Brook View care home in West Moors has celebrated three decades at the heart of the community with a summer garden party full of music, laughter, and connection.
To mark 30 years since the home first opened its doors in 1995, residents, families, friends, and members of the wider West Moors community came together for a lively celebration in the garden. The event featured a barbecue, live music, face painting for children, a sweet stall, and of course, plenty of cake.

More than 80 guests attended, including West Moors Town Council Chair Councillor Rita Burke, who praised the sense of community and the generous atmosphere. In total, the day raised over £730 for Brook View’s chosen charity for the year, Gulliver’s Farm, a local organisation that supports adults with additional needs.

Residents Pam and Trevor Clark described the event as “a lovely afternoon,” while fellow resident Pat Upshall added, “It was a fantastic day. Everyone was so helpful, great teamwork.”

Home Manager Abhishek Bagchi said: “We’re incredibly proud of our 30-year history here in West Moors. Celebrations like this are a reminder of how connected we are to our local community, and how much joy that brings to our residents and team.”
Brook View continues to host seasonal events in its gardens to raise funds for local causes, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to life beyond the care.

Brook View residents Pam and Trevor Clark recently enjoyed a heart-warming return to a venue that holds a special place in their hearts, the restaurant at the RNLI College in Poole, where they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary nine years ago.
Longstanding supporters of the lifeboat charity, Pam and Trevor had expressed their wish for a nostalgic visit. The Brook View Companionship Team were delighted to help make it happen, arranging a minibus trip and high tea at the waterfront restaurant, joined by their friend and fellow resident David Vincent.

The outing included a tour of the RNLI College and a unique chance to watch new recruits in training. Over tea in the Rigger’s restaurant, with beautiful views across Poole Harbour and the Twin Sails Bridge, Pam reminisced:

“We remembered the wonderful lunch we had to celebrate our golden wedding here. It was a lovely opportunity to revisit such a special place.”

Trevor shared,
“We were all made very welcome. The RNLI staff were so happy to help and we enjoyed seeing the panoramic views of the bay once again. As a lifelong supporter, I know just how important the RNLI is, my father’s influence led to my own interest in their work.”
David, a Royal Navy veteran and former RNLI shoreline member, described his delight at seeing the Twin Sails Bridge lift for the first time:

“It’s remarkable how quickly it can rise to allow vessels to pass under.”

Pam, Trevor and David were accompanied on the visit by Colten Care minibus driver Paul Hilliam and Brook View Companionship Team member Rebecca Grimsey. Trevor especially enjoyed taking the salute with Paul in front of an RNLI wall display.
The RNLI, headquartered in Poole, celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2024 and continues its lifesaving work into its third century.

Discover More About Life at Brook View
At Brook View, making meaningful moments and fulfilling resident wishes are central to life in our home. Whether it’s revisiting treasured places, supporting favourite causes, or simply enjoying good company, our dedicated team is here to help residents live life to the full.
Read more about life at Brook View

At Brook View Care Home in West Moors, we’re proud to be part of Colten Care’s celebration of ten consecutive years recognised among the Top 20 large care home groups in the UK by carehome.co.uk.
The award is based on thousands of independent reviews from residents, families, and friends across all 21 Colten Care homes, and at Brook View, we’re especially proud of the warm feedback we receive. With a 9.9 out of 10 score on Carehome.co.uk, we continue to reflect the compassion, professionalism, and personalised support our team provides each day.
One family member recently shared:

“My mum is really happy and cared for fabulously at Brook View. The staff are friendly, the attention to detail is wonderful and I couldn’t be more happy.”

Another reviewer praised the home’s support following a hospital discharge:

“The managers went over and above to help move my mum from hospital into the home with minimum fuss. The team were so friendly and kind and took care of all my mum’s needs, including great food, exercise and walking in the garden.”

Rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), Brook View offers high-quality residential, nursing, and respite care for older people in a peaceful woodland setting close to Ferndown, Wimborne, Ringwood and Verwood. Whether for a short stay or longer-term support, our home combines clinical expertise with the comfort and reassurance of a true community feel.
Colten Care is one of only a few care providers to offer registered nursing care in all its homes, with seven rated Outstanding by the CQC and the rest Good. The group’s overall review rating currently stands at an exceptional 9.9 out of 10.
To find out more about Brook View or explore other homes nearby, view our Dorset care homes.

Love was in the air and heartfelt messages were exchanged as care homes across the south held festive get-togethers to mark Valentine’s Day.
All 21 of our homes in Dorset, Hampshire, West Sussex and Wiltshire joined in the fun of the annual celebration of love.

