Northbourne Court Care Home Celebrates 20 Years of Care
On the 20th August 2026 Northbourne Court Care Home, part of Avante Care & Support, celebrated its 20th anniversary with a heartfelt community event honouring two decades of person‑centred care.
A Celebration Filled with Joy
The 20th anniversary event was a lively celebration filled with singing, dancing, performers, games, food and a community raffle. Residents were seen joining performers in song, dancing with staff and family members, and enjoying the warm, festive atmosphere.
These joyful moments captured the essence of Northbourne Court – a home where everyone enjoys a vibrant and fulfilling life.
The celebration highlighted the strong sense of community, the lasting friendships and the shared joy that make Northbourne Court such a special place to call home.
Honouring a Legacy That Shaped the Home
Northbourne Court was named in tribute to Lady Northbourne, who led the Board of Kent Community Housing Trust (later Avante) from its inception in 1990 until 2007, and subsequently served as a Trustee and Patron, contributing a total of 24 years of service to the organisation. Her leadership helped shape the strategic vision that ultimately made the development of Northbourne Court possible.
Her return to the home for its 20th anniversary was deeply meaningful. Residents, families and staff welcomed her with warm applause, recognising her pivotal role in the home’s creation and her long‑standing commitment to improving care for older people in Bexley.
Lady Northbourne spent time speaking with guests and reflecting on the home’s journey - from its early planning stages to the vibrant, community‑centred home it is today. Her presence brought a touching sense of continuity, connecting the home’s past with its future.
Lady Northbourne commented: “I was very touched. It was a great pleasure to see everything working exactly as it was planned all those years ago. The happy atmosphere and feeling of fulfilment in the staff is a great credit to Avante. I know how much work it all involves”.
Community and Leadership in Attendance
The celebration welcomed the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress of Bexley, who joined Lady Northbourne in recognising the home’s contribution to the Sidcup community.
Members of Avante Care & Support’s leadership and governance teams also attended, including:
- Andrew Ireland, Chair of the Board of Trustees
- Stephen King, Trustee
- Three members of the Executive Management Team, including Stuart Cross, Managing Director
Two Decades of Person‑Centred Care
Since opening, Northbourne Court has supported hundreds of older people and their families, offering dementia, residential and nursing care in a warm, inclusive environment. The home is known for its dedicated staff team, strong community relationships and unwavering focus on personalised care.
Reflecting on the anniversary, Stuart Cross, Managing Director, said:
“Seeing Lady Northbourne return to the home named in her honour was incredibly moving. And watching our residents singing, dancing and celebrating together reminded us all why Northbourne Court is such a special place”.
