Care Home Residents Left ‘Reeling’

A Bournemouth care home rang with the sound of music and fancy footwork when it was visited by a band of Scottish revellers.

Colten Care’s Avon Cliff, in Christchurch Road, was entertained by performers from one of the town’s oldest remaining clubs, the Bournemouth Caledonian Society.

Decked out in tartan – including the odd kilt – The 20-strong group impressed the home’s residents and their visitors with a heady mixture of songs, poetry and dance.

And with favourites including Roaming in The Gloaming, Two Black Eyes and Mull of Kintyre, there was plenty of audience participation.

Bournemouth Caledonian Society was founded in 1907 and has been promoting Scottish culture and heritage ever since.

The society has a dance team and a choir and holds weekly dance classes, regular social nights and large scale, traditional Scottish celebrations, such as Hogmanay and Burns Night, at its base in Charminster.

Avon Cliff resident Jan Campbell is a long-standing member of the society and her son Iain Campbell, who sits on its council, organised the visit to Avon Cliff.

The home’s manager, Helen Holden, said: “This is the third time the society members have visited us and we are thrilled to have them.

“The residents love to watch the dancing and join in with the songs which much enthusiasm.

“All that tartan had a very Christmassy feel too and after a sing song and a sherry we are all feeling very festive.”