Residents of MHA Belvedere Manor care home in Colne, Burnley, donned their best glad rags for a stylish black tie evening on 2nd August.

Families joined residents and staff members for an evening of glitz and glamour, with complimentary food and drink served throughout. The party was also attended by a special guest, the High Sheriff of Lancashire, The Honourable Ralph Christopher Assheton TD DL.

The pièce de résistance was the home’s exquisite grand piano, which dates back to the 1940s. This beautiful instrument was donated by a resident and played on throughout the evening by a series of talented individuals including Helen Boff, a granddaughter of one of the residents, and Dianne Howarth, the wife of the home’s chaplain – who were both accompanied by professional entertainer Neil Wilkinson on saxophone.

Guests were also treated to a performance by the residents choir, a group which the care home’s staff set up to encourage the residents to socialise and pursue new hobbies. The choir chose to sing Shall We Dance, Getting to Know You and I Whistle a Happy Tune to entertain their guests.

Reflecting on the evening, Mr Assheton, the High Sheriff of Lancashire, said: “I really enjoyed the relaxed and happy atmosphere at Belvedere House. Everyone was having fun, especially when joining in with the residents choir. Congratulations to the team who laid on such a great event.”

Ali Gopaul, Home Manager at MHA Belvedere Manor, added: “The black tie evening was a great success, with residents, staff and their families all thoroughly enjoying the night. It was fabulous to see everyone in their long dresses and smart suits, and we’re so grateful to the High Sheriff for joining us and making the evening even more special.

“We love putting on evenings like this for our residents – events which enhance their quality of life through providing variety to the day-to-day, as well as an opportunity to get dressed up and chat with friends both old and new.”

www.mha.org.uk