RESIDENTS at Colten Care homes across the region raised a dram, toasted the haggis – and even staged their own ‘Highland Games’ – to welcome in Burns Night.
The very first Burns Supper was held in memoriam of the poet Robert Burns by his friends, on 21 July 1801, the fifth anniversary of his death.
The occasion is now celebrated across the globe, usually on or around the poet’s birthday, January 25th andtypically includes haggis (celebrated in the poem Address to a Haggis), toasting with a ‘wee dram’ of whisky and the recitation of his poetry.
Colten’s Avon Cliff in Bournemouth staged its very own version of the famous ‘Highland Games’ for Burns Night.
At Colten’s Amberwood House in Ferndown near Bournemouth staff dressed in tartan and residents enjoyed making shortbread and whisky tasting to toast their haggis.
The home also staged a Scottish-themed Scrabble match.
Canford Chase in Poole celebrated the poet’s life with a Whisky Social, Burns poetry and plenty of singing.
At The Aldbury dedicated dementia home, also in Poole, Scottish residents Frank McCouirt and Ruth Taylor were in the spotlight and everyone celebrated with a taste of haggis, washed down with a wee dram of whisky or Irn-Bru.
At The Aldbury dedicated dementia home, also in Poole, Scottish residents Frank McCouirt and Ruth Taylor were in the spotlight and everyone celebrated with a taste of haggis, washed down with a wee dram of whisky or Irn-Bru.
Over at Whitecliffe House in Blandford Forum ex-Colten companion and professional musician Caroline Pugh entertained with some Scottish songs, including some one-to-one singing with residents.
At Oustanding rates Kingfishers in New Milton members of the New Forest Scottish Dancers took residents and staff for a spin on the dancefloor.
And at Abbey View in Sherborne residents enjoyed a traditional feast of Cullen Skink, Haggis, neaps and tatties and Raspberry Cranacin.