Melksham care home marks new dining room with RAF lunch

A Melksham care home has marked the refurbishment of its fine dining room with a celebratory lunch for members of the Melksham Royal Air Force Association (RAFA), joined by two of its own distinguished residents. 

Blenheim House, part of the Berkley Care Group, welcomed five representatives of the local RAFA branch, including Branch President Peter Atkins, Chairman Roger Jones, Secretary Mike Pickering, Treasurer Trevor Paterson and Welfare Officer Bob Hamilton. They were accompanied by residents Air Chief Marshal Sir Joseph Gilbert, former Deputy Commander-in-Chief, and Rear Admiral Austin Lockyer.

Guests enjoyed a specially prepared menu featuring fresh tomato and basil soup, Moroccan spiced lamb tagine with seasonal accompaniments and Bramley apple and cinnamon crumble with sauce anglaise, followed by coffee, wine, beer and soft drinks.

The occasion also provided the perfect opportunity to showcase Blenheim House’s newly refurbished dining room. The transformed space is now lighter and brighter, with views across the landscaped gardens and flowerbeds, creating a welcoming setting for family celebrations, community events, and intimate dining experiences.

Events Manager at Blenheim House, Chris Preston, said, “Our fine dining room has always been a much-loved part of Blenheim House, and the refurbishment has taken it to another level. It’s now a beautiful, light-filled space where residents can enjoy memorable experiences with their families and friends.   

“Hosting the RAFA lunch here felt like the perfect way to celebrate its reopening – it was a privilege to welcome such esteemed guests and share this new chapter of Blenheim House with them.”

Pictured:  Sir Joseph Gilbert, Austin Lockyer, Peter Atkins, Roger Jones, Mike Pickering, Trevor Paterson and Bob Hamilton