Classic movies brought to life by Chesterfield care home

THE DAM Busters, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Jurassic Park were among the classic movie posters recreated by Chesterfield care home residents and staff.

Those living and working at Springbank House Care Home, on Ashgate Road, dressed as iconic characters from the classic movies to enter an art competition.

Derek Bothamley, 87, a former Squadron Leader in the RAF, put on his old uniform and saluted next to a poster for The Dam Busters as a homage to the 1955 film starring Richard Todd and Michael Redgrave.

He said: “I was overcome with the honour of being asked to take part. It was my pleasure to pose and try and help the home to win a prize.

“I remember The Dam Busters was filmed at Lady Bower Reservoir. The pilots used to practice the scenes flying down the valley and across the reservoir.”

Staff bought a long black dress, elbow length gloves and cigarette holder for resident Joyce Cole, 85, to recreate Holly Golightly from 1961 movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

She said: “I would be delighted to take part as long as I could keep the clothes.”

Resident John Finch, 81, alongside the home’s administrator Julie Alexander and carer Sam Bennett recreated the 1956 western The Searchers, starring John Wayne.

And home manager Karen Busby chose to re-enact an entire scene from 1993’s Jurassic Park, when she donned an inflatable T-Rex costume and stomped through the home’s fairy garden.

Residents watched from the conservatory and laughed as Karen got stuck in the doorway before making her way outside.

She said: “The competition was something the residents really wanted to do and we all had a lot of fun taking part. I was inspired by those residents who don’t normally engage but really wanted to take part.

“Derek, who recreated The Dam Busters, taught me how to salute while we were taking his photo. And Joyce, who dressed as Holly Golightly, has worn the outfit to dinner on three occasions so far.

“Everyone had a great laugh at my T-Rex impression as well, especially when it overinflated and I got stuck in the doorway, and then got the tail stuck in the door.

Springbank House Care Home was named runner-up and received £100 for their entries into an art competition run by the Hill Care Group, which operates the home.

Hill Care operations director Mandy Vernon was on the judging panel for the competition, which involved the group’s 36 homes across the north.

She said: “We had fantastic entries from all our homes. The creativity on show was incredible, as works of art from all genres and ages were recreated. A lot of fun was had by residents and staff and it was difficult to pick a final winner.

“Springbank House Care Home was named as runner-up after they recreated a range of classic movie posters.

“Our congratulations go to the staff and residents as well as all those who entered and took part.”