Avondale Care Home in Aylesbury marked the completion of a major refurbishment with a vibrant community-focused relaunch event, attended by residents, staff, local schoolchildren, and several notable guests.
The care home, which opened in 2010 as the second home in the Porthaven group, has recently undergone extensive redecoration. Key improvements include updates to the café and reception area and the addition of a new in-house hair salon and nail bar to support resident wellbeing.
Special guests attending the event included actress Sherrie Hewson, The Mayor of Aylesbury, Councillor Mimi Harker OBE and Lisa Soper, Chief Operating Officer at Porthaven. Pupils and teachers from partners Haydon Abbey School and Pre-School also took part in the celebration following a creative collaboration with residents.
Antonios Loumousiotis, home manager at Avondale Care Home, said: "Avondale Care Home’s refurbishment represents an exciting new chapter for us. It was a pleasure to welcome so many members of our local community to celebrate with us, and we’re especially grateful to the pupils and teachers from Haydon Abbey for their creative contributions and continued support."
Sherrie Hewson toured the newly redecorated spaces, chatted with residents and staff, joined a sing-along session on the memory floor and even tested one of the exercise bikes in the home’s gym. She also met a resident who had moved in earlier that day, making the visit especially poignant.
Guests enjoyed a selection of freshly prepared canapés followed by a trio of desserts, all created by Avondale’s chefs and served alongside a glass of champagne. Each attendee received a homemade blueberry cupcake to take home, with refreshments served in the homely café before guests toured the home.
The children of Haydon Abbey School worked with residents to name the newly refurbished suites. The chosen theme, English Poets and Writers, was revealed during the event, with winning class entries — 3NR and 6NA — awarded certificates and prizes, including footballs for the playground and a buddy bench for the school’s outdoor space.
Avondale Care Home, part of Porthaven Care Homes, provides 24-hour residential, nursing, dementia and respite care for the elderly.
