Care UK’s The Wickets, on Banister Road just off The Avenue, will be opening its doors for the local community to join in the festivities on Tuesday 3rd March from 2pm-4pm. 

With the first residents beginning to move into Southampton’s newest care home, the team is now gearing up to celebrate its official opening with the help of VIP visitors including former Essex cricket captain Paul Prichard, who is now Head Coach of Hampshire Women, and Lord Mayor of Southampton Councillor James Baillie. 

On arrival, guests will be met in the home’s main reception area, where they can enjoy a ‘Strawberry Stumped’ cocktail. After the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon, visitors will have the opportunity to find out exactly what life is like at The Wickets. 

Team members will be conducting tours of the care home, while an afternoon exercise class will be led by the lifestyle team. Live entertainment from harpist Tezni Williams is on offer, with the lounge filled with cream tea and scones. 

Guests attending the official opening will have the opportunity to enjoy tasters of the delicious meals on the residents’ menu at The Wickets, specially prepared by the home’s talented Head Chef Galya, and Hotel Services Manager Dan Philpott, and refreshments will be served in the bar. 

Pooja Dhoot, Home Manager at The Wickets, said: “We’ve had such a warm and positive response from local people since we opened the doors of The Wickets this month – we already feel part of the community! 

“We’re delighted to be marking the official opening of our home with a grand launch event on 3rd March, and can’t wait to celebrate with our neighbours, residents, their relatives and special guests.  

“We’re excited to show everyone the welcoming, friendly atmosphere that we’ve created here at the home. On behalf of the team and residents here at The Wickets, I’d like to invite the people of Southampton along to what promises to be a brilliant afternoon for all!” 

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence, The Wickets provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and pub. 

For more information on The Wickets, and to book your place at the event, please call Customer Relations Manager Nikki Toomer on 023 8255 3287, email nikki.toomer@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/the-wickets.