Halloween at Bay House

HALLOWEEN fancy dress, a spectacular firework display and a barbecue formed part of a special party for residents at Bay House last Friday.Friends and families were also invited to the event, held to mark the successful the refurbishment of the Middlesex Road nursing home as well as the seasonal celebrations.

Town Mayor Cllr Patrick Douart was invited to the party as guest of honour, along with other local dignitaries and business leaders.

Live music came in the shape of the band Astral Gypsies and a grand raffle was held in aid of research and care for Alzheimer sufferers.

Grandchildren and great grandchildren of some of the residents went 'trick or treating' in their fancy dress.

A bonfire complete with fast-melting Guy kept guests warm throughout the evening.

The party concluded with an explosion of fireworks choreographed to a medley of James Bond theme tunes.

Bay House has benefited from a massive face lift over the last two years, with state-of-the-art equipment being installed to cater for nursing needs.

Elements of the new-look garden were finished not long before the party.

Service provider Naz Manji said: "We wanted to do something for the residents. At this time of year it is important for them to celebrate just as they would have done and it is even better if they can have their families around.

"We have been planning this for about 12 weeks and we wanted to make sure the mayor was invited and we got the RSVPs ...it's worked out really well though."

"When we first came here the place was really run down," said home manager Claire Avery. "We have worked really hard and since then have been named for a second time in a row as a preferred provider for East Sussex County Council.

"We wanted to celebrate and show people what it is like here."

Cllr Douart said: "It is the first time I have ever been here and I'm very impressed. It is nice to see the residents and their families having fun."