A Dorset care home has continued a summer of 30th anniversary celebrations with a cocktail party and auction in aid of its local foodbank.
Colten Care’s coastal-themed Avon Reach in Mudeford welcomed around 80 guests for a sparkling evening of fun in its lounge and ‘Captain’s Table’ restaurant.
They included residents, families, staff, neighbours and members of Christchurch Chamber of Commerce, All Saints Church and the local Rotary Club.
An auction of items donated by residents, community friends and businesses raised nearly £900 on the night for the home’s chosen charity, Christchurch Food Bank+.
Guest of honour was the Mayor of Christchurch, Councillor Paul Hilliard. While wearing his formal gold chain of office, he showed he was happy to share in the party mood by also sporting a bright blue and white Hawaiian shirt.
Addressing the guests, Paul said: “Over the past 30 years, Avon Reach has become fully part of the community. It is more than just a nursing home, it does a great deal of outreach, making life enjoyable for so many people. It is so engaged with the community.”
The drinks choice at the party featured a signature gin-based cocktail for the home called Avon Breeze specially created by residents at an earlier tasting afternoon.
Team members thanked Tim Lloyd, Managing Director of the nearby Captains Club Hotel and Spa, and expert mixologist Matthew Cooper, for their input to producing the drink and attending the evening.
As party guests chatted together and sampled canapés homemade by Avon Reach chefs, they were serenaded by Ringwood-based guitarist Julian Ward who performed a series of Spanish and classical pieces.
All present joined in when it came to singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Avon Reach and there was much interest when the auction began.
A range of businesses and organisations donated items such as afternoon tea experiences, paddleboard lessons, a round of golf for four, cinema tickets, a hanging basket, a cheese board and a painting by local artist Paul Dolman.
Auctioneers for the evening were Colten Care Operations Manager Peter Doyle and Avon Reach Companionship Team Member Pauline Lawrence.
Among the guests watching the auction progress were foodbank managers Tracy Blick and Sara Veal who expressed delight when the amount raised reached a total of £895.
Resident Brenda Edwards, who had the honour of cutting the 30th birthday cake, said after the party: “It was a brilliant evening, really lovely.”
Home Manager Ruth Wildman said: “The party was a great opportunity for people who have been, and continue to be, key to the success of the home to join together and have fun.
“There are so many ways Avon Reach engages with the community, from hosting business breakfasts, coffee clubs and Tea & Togetherness events to charity fundraising.”
The cocktail evening was the second 30th anniversary event for Avon Reach in recent weeks.
At the first, children from Somerford Primary School joined residents for an afternoon of traditional games such as Pass the Parcel, Musical Chairs, Pin the Tail on the Donkey and Musical Statues.
Avon Reach was the first Colten Care home to be purpose-built by sister company Colten Developments.
A plaque on the wall records that the home was officially opened by Councillor Edward Coope, the Mayor of Christchurch in its commissioning year of 1994.
