Legendary villain Cruella De Vil inspires World Book Day antics
Legendary villainess Cruella De Vil was the star of the show at a Walsall care home's World Book Day celebrations as not one, but two residents donned her infamous wig and cloak.
Doreen Dickens, 93, and Adelaide Mackin, 96, both bought Dodie Smith's 101 Dalmatians antagonist to life by nabbing Deputy Manager Nanda Hughes' costume.
Their devilish disguises helped bring the smiles to the fun-packed day of celebration as staff dressed up as a range of fictional characters for a special fancy-dress event.
Adelaide said: "Oh, it has been lovely, I always enjoyed watching 101 Dalmatians with my children and now grandchildren. Seeing all the staff dressed up as they always do brings a smile to my face!"
However, despite being the creation of DC Comics, it was Parklands Court's very own Batman and Robin who made the biggest splash as they took on a classic TV moment to make residents laugh.
Doreen added: "It was a lot of fun. I love Batman and Robin the most!"
Administrator Jessica Rowley said: "The whole Parklands team wanted World Book Day to be the inspiration to put smiles on the faces of all our residents and make them laugh.
"We're so lucky that everyone threw themselves into the event – and our hilarious Maintenance Officers David Mottram and Ryan McKenzie became 'Batman and Robin'.
"However, the scene they chose to recreate was from Only Fools and Horses, where Del Boy and Rodney are the dynamic duo. The residents absolutely loved it - they were in stitches."
As well as Batman and Robin, the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy, Dr Seuss's The Cat In the Hat and Fiona from Shrek all attended the party too.
Jessica added: "We did lots of book-themed puzzles, shared our favourite books and had lots of fun playing dress up.
"It lifted everyone's moods to have some fun with the characters, and the staff loved joining in.
"It was wonderful to see how happy the whole day made the residents and we look forward to having plenty more special days in the months ahead."
