Mayor officially opens Mountbatten Grange

Home news

Mar 06, 2019

The people of Windsor recently celebrated the grand launch of the town’s newest care home, with the help of some special guests.

Mountbatten Grange was opened by the Mayor of Windsor, Councillor Paul Lion, and Mountbatten Grange’s first resident, Margaret Purvis. The High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire, Graham Barker, was also in attendance.

The Windsor Day Centre was the winner of the Local Heroes competition, which was launched by Mountbatten Grange to celebrate the home’s opening and rewarded local people or organisations who go above and beyond for their community, friends or family. 

Providing key support for older people in the area, the Windsor Day Centre was awarded the first prize as the judges were impressed by the range of activities on offer, from quizzes to gardening, as well as the person-centred approach to care, and they were presented with a trophy as well as £350 to support their work in the community.

Police Community Support Officer David Bullock received the second prize trophy and £250. On top of being an award-winning author, David has worked in Windsor town centre for over fifteen years, and is well-known by local people for his kindness and his dedication. The judges commended his involvement in the community and were particularly moved by his work setting up the Street Angels project supporting homeless people in the town.

On the day of the grand launch, visitors were greeted by a professional harpist, and tapped their feet to live entertainment from a jazz band, who got everyone in the party spirit. 

Residents and guests also had the opportunity to meet a couple of friendly alpacas up close, and to polish their chocolate-making skills during a special workshop. Arts and crafts activities were also on offer, as well as pampering massages and several games, including a demonstration of Mountbatten Grange’s interactive ‘magic table’, which provides stimulating activities for those living with dementia.

Those who attended the event also had the chance to meet the friendly team at Mountbatten Grange and take a tour of the new care home, as well as enjoy an afternoon high tea specially prepared by the home’s chefs.

Mountbatten Grange home manager, Saad Baig, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Mayor of Windsor and the High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire to officially open the home and mark this important milestone. 

“The residents had a fantastic time celebrating, and enjoyed preparing for the event by helping to set up the arts and crafts areas and decorating the home. Having the alpacas visit the home was a brilliant addition to the day, and being able to pet and interact with them really put a smile on everyone’s faces. After such a successful event, we are already looking forward to our next celebration!”

Debbie Spicer from the Windsor Day Centre said: “We had a lovely day celebrating the launch and supporting this fantastic new home which will bring excellent care services to Windsor. Winning the competition was a wonderful boost to the team here too, and we hope to visit again in future!”