Dorset Care Home’s Community Party Hits The Heights

Charity leaders, neighbours and community friends were among more than 40 special guests at a rooftop terrace party to welcome the new manager of Bourne View care home in Poole.

Gemma Parkin has taken over the reins of the art deco-themed home after two years in other care and management roles with family-owned Colten Care.

She was the centre of attention as residents and guests chatted over canapes in the evening air and enjoyed live classical music and film themes performed by the Dorset String Quartet.

The get-together helped to raise more than £200 for the Diverse Abilities charity which runs the next door Langside School.

Weymouth-born Gemma, previously the Home Manager of The Aldbury, Colten Care’s dedicated dementia care home in Poole, said: “Our rooftop party was a huge success.

“Community members, residents and relatives had a wonderful time. We are proud to work with local charities and will continue to support Diverse Abilities in the future.”

Mark Powell, Chief Executive of Diverse Abilities, said: “Blessed by beautiful weather, the residents and guests had such a pleasant experience in a truly fantastic building and with an incredible team.

“It was a lovely evening with the proceeds contributing to the important funds we need as a charity to support people with disabilities.

“We can’t thank the Colten Care team enough for their support and the work that they do.”

As well as Gemma, the event served as a community introduction to Bourne View’s new Clinical Lead, Sherry Hufano.

Residents at the home spoke afterwards about how much they enjoyed the party.

Peter Prior said: “It was lovely. The staff went to so much trouble. Everything they do is always perfectly done. I particularly enjoyed the music and the canapes were delicious.”

Muriel Brown, who attended with her daughter Barbara, a classical musician, said: “It was a lovely evening. Everything just flowed and was very relaxed. The food was superb and we were able to chat to people around us. The music was wonderful.”