Bernhard Baron Care Home Celebrates 80 Years of Care with the Grand Opening of New Activities Centre

We proudly marked our 80th Anniversary with three wonderful days of celebrations, culminating in the grand opening of the brand-new Activities Centre.

The main event was formally opened by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Sadie Mason MBE DL ( below left) , who congratulated the organisation on its outstanding contribution to the community over the past eight decades. Among the guests were Mayor of Polegate, Councillor Dan Dunbar (below right), along with Residents, staff, volunteers, and trustees, all coming together to celebrate this remarkable milestone.

Guests enjoyed speeches and a toast with bubbly, followed by live swing and jazz entertainment from local performer Tom Fitzpatrick. The afternoon concluded with a delicious selection of canapés served in the new Activities Centre, allowing everyone to experience the beautiful new space designed to bring joy, creativity, and connection to Residents for years to come.

The celebrations didn’t stop there — across the three days, the Home hosted a range of special events to mark this historic occasion. Highlights included a heartfelt talk from retired Trustee David Hitchin, who shared his memories and reflections on the Home’s journey; a special lunch and cream tea for Residents and guests; and a video presentation filled with photos and memories from Residents and staff throughout the years.

“Today truly is a special occasion. The grand opening of our long-awaited Activity Centre is made even more meaningful as it coincides with our 80th Anniversary. For eight decades, Bernhard Baron Care Home has stood at the heart of the Polegate community — a symbol of modernity, creativity, and connection.

This wonderful new space will be a place for games, music, crafts, exercise, cookery events — and perhaps even the odd cheeky biscuit or a glass of bubbly!

But more than just a building, it represents a promise: that we will continue to make life at BBCH meaningful, vibrant, and full of fun.”— Trudi Knight, Head of Home

Entertainment continued with a stunning performance by Rosie, a Mezzo-soprano singer, delighting everyone with her incredible voice. The festivities concluded in spectacular style on the evening of the 5th, with a firework display enjoyed by all our Residents — a fitting finale to three unforgettable days of celebration.

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