Celebrations in full swing at Portsmouth care home as it marks 120th anniversary

Elderly residents joined by staff, relatives and friends rallied together to throw a Victorian-themed party at The Home of Comfort, in Victoria Grove, Southsea.

Supporters sang songs, played games and ate food typical of the period, as the home was founded in 1896.

The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Councillor David Fuller, and Lady Mayoress, Leza Tremorin, paid a visit and cut a birthday cake to top off the occasion.

The home was founded by Mother Emma, the Head Deaconess of the Winchester Diocese.

Home of Comfort administration manager, Robin Hall, said: ‘We wouldn’t be here without her.

‘We care for 29 people, so we’re quite small, and we have quite a family feel to us.

‘It’s quite humbling to work for something that has been here much longer than I have, and hopefully it will be here longer than the people who work here now.

‘The Lord Mayor made a comment about the atmosphere in the place being nice, and it was good to see the residents enjoy themselves.’

Ms Hall, who has worked at the home for two and a half years, added: ‘Occasions like this make the job completely worthwhile.

‘Everyone who works in a care home knows we work really hard, but you do it for the residents, everyone is committed to them.

‘It’s a very satisfying job.’

The home is now gearing up for a fun-filled Christmas, and is lining up a range of activities to keep everyone in good spirits.

A Christmas raffle, carol singing with local churches and a Christmas party are all on the cards.

Cllr Fuller, who runs a residential care home, said: ‘The warm welcome we got as we came through the door was lovely.

‘The staff were so thrilled to see us and the residents were great.

‘I’m in the care home business and the reputation this home has is very good, which I said in my speech. And it really shows.’