Care Homes’ Summer Fete Raises £1,000 For Older People In The Community

Two Winchester care homes came together to stage a late summer fete in aid of a charity that helps older people in the community to live well.

Colten Care homes Abbotts Barton and St Catherines View jointly raised £1,020.18 for MHA Communities Winchester.

The family-friendly event was held on the green in Dyson Drive off Worthy Road, just yards from Abbotts Barton, and featured live music, children’s games, hot food, cakes, tombola and a sale of plants arranged by residents of both homes.

Abbotts Barton resident Rosemary Smale said she was tempted to have a go on the coconut shy, adding: “We were very lucky with the weather as it was nice and sunny. I enjoyed having a look at the stalls. There was a good variety.”

Kirsty Sawyer, Companionship team leader at Abbotts Barton, said: “We had a fantastic day with a great turnout from our neighbours and other people in the community.”

Both homes chose MHA Communities Winchester as their main cause to support over the past year. Even before the festival, they had raised more than £1,800 for the charity despite community events being constrained by lockdown.

MHA Communities Winchester provides social events and activities for around 350 older people who live in their own homes and may be experiencing feelings of isolation or loneliness. Activities include exercise classes, lunch clubs, singing, drama, day trips and holidays.

Beth Ward, Deputy Manager, said: “We are very grateful for the continued support of Colten Care in Winchester. The last 18 months has been a difficult time for the charity and their fundraising efforts go a long way to supporting our 300+ local members.”

Abbotts Barton Home Manager Dee Lovewell said: “Getting involved in fundraising and events such as the fete enables our residents to continue to play a part in the wider community. They love it.”

Among the guests at the fete was the Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Vivian Achwal, who said: “It was a pleasure to be invited along to the joint family day for St Catherines View and Abbotts Barton care homes. It was wonderful to meet the staff, families and a few of the residents. There was a great turnout and the stalls were lovely, especially the craft stall featuring items handmade by residents from Abbotts Barton. There was some beautiful live music as well as delicious food. A wonderful community event.”