‘Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside!’ Kingfishers ‘fete on the beach’ raises £1,200 for charity

A New Forest care home has raised more than £1,200 for two local charities by staging a seaside-themed community fete.

Residents and team members at Kingfishers in New Milton, located just a mile or so from the seafront at Barton on Sea, welcomed families and friends for a day of music and merriment.

Guests enjoyed time in the home’s garden, adorned with seaside-style props and featuring a tombola, barrow of booze and plant and cake stalls.

A grand raffle, with a mountain bike as the top prize, was the main contributor to the £1,252 raised in support of bereavement charity Elsie’s Rose and Hampshire Search and Rescue.

There were also opportunities to sing along to live music from Bournemouth-based vocalist Jenny Oag.

Kingfishers resident Averil Meek said: “What a fantastic day we had, lots of fun, good music and meeting people from our local community.”

Companionship Team Leader Rose Arcellana said: “It was a lovely fun afternoon with smiles all round. We will definitely bring the beach to Kingfishers again. We thank everyone who helped to make the day so special.”

Kingfishers’ next community occasion is a Mexican-themed barbecue on Wednesday 20 August 2025, with proceeds going towards roof repairs at the nearby New Milton Baptist Church.

The event will feature a piano performance by Kingfishers resident Mollie Speirs with a limited edition CD available to purchase.