Care South residents sing, dance and enjoy festive cheer

Care home residents from across Dorset gathered at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium for a special Christmas coffee morning of singing, dancing and fun.

Care South’s AFC Bournemouth Christmas Coffee Morning is an annual highlight for residents of the not-for-profit care provider’s 12 Dorset-based homes, as well as clients of Care South’s Bournemouth Care at Home office. Residents travelled from Bournemouth, Poole, Ferndown, Ringwood, Gillingham, Dorchester and Weymouth to be at the coffee morning.

The event, which is led by AFC Bournemouth’s Community Sports Trust, was compered by AFC Bournemouth ambassador, Steve Fletcher, with a welcome speech from Simon Bird, CEO of Care South. It was also attended by some retired Cherries players and lifelong season-ticket holders, who chatted to the care home residents about their memories and experiences of the football club over the years.

Music was provided by local singer Hannah Bushnell, as well as children from Pokesdown Primary School. They sang a host of carols and songs including Rocking Around the Christmas Tree, Frosty the Snowman and Let It Snow.

Peter, who lives in Buxton House in Weymouth, said: “It was fantastic. It was marvellous hearing all the children singing.”

Yvonne, who lives in Elizabeth House in Poole, said: “It was very good. I enjoyed hearing all the Christmas songs and getting to mingle with other residents and staff and talking to them.”

Wendy, who lives in Dorset House in Hamworthy, said: “I’ve been an AFC Bournemouth fan for many years. It was a lovely event and I enjoyed the atmosphere.”

Care South has enjoyed a partnership with AFC Bournemouth for the past 11 years which sees the Community Sports Trust host weekly seated football sessions in their care homes. The residents also get the chance to meet the players and enjoy VIP stadium visits.

Simon Bird, CEO of Care South, said: “It was wonderful to see our residents singing, dancing and having fun at another memorable AFC Bournemouth Christmas Coffee Morning. The whole room was filled with festive cheer and laughter, creating moments that truly capture the joy of the season. Events like this are a highlight of our Christmas events calendar and a great way to celebrate our valued partnership with AFC Bournemouth.”

Steve Cuss, Head of AFC Bournemouth’s Community Sports Trust, said: “We truly value our long-standing partnership with Care South, which brings the residents together for some football-themed fun in the homes. The Christmas Coffee Morning was a wonderful way to enable lots of the residents to get together at the Vitality Stadium for Christmas carols and festive fun, which was heart warming to see.”

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