Storrington care home marks milestone

On Wednesday October 21, the Friends of Sussexdown charity (originally founded by the Shoreham Royal Air Forces Association), along with current owners, Care South, celebrated 50 years of the Royal Air Force Association’s (RAFA) support at Sussexdown care home in Storrington.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Oct 2015, 12:16 BST
Sussexdown - RAFA opening SUS-151021-111328001Sussexdown - RAFA opening SUS-151021-111328001
Sussexdown - RAFA opening SUS-151021-111328001

The Friends of Sussexdown are collaborating with Care South staff at the home to organise a celebration to mark the milestone.

The home’s Head Chef, Dickie Dore, prepared a delicious lunch for residents, their families and staff. Guests were invited to wear 60s-inspired clothing and RAF veterans at the home were encouraged to wear their medals and decorations. The Friends of Sussexdown have been organising a display of photographs of the home in one of the lounges.

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Sussexdown was first opened as a care home in 1965 by the Air Chief Commandant, her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester.

The home was originally owned by RAFA until 2007, when it was acquired by Care South, a leading provider of high quality residential and home care services across the South of England.

RAFA continues to be involved in the home, regularly raising money to provide activities, entertainment and outings for the residents of Sussexdown – many of whom are RAF veterans.

Speaking before the event, home manager at Care South’s Sussexdown care home, Heather Rogers, said: “We are really looking forward to our celebration, which will give our residents, their families and our staff the chance to socialise together and to celebrate this much loved care home.

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“At Care South, we work hard to ensure our residents enjoy the best experiences and The Friends of Sussexdown and RAFA really help us to do that through their generosity and fundraising activities.”

Paula Keene, Chairman of The Friends of Sussexdown, said: “This event to mark 50 years of RAFA support at Sussexdown pays tribute to all the people who make and have made the home such a special, caring place.

“The photography exhibition will give visitors and residents a fascinating insight into the life of the home, which we are looking forward to showing everyone.”

The photography exhibition will be displayed at Sussexdown for residents and their families to view from Monday October 19 to Sunday October 25.

Visitors will also be able to view photos from the opening at the home’s Christmas Fayre, which will be held on Saturday 5 December.

Report and picture contributed by Stephanie Muir.