Firefighters joined care home residents in Poole to spread community spirit and uncover details of shared local history.
Four members of the station crew at Redhill Park in Bournemouth were special guests at Colten Care’s Bourne View home in Langside Avenue, two miles away.
The whole-day visit was arranged between the Companionship team at the art deco-themed home and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service.
It was an opportunity for residents to celebrate and show appreciation for local heroes while seeing a modern fire engine at close range.
Over tea and cakes baked by Bourne View chefs and served in the home’s hotel reception-style lounge, crew members invited residents to go out to the car park together for a hands-on look at the vehicle.
“The firefighters talked through the equipment and how it is used,” said Companion Rebecca Oliver. “They shared insights into how fire engines and protective gear have changed over the years, happily answering questions and giving everyone a better understanding of life in the fire service.
“In the afternoon, the focus turned to our site’s history. We had previously worked closely with historians from Talbot Village Trust to uncover the story of the land on which Bourne View now stands.
“Research revealed that the building was once the headquarters of local fire stations, and some historians recall it may even have been used for training during its final years.
“Going back even further, the area was originally open fields owned by Newton Farm. In the 1940s, the farm became home to a ‘dog hotel’, the Tree Top Kennels.
“This was a well-known local business remembered by many long-time residents who reminisced about hearing dogs barking when they passed.
“Discovering these layers of history brought real excitement to what was a lively and fascinating day.”
Resident Rosemary Warner told staff after the visit: “I want to say congratulations on organising such a wonderful day. I have been searching for more information on the history of the area with little luck. You all did a great job – thank you!”