At Brook View in West Moors, Dorset, husband and wife residents Pam and Trevor Clark shared the romantic limelight with a married couple among their care team, Healthcare Assistants Shadreck and Laetitia Rushambha.

Both couples were presented with surprise gifts of flowers and chocolates during a pink-and-red-themed community Tea & Togetherness afternoon.

Dorset couple Pam and Trevor, who have been married for 58 years, lived in Ringwood and Wimborne before retiring to nearby St Ives.

Pam said they had never especially celebrated Valentine’s until they both moved to Brook View three years ago.
“We’ve made up for it now,” she added. “Everyone pushed the boat out this year and we had a very happy occasion. The dining room was decorated with traditional red roses and pink balloons. It was beautiful.”
After witnessing Trevor putting a rose between his teeth, Pam was even heard to joke with carers: “I think it’s the most romantic thing he’s ever done.”

Adding to the romance of the occasion was visiting singer Bee Chumley who performed a selection of 50s and 60s love songs.
Companion Rebecca Grimsey said: “We all shared the love at Brook View and relished the friendly community atmosphere

“To top it off, our chef Jack Wood baked and served a beautiful cake which delighted our residents and guests.”

At Amberwood House in Ferndown, the Valentine’s focus was on heartwarming connections between young and not so young as the children of team members presented roses to residents.

Each flower carried a message about love or friendship. One read: ‘Life is best when it’s got plenty of good friends and great adventures’.
Companion Kirsty Richmond Cole said: “Gifting the flowers was a small gesture but a touching way to remind our residents how loved and valued they are. The children’s presence filled the room with smiles, laughter, kindness and togetherness.”

Among Valentine’s celebrations at other homes, two resident couples at Bourne View in Poole, June and Keith Osborne and Margaret and John Taylor, were presented with flowers and chocolates during morning coffee.

At The Aldbury, a dedicated dementia care home in Poole, residents created a heart-shaped artwork adorned with written messages about love and friendship.

A ‘picnic on the love bus’ was on offer for residents at Abbey View in Sherborne courtesy of a minibus trip to the Bulbarrow Hill viewpoint overlooking the Blackmore Vale.

And there were Valentine’s-themed lunches, afternoon teas and other events at homes such as Castle View in Poundbury, Newstone House in Sturminster Newton, Kingfishers in New Milton and Whitecliffe House in Blandford.

Colleagues from our 21 care homes and head office are celebrating success at an in-house awards ceremony.
A glittering black-tie evening saw individual and group wins in nine categories at the Colten Champions awards reflecting all aspects of the care mix.

We honoured excellence in nursing, caring, team work, support services and other ways staff make a positive difference to residents, families and each other.

There were more than 1,000 nominations across our homes in Dorset, Hampshire, West Sussex and Wiltshire and our head office in Ringwood.

Over 400 nominations were submitted by residents and relatives.

Bincy Thomas, Senior Care Lead at Brook View in West Moors, Dorset, said she was taken by complete surprise when she heard her name read out as the winner of the Caring Excellence Award.
Bincy said: “Many people work in support of residents’ care and so I knew others deserved the award too.

“Yes, I was a finalist but I really didn’t think I would win it. It was a surprise and then after I went up, everyone was congratulating me and my fellow carers and nurses were saying ‘you deserve it, we are so lucky you are here’.
Asked for her view of the qualities that produce ‘caring excellence’, Bincy said: “Remember that everything is centred around the resident. You should always be honest and friendly to them and their relatives. I try to take care of everyone as if they were my own family. You act as a problem solver and you support your colleagues on the floor. I look at the team as my sisters and brothers.”

Also a winner, picking up the award for Resident Impact, was Ildiko Csanalosine Fuves, a waitress at Braemar Lodge in Salisbury.
“I was shaking and crying when I heard I had won,” said Ildiko. “I am really honoured and so happy. People said such beautiful things about me. I am so thankful.”
The Values award, designed to recognise an individual who exemplifies Colten’s company values of being friendly, kind, individual, reassuring and honest was won by Senior Gardener Chris Marsh.

He said he was ‘truly humbled’ to be nominated and to go on and actually win it was ‘something else entirely’.
Chris, who has worked for Colten Care for ten years, added: “When the guiding principles and values of your employer align with your own, it makes your job that much more enjoyable and fulfilling.

“Working for a company that recognises the value of outdoor spaces, and promotes the well-being that comes from gardens, social interaction and mental stimulation, makes my role one to truly treasure.

“Colten invests so much in these values, and I am proud to be part of an ambitious team that shares and develops this vision.

“At the heart of everything we do is the best cause of all: our residents. We work tirelessly to give them the best experience possible, to heal and uplift them and ensure they feel safe and valued.”
The awards ceremony took place at the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel after a champagne reception and dinner. Afterwards, guests danced to live music from pop rock party band We Are Robot.

