Family-owned Poundbury care home opens its gardens for a community afternoon

A family-owned Poundbury care home opened its gardens for a community afternoon, raising cash to fight cancer and help young children with special educational needs.

Colten Care’s Castle View in Bridport Road staged the day as part of an open gardens initiative held every two years in the new town on the outskirts of Dorchester.

Joining residents, staff and fellow visitors was the Mayor of Dorchester, Poundbury councillor Richard Biggs, who helped judge the home’s bake-off competition which provided the cakes at the event.

Colten Care’s head gardener Charles Hubberstey congratulated Castle View gardener Tina Jefferies, saying: “A great deal of work goes in to ensure the gardens look lovely but more than that it’s all about involving our residents. As at all our homes Castle View residents are encouraged to participate in planning discussions and gentle gardening activities so that they can share in and influence the choice of plants and flowers. Many of our residents have had their own gardens before and we want them to continue to enjoy the beauty of their surroundings and know they have a part to play.”

Thanks to the cream tea and cake sales, the afternoon raised more than £200 for two charities that residents have chosen to help this year.

They are the Dorchester Opportunity Group, which provides vital support for pre-school children with special educational needs, and Stand Up To Cancer, a national campaign aiming to speed up progress in life-saving cancer research.

Castle View resident Sylvia King said: “Everyone got outside and enjoyed the day and it’s nice to know we supported these worthy causes in the process.”

Castle View is one of a number of Colten Care homes taking part in community open gardens events this summer. Other homes participating include Whitecliffe House in Blandford and Braemar Lodge in Salisbury.