Belmore Lodge - News

All you need is love

February 16, 2011

Love was in the air on Valentine’s Day for the residents of Colten Care’s nursing home Belmore Lodge, situated in Lymington, Hampshire who celebrated the day by presenting patients and staff of Lymington New Forest hospital with handmade Valentine’s cards and chocolate hearts.

“It was wonderful to see the surprise and joy on so many people’s faces when we handed out all the Valentine’s cards and chocolates to the staff and patients on Monday,” says Bernie Smith, Activities Organiser for Belmore Lodge. “For some it was the first card they had received in decades. It was also great fun creating the cards during Arts & Crafts sessions with the residents and for many it brought back happy memories of when they were courting.”

It took more than an hour for Charles Carter, Peter Ferriday and Louisa Charlwood, three of Belmore Lodge’s residents, accompanied by Bernie Smith and social carer Susie Blackmore to visit all the wards of the hospital and deliver more than 50 cards. “We took rather longer than expected” says Smith, “as many people responded to be given a card and chocolate by wanting to hug and kiss Charles, Peter and Louisa. It was a wonderful atmosphere, so happy.”

Residents are now preparing for St Patrick’s Day on March 17, with plans to celebrate the day by creating an Irish menu, decorating the dining room and being entertained by Innominata, an Irish band, who will be performing on the day.

Colten Care