A CARE home near Sandbanks in Poole had a special guest to turn on this year’s Christmas lights.

Poole Mayor councillor Pete Miles visited the residents of Marjorie House on Crichel Mount Road to officially welcome in Christmas with the switching on of the lights as well as taking the opportunity to hand out medals and scrolls to four people in honour of their contribution to the home.

Barbara Cobb, the first resident to move into the home, and Myrna Chave MBE, who has a long history of volunteer work with the Guide Dogs for the Blind, were named as Resident Ambassadors.

Friend of the home, Pamela Hughes, who has been a keen supporter of Marjorie House throughout the building process and now visits the resident to participate in activities, was named as a Community Ambassador, while schoolgirl, Aurora Avondo, was named as the home’s Schools Ambassador in honour of her visits to the home.

Afterwards, cllr Miles said: “At Marjorie House, you get a feeling of warmth as soon as you walk through the doors.

“It’s a beautiful home and it has one of the best views in Poole.

“I really like the idea of introducing ambassadors at Marjorie House, especially as they have involved the residents who get a say in the day-to-day running of the home, a community ambassador and a youngster, so that it represents different parts of the local community.”

Residents, the care home team and invited guests then headed into the courtyard to watch the mayor switch on the Christmas lights following the ambassador presentation.

Mayor of Poole pictured with the Marjorie House ambassadors and team Pictured: Care South

Sebastian Wiencelewski, home manager, said: “We were thrilled to welcome the Poole Mayor to our Christmas lights switch-on and ambassador ceremony, which made it special for the residents.

“We were so pleased to be able to give thanks to Barbara, Myrna, Pamela and Aurora who have all contributed to the success of the home since it opened in September.

“At Care South, we try to make every day special for the residents, and celebrating moments like this with the local community is a key part of making Marjorie House a welcoming home for everyone.”

Marjorie House, which is owned and operated by the not-for-profit charity Care South, consists of 50 ensuite, fully furnished bedrooms in a variety of sizes, styles and views across Poole Harbour.

Each of the three floors in Marjorie House, which is open to new residents, features a dining space, dedicated activity area, lounge overlooking Brownsea Island, and a smaller private lounge.

The first floor also includes a bar area, Captain’s Club, for the residents to enjoy drinks together with visiting family members, and a hair and beauty salon for some pampering and relaxation.

Residents have a choice of places to sit and enjoy the views from the balcony, as well as terraced gardens, landscaped courtyard and a small putting green.

For more information about Marjorie House, go to care-south.co.uk or call Marjorie House on 01202 148221.