The Epsom Derby, also known as the Derby Stakes or simply The Derby, is run each year on the first Saturday of June at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey. The racecourse is less than 14 miles from Tupwood Gate in Caterham.
On Thursday 1st June residents enjoyed decorating cakes with green icing and placed derby decorations on top. The cakes were then enjoyed by all with an afternoon tea.
On Friday 2nd June the residents had a visit from some Shetland ponies courtesy of Kingswood Shetlands. The two ponies who visited are rescue ponies, called Biscuit and Daisy.
Residents brushed and stroked the ponies, which sparked memories of having horses and childhood memories. When one of the residents was told that one of the ponies was called Daisy it led to an impromptu sing-a-long of the song ‘Daisy Bell’ with its well-known chorus of ‘Daisy Daisy give me your answer do’.
One of the residents, who is a keen animal lover, was not able to come downstairs but got a happy surprise when one of the ponies visited her in her room. It made her so happy.
The residents also assisted in making a horse racing floor game, making the hurdles from scrunched up tissue, and sticking the manes on the horses. The residents named their horses for the game, and threw a giant dice to move round the mat. There were forfeits as the horses moved round the mat, which made it more fun and added a little humour. Everyone had a great time playing the game.
