Patients and staff are really getting into the Royal swing of things at Walsall Manor Hospital where a host of Coronation celebrations has been organised.

To kickstart this weekend’s coronation of The King and Queen Consort, Walsall Healthcare’s Well Wishers charity held a coronation celebration outside the Fundraising Hub.

Staff, visitors and patients were served refreshments including cake and biscuits and, thanks to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Branch, 200 samosas.

In line with the King’s choice of food to represent the Coronation, there was also a quiche bake off. First place was awarded to Deputy Director of Nursing Caroline Whyte, who won the judges over with her Coronation Chicken quiche, followed closely by Clinical Support Worker Debbie Hagley and an entry by charity supporter Luke Sutton.

And a community grant of £500 awarded to Well Wishers by MADL Charity (supported by NISA), meant staff were able to enjoy a free ice cream.

Meanwhile, four local schools have been busy drawing and painting Coronation pictures and bunting which the Fundraising Team has hung around the hospital for all to enjoy. Alumwell Infants School, St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School and Walsall Academy pupils all showed off their creative talents.

Tomorrow, (Saturday 6 May) patients will be tucking into their King Charles III Coronation Celebration Lunch.

They have a choice of chicken breast with forest mushrooms and asparagus in a sauce, glazed roast bacon with a syrup baked pineapple crown, a Quiche Fit For A King – a pastry tart filled with savoury custard, broad beans, spinach, tarragon and cheese or baked salmon with a parsley and chive sauce and hint of lemon.

Desert will be King of Hearts trifle, chocolate chip and orange sponge pudding with custard or jelly and ice cream.

Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager, said: “This is an historic weekend and teams have been working hard to make sure patients don’t miss out on the celebrations.

“The lunch in particular is really special and well done to our catering colleagues for organising this. There will also be Coronation cupcakes served with afternoon tea on Saturday.

“And staff have been able to get involved too with the bake off, free ice cream and a party atmosphere outside the Fundraising Hub.  We’re all in the mood for a Royal party now!”