Residents at RMBI Care Co. Home Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court, in Stisted, put on their glad rags on Sunday 25th October to watch the wedding, which was streamed live from a nearby church.

Dot Bash, aged 91, sadly couldn’t be at her granddaughter Kathryn’s wedding to fiancé Tom Law in person, due to government guidelines. 

Determined to not let Dot miss the big day, Dot’s son Peter and the care staff arranged for the wedding to be live-streamed and Dot watched it in real-time with her fellow residents on the Home’s huge, cinema-style screen.  

To create a wedding atmosphere at the Home, there were fresh flower decorations, and a tea party was held after the service. Everyone was invited to drink a toast to the happy couple. The bride’s father had even delivered a case of wine to the Home for everyone to enjoy. 

Home Manager Aggie McDonald explained: “We couldn’t bear the thought of Dot not being able to see her granddaughter getting married in real time. They’re such a close family, for her to miss it would have been heart-breaking. We were determined to make it special for her and it was lovely that our other residents were also able to enjoy such an uplifting event.” 

The wedding took place very nearby at the picturesque All Saints Church, Stisted, where Kathryn’s mum is church warden. After the service, the bride and groom cut a wedding cake outside the Home, while Dot and fellow residents watched through the window. The cake was made by the Home’s chef.

Kathryn, who now lives in the Cotswolds, said: “I'm absolutely thrilled that my Nana and her fellow residents could join in my wedding. It added an extra exciting dimension to the whole day and lasting memories to treasure. It’s lovely that the Home is doing so much. They’re having a three-course meal and canapes! In fact, they’re probably doing more than we are!” 

Kathryn was able to visit her beloved Nana in the Home’s COVID-secure visitor pod the day before the wedding.  

Dot told carers: “I’m so grateful that the Home was able to make this happen, so I could see my granddaughter getting married!” 

RMBI Home Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court is run by RMBI Care Co., part of the Masonic Charitable Foundation. Since July, residents have been able to have visitors in the Home’s Covid-secure visitor pod. 

www.rmbi.org.uk