Staff at a care home in Fordingbridge are celebrating 148 years of service.

The team at Allenbrook care home marked the anniversaries of five of its staff who have each worked more than 25 years at the home.

An awards ceremony took place on Thursday (June 9), followed by a drinks reception.

Allenbrook’s longest serving staff member, senior carer Mahala Christopher, has spent 33 years at the home, joining in 1989 when it first opened.

She said:  “I can’t believe I’ve been here since the 80s, that almost makes me feel old.”

"This place is like a second home to me, and we do everything we can to make this feel like home to all our residents too.

"We’re like one big family in a lovely big house, surrounded by these gorgeous gardens, who would want to work anywhere else?”

Sue Cox, a senior nurse marking 30 years this month, said: “I never dreamed that I would still be here all these years later.

"It's due to a genuine love of this beautiful old house, working with a great team, and being able to care for the elderly residents every day.

"I shall be very happy to see out my nursing career in this lovely happy home.”

Also celebrating anniversaries were Michelle Witt, a housekeeper who joined 29 years ago, and deputy manager Karen Roberts and carer Sandra Jackson, who both joined within days of each other and celebrate 27 years this year.

Ian Stott, Allenbrook’s manager, said: “We feel very fortunate to be celebrating nearly 150 years’ worth of service between these five members of staff. This is testament to the whole team, and we are so grateful to everyone, particularly over the last two years.

"The pandemic caused a huge strain on us all, and to have come out the other side, and to be able to celebrate something so wonderful demonstrates what a fantastically committed and caring team we have.”

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