Care Home Residents Enjoy VIP Treatment At Goldsands Stadium
Residents from Care South homes in Bournemouth and Christchurch enjoyed a day out to remember earlier this week, as they were treated to a special tour of the Goldsands Stadium by AFC Bournemouth Community Trust.
17 residents from three of Care South’s homes, Talbot View and The Fearnes in Bournemouth, and Queensmead in Christchurch, took part in the day, accompanied by members of staff. The day began with tea and biscuits in the Bubbles Champagne Lounge, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of the Executive Seating Area, with panoramic views of the pitch.
After lunch at the Champions Top Floor Restaurant, which hosts hospitality on match day, residents made their way to the team’s dressing rooms and onto the pitch, where they enjoyed having their photographs taken together and were able to sit in the dugouts.
Steve Cuss, Head of AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust, led the tours along with members of the coaching team. Care South residents and staff had the opportunity to ask their hosts lots of questions about the life of a professional footballer and chatted to them about the football games they had been to see in the past.
Janine May, Home Manager at Care South’s Queensmead care home, said: “Our residents and staff had a fantastic time visiting the stadium and we’d like to say a big thank you to Steve and his team for showing them around. Care South residents and staff were treated like VIPs – from their arrival drinks in the champagne lounge to lunch in the Club’s exclusive restaurant – and I’m sure they will be talking about it for days. We’re avidly keeping track of the Cherries’ progress in the Championship and will all have our fingers crossed for the final matches!”
The stadium tour is thanks to an exciting partnership between AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust and Care South. As part of the partnership, care home residents, home care service users and staff will take part in a variety of weekly activities including meeting players, coffee mornings, visits to the Goldsands Stadium, match day hospitality, walking football and the Extra Time scheme.
