Residents and staff at Avon Reach Care Home in Mudeford were treated to an uplifting afternoon as one resident fulfilled a long-held sporting wish.
Joan has always been passionate about sports, excelling in bowls, tennis, badminton and table tennis throughout her life. Her achievements include winning the women’s singles final in tennis at Shooter’s Hill in Peckham, earning a county badge for bowls in Surrey, and securing a medal at her evening table tennis class — a sport that has always held a special place in her heart.
When Joan expressed her wish to play table tennis again, the Avon Reach team made it happen.

She enjoyed an afternoon of friendly games, cheered on by fellow residents, staff and family.
Companionship Team Leader Denise said: “It was wonderful to see Joan so happy and engaged. Moments like this really show the importance of supporting our residents to enjoy the activities they love, whatever their age.”
Reflecting on the day, Joan added: “It felt wonderful to be back at the table. Table tennis has always been such a fun and special sport for me, and today brought back so many happy memories.”

Residents at Avon Reach care home in Mudeford were recently treated to a special culinary event as fellow resident Bruce fulfilled a long-held wish — to return to the kitchen and bake once again.
Bruce, who ran a family bakery in Pontardawe, Wales, from the age of 28, expressed a desire to revisit his baking roots. With support from the home’s team and Colten Care’s Development Chef Lorna, his wish was brought to life in a lively and interactive session inspired by the TV show Ready Steady Cook.
The home’s dining room was transformed into a demonstration area, complete with an audience of fellow residents. Bruce, alongside Lorna and in-house Chef Justine, took centre stage to prepare puff pastry fruit tarts and traditional sausage rolls — both firm favourites from his bakery days.

As he worked, Bruce shared memories of early mornings, hand-mixing dough, and the joys and challenges of running a busy bakery. Residents listened with interest and enjoyed the opportunity to sample the fresh pastries afterward.
“The tarts and sausage rolls were delicious,” said Companionship Team Leader Denise. “Bruce’s enthusiasm was infectious, and the event sparked some great conversations among our residents about their own cooking experiences.”
Reflecting on the day, Bruce said: “It brought back so many fond memories. I’m really grateful to everyone who helped make this happen — it meant a lot to me.”