A GARDEN party turned into a water fight as a Poole care home marked its 21st anniversary with the opening of a new summerhouse.

Dementia care home The Aldbury welcomed residents, relatives, staff, neighbours and community friends for the double celebration.

However, a ‘throw a sponge at the manager’ – home boss Martin Corrigan – stall was soon ratcheted up a notch when buckets of water started flying.

“I had to brace myself for a freezing cold shower moment but it was all fine,” said Martin.

Manager Martin gets a dowsing during the event

As well as the sponge game, party guests had fun at a coconut shy and danced and sang along to music from singer, Tyler. And a sand pit proved a great draw for children attending.

The party also featured a naming ceremony for the home’s new summerhouse, which has taken pride of place in one of its gardens.

Residents were invited to suggest names beforehand, with winning entry The Retreat put forward by Tony Husband.

He was joined at the ceremony by guests of honour The Mayor and Mayoress of Poole, Pete and Katie Miles.

Mayor of Poole, Pete Miles, with manager Martin, left, and resident Tony Husband, right, who named The Retreat

The Retreat will host a range of activities, including arts and crafts sessions and meetings of the residents’ gardening club and will also serve as a private space for birthday parties and relatives’ visits.

Guests at the anniversary party enjoyed a barbecue and afternoon tea with a home made 21st birthday cake.

The event also raised £210 for The Aldbury residents’ main charity of the year, Dorset-based Wildlife in Need.

One resident, Tony, said: “We all had a lovely day. There was great music, just what we needed, and it was very much a family day.”

The Retreat will host a range of activities and events

Manager Martin added: “It was a superb afternoon and an ideal chance to have fun and celebrate 21 years of serving our community among friends old and new.

“The focus for The Aldbury is just as it was when we opened in 2003. It’s all about supporting people with dementia to live well. The Retreat is a lovely space that will help us do exactly that.”

Staff at The Aldbury getting involved on the day