Event host was Hampshire-based Manley Hopkinson, a polar explorer and round-the-world yachtsman.
Manley said: “It was a superb evening and the energy was infectious. It was an honour to present the awards and speak to the teams. I felt humbled and inspired in equal measure.”
Colten Care residents were represented by guest of honour Mollie Speirs who travelled to Bournemouth from her care home, Kingfishers in New Milton.

For every resident or relative nomination made, Colten Care donated £10 to their respective care home’s charity of the year.

Colten Care Chief Executive Mark Aitchison and Chief Operating Officer Elaine Farrer were both present to introduce the awards.
Mark said: “Colten Champions is a brilliant way to celebrate colleagues who truly embody our values and consistently go above and beyond.

“I thank all those who put in a nomination, including so many residents and relatives, and of course congratulate all the winners, finalists and nominees.

“Their success is richly deserved and it is a privilege to work with them.”

Fun-loving residents have been in high spirits in celebration of World Cocktail Day.
‘Happy hours’ were held at our care homes in Dorset, Hampshire and West Sussex, with drinks making and tasting sessions and the sounds of jazz adding a touch of style and time-honoured elegance to lounge get-togethers.

At Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst, Hampshire, residents mixed some tantalising non-alcoholic ingredients in a bid to win the prestigious crown of King or Queen of the Mocktails.

Companionship Team Leader Jane Bunker said: “The laughter and stories flowed as freely as the drinks. Each mocktail served as a toast to health, friends and the skilful art of mixology.”
Home Manager Priya Joseph, Chef Brian Pearce and visitor Janet McCann from the home’s charity of the year the Brockenhurst Gateway Club had the honour of judging the best mocktail.

In the end, Queen of the Mocktails was declared to be June Farrow with her Grapefruit Surprise concoction.
June said: “I was delighted to receive such an accolade and more than happy to wear my crown. It was a delightful afternoon all round.”
At Wellington Grange in Chichester, residents received an invite to a cocktail evening in the home’s Market Cross sitting room with the opportunity to dress up if they wanted.

A choice of five cocktails was on offer including classics such as Aperol Spritz and Bloody Mary.

“It was lovely and relaxed,” said resident Deirdre Wade Smith. “We all enjoyed nice company chatting and sharing stories with each other over a cocktail or two.”

At Brook View in West Moors, residents and staff turned the in-home café into ‘Brookies Cocktail Bar’ complete with a soundtrack of jazz standards and a cocktail-themed quiz.

Chef Jack Wood ran the bar, creating and serving drinks such as London lemonade, rosemary and orange gin and refreshing mocktails.

Resident Trevor Clark dug out his dickie bow and became a dashing waiter for the occasion, helping Jack with the cocktail shaking and serving.

Companionship Team Leader Lauren Parrett said: “This was a lovely opportunity for residents to get together and enjoy each other’s company.

“We have had a few new residents join us recently so it was a perfect way to introduce them to everyone.”
Resident Paula Marels said: “What an enjoyable afternoon, Trevor was a fantastic host and the drinks were delicious.”
And fellow resident Leah Row said: “I had such a lovely afternoon with everyone. The atmosphere was great and I hope to do this again.”

Hundreds of our residents across our 21 care homes across the south savoured a taste of Scotland as they celebrated Burns Night in honour of 18th century bard Rabbie Burns.
Poetry recitals, songs, games, whisky tasting and dancing were the order of the day along with festive lunches and suppers featuring haggis, neeps and tatties.

Nowhere was the celebration more heartfelt than at Braemar Lodge Care Home in Salisbury.

Burns enthusiast Annie Miller, who was born and brought up in the same county, Ayrshire, as the world-famous poet, had the honour of saying the traditional pre-supper Selkirk Grace watched by fellow residents, team members and visiting guests.

Annie read out the words of the prayer: ‘Some hae meat and canna eat, And some wad eat that want it, But we hae meat and we can eat, Sae let the Lord be Thankit!’
Asked about the enduring importance of Burns Night, Annie said she had celebrated it here and overseas throughout her life, adding: “He was a young man who died in 1796, before he was 40, yet in every country of the world, more than 200 years later, his birth is celebrated.

“I am very fond of him and his poetry. He really understood people. Burns Night is a great excuse to get together.”
The ceremonial haggis was piped into Braemar Lodge by Pipe Sergeant Keith Turner of the Wiltshire Caledonian Pipes & Drums.

