St Ives care home toasts milestone with special guest

A care home in St Ives pulled out all the stops to mark a milestone anniversary – with the help of a special guest. 

It was party time at Care UK’s Field Lodge, on London Road, as residents, relatives and team members, along with the Mayor of St Ives, Councillor Phillip Pope, came together to celebrate the home’s tenth birthday – as well as to toast a decade of caring from three of the home’s team members. 

Dementia Care Coach, Keri Barker, and Team Leader, Kristy Matthews, have been at Field Lodge since the home opened, celebrating many milestones over the years, from welcoming the home’s first residents, to toasting plenty of 100^th birthdays and supporting residents to live fulfilling lives. Lifestyle Lead, Sam Shepherd, is also celebrating his 10^th anniversary, marking a decade at Field Lodge in March.

Keri said: “It’s been a fun and rewarding 10 years – I’m very grateful to the Field Lodge family for supporting me to be the person I am today and allowing me to pursue my dream job!”

On the day, guests enjoyed a special musical performance from singing trio, The Swingettes, who played a variety of classics from the 1940s, 50s and 60s to get everyone’s feet tapping. Tthe home’s talented chefs also prepared a delicious selection of nibbles and a special cake for everyone to enjoy.  

99-year-old resident, Doris Chesher, said: “I really enjoyed the party – I felt privileged to be asked to cut the cake and I especially loved the singing trio!”

Doris first visited Field Lodge when her late husband, Bernard, was the first resident to move into the home. Impressed with the welcoming atmosphere and levels of care, Doris moved in herself five years later.

Linda Martinez, Home Manager at Field Lodge, added: “Ten years is a very special milestone, and we couldn’t have celebrated it in a better way, surrounded by residents, family and friends – and enjoying wonderful live music! 

“It’s been an incredible ten years, and we’re grateful for everyone who was part of this journey with us – especially to Keri, Kristy and Sam who have been with us since the beginning. From birthdays and anniversaries to bungee jumps and making residents’ wishes come true, it’s safe to say we’ve been busy – but we wouldn’t change it for the world. 

“I’d like to extend a big thank you to everyone who came along to celebrate with us – especially Councillor Philip Pope. We’re excited to see what the future has in store for us; may the next ten years be filled with just as much laughter, fun and music!”

Field Lodge is a modern, purpose-built care home providing full-time residential, nursing, and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has a choice of lounges and dining rooms, along with facilities such as an activity room, cinema and hair salon.