Festive Care Home Hosts ‘Blaze Of Multicoloured Light’ For Community Friends

More than 200 community friends came together for an evening ‘festival of light’ in the garden of a New Forest care home.

Staff at Colten Care’s Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst transformed the space into an inviting family-friendly experience for their annual Diwali-inspired celebration.

One resident, Sybil Warner, described it as a ‘blaze of multicoloured light’.

As they walked along trails in the darkness, residents and guests took in illuminated displays such as stained glass-style stars, hanging lanterns and a Remembrance area full of poppies.

In the run-up to the festival, residents and team members went hands-on in their regular arts and craft sessions to help make the various features and installations.

And for the final touches, they hand-carved pumpkins with smiley faces, lit them with candles and carefully positioned them to line the walking routes.

Many of the pumpkins were donated by Sunnyfields Farm in Totton, a supporter of the event this year and last.

Jane Bunker, Companionship Team Leader at Outstanding-rated Woodpeckers, said the festival attracted strong community support once again.

“We deliberately make it a non-firework, family and dog-friendly event,” said Jane. “Given the proximity of the New Forest National Park, we do everything we can to respect nearby wildlife and de-pastured stock.

“The upshot is that visitors stroll through our beautifully illuminated displays, taking in the magical atmosphere which enchants children and residents alike.

“It was heartwarming to see so many people of all ages coming together enjoying the evening.

“It’s a real privilege to be joined by families, friends and the community in celebration of creativity, togetherness and light over darkness.”

Proceeds from the sale of hot chocolate and homemade biscuits helped to raise more than £300 for the Brockenhurst Gateway club, a charity that Woodpeckers residents have chosen to support.

Other Colten Care homes staging Diwali-themed celebrations included Avon Cliff in Bournemouth where residents sampled a feast of Indian delicacies and tried out henna tattoos.

And at Bourne View in Poole, residents made their own Diwali lanterns.
Bourne View resident Joan Blackshaw said: “I celebrated Diwali when I was young and travelling, and celebrating Diwali today brought me back to when I was in India.”