WITH fine china, vintage decorations and sweet treats galore, there was plenty to celebrate as Sanctuary Care and activities charity NAPA marked joint 20th-year anniversaries.

The care provider and the National Activity Providers Association (NAPA) charity, held a tea party at Sanctuary Care’s Ashley House Residential Care Home in Forest Road, Bordon.

Sanctuary Care’s director of operations Sheila O’Connor, NAPA’s director Sylvie Silver, Ashley House manager Margaret Powell and the home’s residents and team donned hats and finery for a vintage-themed occasion.

Ms O’Connor said: “This truly was a very special day and we are enormously proud to have marked this incredible milestone, providing care to our wonderful residents and their loved ones for two decades.

“Our teams and residents lie at the heart of everything we do and I know we will continue to keep kindness at the heart of our care for the next 20 years.”

During the tea party there was an abundance of music and laughter as the guests gathered to sing songs associated with tea.

NAPA is a charity that aims to “bring life, love and laughter” to care settings by supporting care teams to enable people to enjoy life the way they choose to and says it has a special relationship with Ashley House.

Ms Silver added: “I was delighted when we discovered that Sanctuary Care shared a 20th birthday with NAPA this year. The celebration tea at Ashley House was the perfect way to mark the occasion as we like nothing better than seeing residents enjoying themselves. The staff team had gone to tremendous lengths to set the scene and ensure that there was something on offer for everyone to join in with.”

Home manager Ms Powell said: “Traditionally afternoon tea was, and still is, a highlight for so many of our residents - an occasion where you get the best china out to welcome your guests, so we were thrilled to welcome Sheila and Sylvie along for this wonderful occasion. The event was extra special because we were also marking the 22nd year that one of our residents, Peggy Ottoway, has lived in our home.”

Sanctuary Care will be marking its anniversary with a series of celebrations over the coming months with its residents, their loved ones and teams in its care homes and hospital service.