Ninety-nine year old Castle View resident Joyce Balston recently picked up a paint brush for the first time since she was a child - now she’s one of the proud artists whose work features in an exhibition at the Dorchester care home.

The main lounge at the Colten Care-owned home on Bridport Road in Poundbury, is adorned with pastels, watercolours and acrylic paintings, which have all been created by the Castle View Art Club. 

Joyce said: “I hadn’t done any painting or drawing for more
than 80 years and initially just went to along to the art club to watch. 

“But then I thought I would give it a go and really enjoyed it.

“You do get a lovely sense of achievement and it shows you are never too old to do it.”

The club was set up by Castle View activities assistant and artist Liz Dewar.

Liz said: “Painting is not only therapeutic, it also exercises the imagination and improves dexterity and as a result of joining the club some of our residents have found artistic talents they never knew they had.”

She added: “Some people like Joyce hadn’t drawn or painted in decades, but proved to have a natural flair for it and have produced some very good pieces of art.

“It has really given them a sense of achievement and our visitors, including the Mayor of Dorchester Councillor Susie Hosford, have been very impressed.”

With more than 30 years’ experience, Colten Care is an award-winning family-owned care home company. 

It has 20 quality care homes covering Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and Sussex and offers a range of services spanning residential, nursing and dementia care. 

In the past year, Colten Care residents and team members have raised more than £40,000 for charity.