THE BRENDONCARE Foundation welcomed its patron The Countess of Wessex to its newly refurbished care home in Alton last week.

The Countess unveiled a plaque to mark the charity’s 35th birthday last Thursday.

The Brendoncare Foundation was founded in 1984 by Sir Ronald Gibson – he was a Winchester GP who was committed to improving the lives of older people.

Since then Brendoncare has continued with this remit and said it is “passionate about providing a positive ageing experience”, now for over 2,000 people across the South of England.

Brendoncare provides ten care homes, five housing with care services, and two hubs for communities in the south.

Alton is the largest of Brendoncare’s homes, providing nursing, dementia and respite care for 80 people at the new-look facility.

The countess was welcomed during her visit to Brendoncare Alton by the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire Nigel Atkinson and Carole Sawyers, chief executive of The Brendoncare Foundation.

She visited some of the care home households where she chatted with residents, their families and staff.

She also had the chance to join in with craft activities, experienced the inter-active sensory table and reminisce with residents over tea.