A circus-themed summer fete at a Dorset dementia care home has raised more than £500 for a nearby community therapy farm.
Residents, families and friends were all welcomed to the colourful occasion in the garden of Colten Care’s Fernhill in Longham near Bournemouth.
Funds raised at stalls selling gifts coupled with a raffle and tombola will all go to residents’ charity of the year, High Mead Farm.
Fernhill team members, dressed in waistcoats, bow ties, bright T-shirts and cheerful clown makeup, handed out ‘circus tickets’ enabling guests to participate in traditional fairground-type games such as Hook the Duck and Tin Can Alley.
A barbecue afforded an opportunity to sample freshly cooked burgers while ‘talking motorbikes’ with visiting members of retro scooter group the Grumpy Grandads.
While sitting on a scooter, one resident, Monica, joked: “This is fabulous, I’m going to drive off.”
A visiting relative, Geoff Maynard, who won a hamper in the raffle, said: “It was a wonderful afternoon.”
Lorraine Bell, Home Manager, said: “It was fantastic to see such a great turnout from residents, families, friends and local supporters, all enjoying a carnival atmosphere and the chance to raise valuable funds for our chosen charity.
“We thank everyone who attended, donated, volunteered or helped behind the scenes. I am incredibly proud of the Fernhill team. Their enthusiasm, creativity and hard work made the day a huge success.
Located less than a mile from Fernhill, High Mead is a four-acre community therapy farm offering a supported work environment for people who live with mental health issues, physical disabilities, addiction or dementia.
Its staff and volunteers provide day services and a range of therapeutic activities including arts, crafts and the opportunity to work with animals, soil and nature.
Fernhill is one of seven Colten Care homes rated Outstanding by care sector regulator the Care Quality Commission. It is one of four dedicated dementia care homes owned and run by the group.
