Belmore Lodge in Lymington marks its 20th anniversary with resident Maureen Marks whose family home was once on site

A LYMINGTON care home resident whose family home once stood on the site has helped to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Belmore Lodge, run by Colten Care, opened in 2003 after the demolition of two houses at the Milford Road site.

Maureen Marks (84), has spent the past 11 years at the care home, which was once the address of her in-laws, Adrienne and Ted.

They had lived at the now demolished number 20 Milford Road, along with niece Sandra.

Maureen, known as Mo, and her late husband Bill were regular visitors, enjoying family gatherings including barbecues in the back garden.

Maureen also lived there for several weeks in 1994 when she was between house moves.

To mark its 20th anniversary, Maureen was joined by Adrienne and Sandra at the launch of an week-long exhibition charting the history of the home.

Maureen, whose family members ran Marks Bakery in the town from 1972 to 1996, said: “This is a really nice, homely place to live in.

“I can’t believe it’s been so long. I feel like I’m part of the furniture now.”

Sister-in-law Adrienne added: “Time has flown by and, although it does feel strange, there is a sense of reassurance for us that Maureen lives on the same spot where our home was.

“The Belmore Lodge driveway is even in the same place ours used to be.”

The exhibition was visited by former Lymington mayor Jane Clarke, who had officially opened Belmore Lodge in 2003.

“I remember thinking it was a lovely home then,” said Jane. “I recall I had just opened some public toilets in Lymington earlier in the day and thinking this was rather more upmarket!”

Executive director of Colten Care, Ian Hudson, whose 75th birthday coincided with the exhibition launch, was presented with a cake by home manager Janie Wilkins.

He said the company had considered building flats on the site, but opted for the care home after being made aware of a need in the area.