A LAST-minute setback threatened to cancel a classic car show, but local residents rallied together to save the event, turning it into a memorable show.

Kingfisher Lodge in Chestnut Walk, Saltford, had planned this show for months but two days before the event they received the news that the planned cars attending couldn’t make it.

Kelly, one of the home's activity co-ordinators, put out a plea on Facebook asking the local community for help. The response was immediate, with a resounding "we've got this" from people across the county – and on the day, car owners turned up by the dozen. The impressive display included everything from a 1934 American REO to a bright red Ferrari, and many classic models in between.

For two hours, residents, staff, family members, and neighbours gathered to view the cars and meet their owners. Many of the residents recognised vehicles they had once driven or learned to drive in. One resident, Tony, admired the Spitfire and remarked, “It just makes me want to take it out for a spin in the country like I used to,” recalling the several he had owned over the years.

Another resident cheered with glee saying “it’s so beautiful” when he saw the bright red Triumph, then shed a happy tear when he saw a classic mini: “That’s my old car,” he said.

This may have started off as an event hosted by the care centre but it became a real community event. Local man Chris commented: “Saw the cars driving off, lovely stuff!”

Kingfisher Lodge in Saltford is part of Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest and most established care providers. With over 30 years of experience, Barchester supports more than 13,000 residents across 262 homes and hospitals, offering a broad range of services tailored to individual needs.

Kingfisher Lodge provides personalised care options including short breaks, residential care, nursing care, and specialised dementia support. A notable feature of the home is its Memory Lane Community, a dedicated area designed for residents living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

This space aims to support residents in maintaining independence and encouraging an active lifestyle at various stages of memory loss.

In addition to dementia care, Kingfisher Lodge benefits from Barchester’s specialist services, such as neuro rehabilitation, ensuring residents have access to care tailored to their specific health requirements. As part of Barchester’s wider network, Kingfisher Lodge contributes to the delivery of care and support for older people in the local community.

Kingfisher Lodge General manager Claudia said “we cannot thank our local community enough, they all gave their own time and also shared their treasured cars with us all and made sure our residents were not disappointed, it means so much to our home, it’s the true meaning of community spirit.”

To find out more about Barchester Healthcare, including the full range of care services they offer and to locate the care home nearest to you, visit their official website at www.Barchester.com.