Burgess Hill Turns Out for Keymer Hall’s Spring Fling

Keymer Hall, the newest home from award-winning care group Boutique Care Homes, marked its official grand launch on Saturday 25th April with a community open day that brought the town to its doors. From 11am to 3pm, Keymer’s Spring Fling filled the home’s gardens and lounges with live music, local organisations, food, children’s entertainment, and sunshine, as Mid Sussex Radio 103.8FM broadcast live from the courtyard throughout the afternoon.

A guest of honour with a special connection

At midday, Virginia Lewis-Jones, daughter of the legendary Dame Vera Lynn, cut the ribbon to officially open Keymer Hall and unveil a commemorative plaque. Virginia stayed for the afternoon, meeting guests and sharing stories of her mother’s remarkable life and career. For many of the residents and visitors who grew up with Dame Vera’s voice, it was a moment that carried genuine personal meaning.

Virginia Lewis-Jones said: “It’s absolutely beautiful, and I do hope, and I know, that it’s going to be a tremendous success. Someone said it’s a tremendous asset to the community, and it already is. The people who live here are part of the community already. Congratulations on such a wonderful, wonderful home.”

Priya Bhayani, Director of Boutique Care Homes, said: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome Virginia as our guest of honour. Keymer Hall opened its doors last December, and in just a few months the team here has been outstanding: delivering first-class care, a vibrant activities and lifestyle programme, and becoming a real part of the Burgess Hill community. The glowing feedback they’ve already received on carehome.co.uk is a testament to everything they do day in, day out.”

“We are opening a place of belonging”

Christine Bunce, Home Manager at Keymer Hall, addressed guests at the launch. Speaking about the home’s first months in operation, she said: “A care home is not defined by its building, no matter how beautiful it might be. It is defined by the people within it. Every resident who joins us brings a lifetime of memories, achievements, and stories. Our role is to honour those stories, support their independence, and ensure they feel valued every single day.”

On what the home means to the families who have placed their trust in the team, Christine added: “To our families, thank you for entrusting us with the care of your loved ones. We don’t take that responsibility lightly. You are placing your trust in us, and we will work tirelessly to earn it through transparency, communication, and a genuine commitment to do what’s right.”

Martin Murphy, Director of Operations at Boutique Care Homes, reflected on the day: “We are a care home, but what we really are is a community asset. A place for people to come, to thrive, and to make new relationships. We are the sum of the people we surround ourselves with, and today was an incredible day for Keymer Hall.”

Burgess Hill comes together

The Spring Fling brought an impressive turnout of local groups and organisations to the home’s grounds, including the Repair Café, Befriended, Sheddingdean Church, Burgess Hill Town Council and Youth Council, Susan Mitchell Crafts, Woodlands Meed College, Dicker House Pre-School, Burgess Hill Girls, Music Bus with Maggie, Laura King flower arranging, and Toby Sansom Puppets. A balloon modeller and face painting kept younger visitors entertained on the lawns, while parachute games drew families out into the sunshine. The 7th Burgess Hill Scouts ran their BBQ, Indulgent Ice Creams arrived with their vintage van, and Burgess Hill Fire Brigade brought along one of their tenders.

Inside the home, guests were able to see Keymer Hall’s bistro and lounges for themselves as music filled the rooms. Sussex performer Glen Richardson played two sets, and the Plumpton Choir performed around the home’s grand piano to close the afternoon.

Mayor of Burgess Hill, Cllr Stuart Condie, praised the home’s commitment to the local area: “On behalf of Burgess Hill Town Council, thank you to Keymer Hall for their whole community efforts. You’ve gone out there, you’ve got people and resources behind this, and I can see that you’re taking it very seriously. You’re working amazingly well with the council, and for that we are very grateful.”