Gardening expert and TV presenter Charlie Dimmock opens new Southampton care home

TV presenter and gardening expert, Charlie Dimmock recently opened new Southampton based Anchor care home, Mayflower Court

Joined by local mayor, Councillor Linda Norris, Ms Dimmock met with nearly 200 members of the local community for a special lunch event on Thursday 10 September. The opening came ahead of the first new residents being welcomed into the new 72 bed home on Westwood Road on 21 September.

Speaking at the opening, Ms Dimmock said: "Care in later life is something we are all thinking about, as we know people are living longer and we need to plan for the future; Mayflower Court makes me think I could move in in the next few years!

"Many congratulations to all involved in getting Mayflower Court care home ready for its first residents - a combination of thoughtful design and passionate people make it a really wonderful development."

Ms Dimmock is known for appearing as a TV gardener on BBC’s Ground Force and is local to the Southampton area. During the visit, she received a guided tour with Cllr Linda Norris, before cutting a ribbon and raising toast to Mayflower Court and declaring the care home officially open.

Other VIPs from the Southampton area attended the event, meeting the Anchor team and future residents Mayflower Court before witnessing the ribbon being cut and a celebratory cake.

After receiving a tour of the home, Cllr Linda Norris said: “Southampton has long needed a truly first-class care home, and I believe Mayflower Court fits the bill perfectly. I am overwhelmed by how big and bright the rooms are, and the professionalism and caring nature of the staff. I think residents will truly feel at home here.”

Mayflower Court will provide round the clock care for older people in the Southampton area, including offering specialist dementia care to those who require it. The home features en-suite rooms, a café, craft room, bakery, library, hair and beauty salon, lounges, access to landscaped gardens for residents to enjoy.

Sales and marketing director for Anchor, Howard Nankivell commented: “We are very pleased to be opening this luxurious care home in Southampton, and we look forward to becoming part of the local community.

“With over 45 years of experience in care and housing, Anchor prides itself on giving older people a choice of great places to live, and we are proud to say that Mayflower Court is an excellent example of a great place to live.”