Gold Award-winning chef, Tharu, alongside live jazz music to keep toes tapping throughout the afternoon.

Guests will be treated to a New Orleans-themed buffet created by the home’s International Gold Award-winning chef, Tharu, alongside live jazz music to keep toes tapping throughout the afternoon.

Bringing the community into the home is something Olney Meadows is passionate about, particularly for residents who are not always able to attend events outside. The Community Café plays an important role in this, offering a relaxed setting where people can drop in for coffee, conversation and freshly baked cakes prepared daily by the home’s talented chefs.

The café is also conveniently located on the Community Bus route, with pick-up and drop-off available on Tuesdays, and shoppers visiting the nearby Aldi can even arrange to be collected directly from the café.

Places for the Mardi Gras Open Afternoon are limited and must be booked in advance by contacting Sam at olney.activities@kingsleyhealthcare.co.uk.

Olney Meadows regularly hosts community events and activities throughout the year, and those wishing to keep up to date can follow Olney Meadows Care Home on Facebook for news of future celebrations.