Wearing a kilt of Stewart Grey tartan, Keith played a rendition of Burns’ song ‘A Man’s A Man for A’ That’ and, clapped along by the assembled company, ‘Scotland The Brave’, often considered Scotland’s ‘unofficial national anthem’.
Keith said: “Burns Night is a very significant occasion, honouring one of Scotland’s best known people. It’s a unique Scottish tradition.”
He added that the Wiltshire Caledonian Pipes & Drums currently has members aged from twelve to 72 and is always on the lookout for new pipers and drummers to join.

“I’d say it generally takes a year to learn how to play the bagpipes,” Keith said.

The ceremonial address to the haggis was performed by Graham Ballard, Companionship Team Leader, who said afterwards: “It was a joy to get into the spirit of the occasion. Burns Night is a firm favourite with residents whether they are from north or south of the border.”

Among other Burns Night celebrations at Kingfishers Care Home in New Milton welcomed a performance by the New Forest Scottish Country Dancers while at Linden House Dementia Care Home in Lymington, party goers sampled the traditional Scottish dessert of Cranachan.

In Dorset meanwhile, residents at Brook View Care Home in West Moors tucked into cock-a-leekie soup and clootie dumplings along with other Scottish delicacies.

And at Whitecliffe House Care Home in Blandford, residents and team members turned a Burns poetry reading into the first meeting of a newly founded poetry club at the home.

Hundreds of residents from our 21 care homes have honoured the staff who enable them to live the best lives they can every day.
Colten Care’s Champions awards prompted nominations across nine categories reflecting a range of clinical and non-clinical care.

Individuals, teams, homes and departments were all recognised as the annual scheme culminated in a glittering evening at Bournemouth’s Highcliff Marriott Hotel.

Around 140 guests dressed up in style for the awards ceremony and celebration, hosted by TV presenter Dr Hilary Jones.

Nominees and audience members mingled at a welcome reception before stepping into a specially decorated ballroom for dinner, the ceremony itself and the opportunity to dance the night away.

Colten Care residents were represented by special guest Jean Smith, who lives in Poole home Bourne View.

She had previously met Dr Hilary at the home’s official opening in spring 2019 when her late husband, former Poole Mayor Ray Smith MBE, became the first resident to move in.

Catching up with the broadcaster and author once again as they stood on stage, Jean said: “I can’t believe I’m here.”

She then presented Rosa Santos, Senior Care Lead at Newstone House in Sturminster Newton, with the inaugural award for Resident and Relative Choice.

This category, which attracted more than 500 nominations from residents and families, was designed to recognise an individual or team ‘who have truly made a difference to your life or your loved one’s life since coming to Colten Care’.

The common theme for Rosa’s multiple nominations was her ‘kind and welcoming approach to both residents and relatives. Rosa has patience to understand residents needs so well which has such a positive outcome for their care’.
One relative wrote: “It is always a please to see Rosa on duty, she cared for my mother and father with such cheerfulness, she would make sure my father was helped upstairs to spend time with my mother when they were on different floors. She works hard to ensure our family are kept informed, added to this her professionalism and positive attitude.”
Among other category winners, Lucy O’Brien, Senior Administrator at Bourne View, who won the Warm Welcome award, described the moment her name was read out.

She said: “It was amazing, a total surprise. I was in a complete daze and then got quite emotional. It was lovely to go up and receive the award in front of everyone and meet Hilary Jones.”

[caption id="attachment_13326" align="alignnone" width="1262"] Colten Care resident Jean Smith, right, was Honorary Guest at the Colten Champions awards. She presented the inaugural Resident and Relative Choice award to Rosa Santos, Senior Care Lead at Newstone House in Sturminster Newton. With them is awards host and TV presenter Dr Hilary Jones.[/caption]
Colten Care Chief Executive Mark Aitchison said: “Colten Champions celebrates the pride and passion our amazing team shows every single day, caring for our residents and their families.

“It is an immense privilege to lead a team full of superstars, always prepared to go above and beyond.

“We thank everyone who put in a Colten Champions nomination and congratulate all the winners, finalists and nominees.”
Mark’s comments were echoed by Colten Care’s Chief Operating Officer Elaine Farrer, who added: “There are so many shining examples of our team supporting and caring for residents, embodying our values and consistently putting the resident at the very heart of all they do.”

After the ceremony, Dr Hilary said: “Colten Champions truly reflects the importance of quality care delivered by a team working together for the benefit of residents. It’s a great initiative and the awards evening is always such a happy occasion.”

As well as the Champions awards themselves, special congratulations were given on stage to Elena Barna, Home Manager at Abbey View in Sherborne, for the home’s recent Outstanding rating from sector regulator the Care Quality Commission.

It means that seven of Colten Care’s 21 homes in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and West Sussex are officially rated Outstanding, with all the rest rated Good.