Clyde Valley Care Home Wins First Prize at Carstairs Gala Day
Leg warmers, Rubik’s Cubes, and a wave of neon, Clyde Valley Care Home made a big impression at this year’s Carstairs Gala Day with their Back to the 80s float, taking home 1st Prize for Best Motorised Vehicle in the village procession.
The idea for the float came out of a joint conversation between staff and residents, who worked together to develop the theme and plan the design. Over the following weeks, residents helped create the decorations used on the float and in the costumes, working closely with the activities team to choose colours, styles and materials. On the day itself, both staff and residents dressed the part, with homemade Rubik’s Cube outfits, leg warmers, and matching t-shirts tying the whole look together.
Staff and residents were over the moon with the result, the culmination of weeks of planning, and teamwork. Activities like this bring purpose and enjoyment, and much more: they encourage collaboration, support creative expression, and help build stronger relationships within the home.
The Gala didn’t stop just with the design for our residents either, they were front and centre on the day itself. Staff and residents alike took part in the village procession, making their way through Carstairs alongside other local community groups, floats and families. The Gala was a huge success and the Clyde Valley team were proud to be part of a village tradition that brings people of all ages together.
The Gala Day itself is the highlight of a full week of events in Carstairs, from wellie throwing and football, to quizzes and a community disco. The Saturday procession is the main event, with pipers, floats, pageants and the crowning of the Gala Queen drawing crowds from across the area.
Clyde Valley has taken part in Gala Day for several years, but the sense of pride in being involved hasn’t faded. Residents said they had a great time dressing up and loved being out in the community, waving to neighbours and soaking up the atmosphere.
The £20 prize and trophy marked the culmination of real collaboration between staff and residents. It was a chance to work towards something together, to represent the home proudly, and to take an active place in the life of the village. Events like this reflect the wider approach across Enhance Healthcare, where creativity, inclusion, and strong community ties are encouraged and celebrated.
