Care Home Enjoys ‘Welly’ Good Day of Dorset Delights

All things Dorset brought smiles and laughter to residents of a care home in a market town.

Colten Care’s Outstanding-rated Newstone House in Sturminster Newton staged a dedicated Dorset Day complete with recreations of traditional pursuits such as Knob Throwing and Welly Wanging.

To help set the scene, team members decorated the lounge with yellow and white Dorset flags, also known as the Saint Wite Cross, named after the county’s patron saint.

Residents then took part in some gentle rivalry, throwing Knob biscuits at a target and launching Wellington boots into the air to evoke the atmosphere of a country fair.

A team quiz about Dorset gave residents from different areas of the county the chance to pit their knowledge against each other while local food and drink producers donated Dorset ciders, ales and apple cakes for all to sample.

And with Newstone House built on the site of Sturminster Newton’s former creamery, there was naturally an opportunity to sample local artisan cheeses such as Blue Vinny.

Companionship Team Leader Karlene Duffy said:
“Many of our residents were either born in Dorset or moved here early in their lives so we thought we would celebrate that.

“We had never tried a Dorset Day before but everyone was really happy to get involved.

“It all went off brilliantly and the cider and cheese were especially well received.”

Resident Rita Clay agreed, adding:
“It was a very interesting day with lots of history, nice food and laughter. I particularly loved the cider.”

The home’s Dorset Day fun was timed to coincide with St Wite’s feast day, honouring the Saxon woman sometimes referred to as the ‘goddess of Dorset’ whose 13th century shrine still exists at Whitchurch Canonicorum near Bridport.