A TASTE of Hollywood came to a Royal Wootton Bassett residential home yesterday with screening of 1940s movie classic Casablanca.

Volunteers from the Nationwide Building Society descended on Ridgeway House to give the home’s 43 film buffs the A-list experience complete with red carpet and paparazzi photographer.

The home’s living area was transformed into a luxurious cinema, decorated with red drapes, a big screen and bunting.

And ice cream and popcorn was served to residents watching the afternoon film.

The ‘great day in’ was part of Nationwide’s corporate volunteering day and 11 staff members spent the day chatting, cake decorating, dancing and having high tea with residents.

Debra Bailey, the Chief information officer of IT and security said she was enjoying taking an active part in the community.

“We knew we wanted to come and get involved in a really good community cause and we’ve all really had fun today,” she said.

“It was about giving them a great day in. At Nationwide we try and get involved in a lot of community projects and you can see just see how happy everyone is today.

“It’s an integral part of our culture and it was really important for us to get involved.

We’ll be singing and dancing all day today.”

Barbara Fennell, 90, who has lived at Ridgeway House for two years, said she loved the fun atmosphere the day had brought to the home.

“It’s been so happy today and it’s nice that we’re able to do something like this that brings us all together,” she said.

Jill Nutt, 83, who wore a purple Stetson to the film said she had her tissues at the ready ahead of the film’s afternoon showing.

“It’s a bit of a tearjerker so I’m prepared to shed a few tears today,” she said.

“I’ve really enjoyed every bit of today but especially the cake decorating because it was something we could all do together.”

Software developer David Gibson was responsible for choreographing the grand finale, a performance of Magic Moments which the volunteers performed to the residents.

Andrea Wright, the activities co-ordinator at Ridgeway Park, said the day had been hotly anticipated by the home’s residents and it seems the day was the beginning of a beautiful friendship between Ridgeway House and Nationwide.

“I would say that everyone has really been looking forward to it and we’ve had some lovely times today” she said.

“It’s great that Nationwide wanted to come down today and we’re hoping they will come back,” she said.