Care Home Bikers Rev Up For Anniversary Fun

Fun-loving motorbike fans at a Dorset care home didn’t need to be asked twice to sit in the saddles of some classic Lambrettas.

When retro bike group the Grumpy Grandads came to help Colten Care’s Poole home Bourne View celebrate its fifth anniversary, they made sure the occasion had the feel of a 1960s Mod-era road trip.

Excited onlookers gathered to welcome the colourful, Union Jack-bearing motorcycle convoy with the parka-wearing Grandads quick to chat with interested residents and offer them the chance to climb on and feel the handlebars.

For those living at art deco-themed Bourne View who previously owned motorbikes, the hands-on experience brought back many happy memories.

After sitting on a bike which sported dozens of lights and mirrors, Pam Pamphilon said: “I used to have bikes in the past and it was marvellous to sit on one again.”

Fellow resident Norah Lowe said: “I didn’t want to get off. I thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Irene Whyment and Joan Blackshaw took their seats on a couple of bikes at the same time, prompting Joan to smile and say: “I can see us going for a ride together.”

The bikers’ call was among a host of activities Bourne View team members organised to celebrate the home’s fifth anniversary.

An open day for families, friends and community contacts featured a party with music from singing duo the Land Girls.

There was also a visit by the Mayor and Mayoress of Poole to mark the official opening of a bigger dining room and event space on the ground floor.

Building and refurbishment work has involved the merging of the home’s Charleston Lounge and Hepburn Dining Room and the installation of a new ‘snug’ corner in the bistro.

The Mayoral party were welcomed into the new space to the sounds of two songs written and performed by a residents’ choir led by Colten Care’s Music & Arts Partner Fiona Pritchard.

On the piano was 97-year-old Bourne View resident Myrtle Smith, a former professional pianist, chamber musician and teacher.

During the visit, the Mayor, Councillor Pete Miles, spoke with residents including 107-year-old Yvonne Glover.

Home Manager Gemma Parkin said: “We have all had such great fun celebrating our fifth anniversary with friends, family and other special guests.

“We especially thank the Mayor and Mayoress, and Rod Hall and his fellow bikers from Grumpy Grandads, for coming to see us and sharing in this very happy occasion.”