Residents from the local area, the care home team and family members joined the care home residents and enjoyed live music, carol-singing and a buffet accompanied with a festive tipple.
The Deputy Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Sue Bungey and husband Cllr Colin Bungey of BCP Council were also on hand to officially start the Christmas celebrations. The care home team decorated the care home with a large, outdoor Christmas tree, tinsel and lights in preparation for the big switch on.
The popular residential, nursing and dementia care home is based in the grounds of Christchurch Hospital off Fairmile Road and can accommodate 80 residents. Switching on the Christmas lights, the Deputy Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Sue Bungey said: “We’re honoured to officially turn on the Christmas lights. We can’t praise the work of Fairmile Grange care home enough. It’s such a great idea bringing the families of residents and the team all together to celebrate.”
Fairmile Grange is part of the Encore family that includes Great Oaks care home in Bournemouth and Oakdale care home in Poole. The local group also manages Hamble Heights in Fareham, Hampshire. Chief Executive of Encore, Rachel Dryden said: “We’re delighted to welcome so many guests to Fairmile Grange this evening, including the Deputy Mayor of Christchurch to join our residents and team members as we celebrate the start of the festive season.”
Home Manager for Fairmile Grange, Cecilia Thomson added: “We’re committed to playing an active role in our local community and this was a lovely way to kick off our Christmas celebrations. We provide all visitors with a warm welcome and pride ourselves on a homely feeling at Fairmile Grange. Creating a sense of tradition and occasion is also beneficial to our residents living with dementia.”
