Halstead home celebrates long service and happy memories

Company news

Mar 30, 2010

26 March 2010: Residents and staff at Care UK’s Halstead Lodge nursing home celebrated the home’s 17th anniversary and the long service of staff at a special party held last week.

Councillor David Hume, the Mayor of Halstead, presented long services awards to Head Chef Diana Lodge, who started work at the home a month before it opened to residents in 1993 and to Tina Edey who joined two years later.

Home Manger Jane Raymond said: “This is a lovely home to work in because we have wonderful residents and staff who are genuinely caring.

“Tina came to us as a domestic worker 15 years ago but she soon realised that caring was her vocation. She has taken many qualifications and worked hard and she is now a senior carer. She has a lovely rapport with our residents and she is warm and sensitive to what people need.”

Chef  Diana Lodge also received a long service award and Jane praised her friendliness, loyalty and commitment to the home and residents throughout her 17-year service.

The home encourages residents to join in activities and reminisce and the homes’ oldest resident Mrs Ivy Mead, 94, often entertains residents with stories and sometimes gets into character using props.

Ivy and the other residents also enjoy regular visits from community groups including the choir from Richard de Clare Primary School who come to sing and chat with them.

Manager Jane said: “The event was a great success and enjoyed by all the residents, staff, families and visitors who attended with live music and a special buffet tea.  Margaret Joseph one of our staff members made the day particularly memorable by making a special celebration cake.  My personal thanks to Councillor David Hume, the Mayor of Halstead who presented the awards and who was delighted to be re-acquainted with some of our residents whom he knew previously.“