A quarter of a century of dedicated community care has been celebrated at a Winchester care home.
Residents and team members at Colten Care’s Abbotts Barton staged a lively afternoon party to mark the Worthy Road home’s 25th anniversary.
Among the guests were families, friends of residents, community contacts with former members of staff.
Welcoming everyone, Home Manager Dee Lovewell, who has given two decades’ service herself, said Abbotts Barton had cared for 1,872 residents over the past 25 years.
“It is they, together with all the people who work here, who have put the heart into this home,” she said.
Two original staff members from the opening in 2001, Waitress Mandy Merritt and Senior Night Nurse Mark Hinton, remain at the home 25 years on and shared in the opportunity to reminisce.
“I can still remember my first day here and how nervous I was,” said Mandy.
Hosts and guests tucked into a cream tea, celebration cake and glasses of fizz, listening and dancing along to music from singer Victoria McCabe.
Guest of honour The Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Sudhakar Achwal, gave a speech thanking the home for its contribution and support to those in the Winchester community.
Abbotts Barton resident Jessica Whitbread said: “This truly is a brilliant place, everything I need I’ve got right here, and such lovely people. This is my home now.”
The party was an opportunity to raise funds for Abbotts Barton’s chosen charity for this year, Winchester Hospice, by holding a raffle with a food hamper as the prize.
Dee Lovewell added: “The whole afternoon was filled with smiles and laughter, the atmosphere was buzzing and everyone had a fantastic, memorable time.
“We thank the Mayor and Lady Mayor of Winchester for joining us on our afternoon of celebration.
“When we opened in early 2001, Abbotts Barton heralded new standards in older people’s care locally including dedicated nursing care.
“Today we continue to offer that opportunity for refined living with the peace of mind that comes from knowing nurse-led care is there for you day and night. Here’s to the next 25 years!”
