The Aldbury’s 20th anniversary party had the theme of icons of yesteryear, with guests invited to dress up as their favourites

PICTURES: Poole care home marks 20 years with fancy dress party

Paul JonesSeptember 22, 20230 Comment0

FANCY dress festivities were the order of the day during an anniversary party at a Poole care home.

Staff and residents at Colten Care’s The Albury marked the care home’s 20th anniversary with a sparkling event in the garden – with a theme of icons of yesteryear.

Home Manager Sam Reid came as Daphne from Scooby Doo, while colleagues dressed up as, among others; Audrey Hepburn, Elton John, Elvis Presley and Janis Joplin.

Entertainment from singer Kelly prompted singalongs and dancing as guests sampled glasses of fizz and tucked into sweet and savoury tasty treats, including an anniversary cake specially baked by Chef Izzy Turczyn-Kuzma.

Aldbury resident Valerie Short dancing with housekeeper Ida Gray

Sam said: “The cutting of the cake was the ideal opportunity for residents, staff and visitors to come together and sing happy 20th birthday to our home.

“It was a lovely afternoon and a chance to celebrate with around 25 friends, former members of staff and of course our current residents and their families.”

But Sam said some things had not changed in the two decades since the home opened.

“The focus for The Aldbury remains the same as it was 20 years ago,” she added.

“It’s all about supporting people who live with dementia and making sure their needs always come first.

“We have built strong, prominent links, led by our Admiral Nurse Kay Gibson, across the local community to support individuals and families living with dementia.

Dancing at The Aldbury anniversary party, from left: resident Jeanette Macklin; Healthcare Assistant Kanya Branon; resident Valerie Short; Housekeepers Ida Gray and Claire Hughes.

“Our message is that you can live well with dementia if you have the appropriate help and support.”

As well as the chance to dance and dine, the party featured a lucky dip in aid of the Little Lives children’s charity.

Among guests were four staff who have worked at The Aldbury since it opened in 2003.

Poppi Kgongoane, Duagsuda Odey, Kanya Branon and Suzanne Pollard, staff nurse, healthcare assistant, housekeeper and kitchen assistant respectively, joined in the celebrations.