Sutton Coldfield care home welcomes guests for grand garden opening

A Sutton Coldfield care home is inviting the local community to attend its grand garden launch.

Care UK’s Mercia Grange, on Lichfield Road, will be opening its doors on Monday 20^th May, from 2pm-4pm, for its grand garden opening celebrations complete with the mayor and local police force in attendance.

On the day, residents and community members will be invited to join the mayor, Tony Briggs, to plant an apple tree in the home’s garden to mark the special occasion, and to admire the spectacular spring blossom. The apple tree will serve as a legacy, with its growth creating a sense of connection between the past, present and future.

As part of the celebrations, there will also be champagne to toast the opening and a BBQ for guests to enjoy on the garden patio.

John Goring, aged 90, said: “I’m really looking forward to the party. I spend a lot of time in the garden, where I used to grow tomatoes. I’m excited to plant a tree with the mayor and enjoy a glass of champagne with him.”

John and the other green fingered residents at Mercia Grange also attend a bi-weekly gardening club, providing residents with the opportunity to socialise and develop meaningful friendships.

Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “We are delighted to be marking the official opening of our new garden and to celebrate with our neighbours, relatives and special guests. We can’t wait to show everyone the welcoming, friendly atmosphere we’ve created and how beautiful our garden looks in bloom this spring. 

“Spending time in nature is so important for residents’ mental and physical well-being, and has been shown to improve attention, mood, memory and emotional regulation. So, we’d also like to say a massive thank you to Head Gardener, Gill Whittingham, who has been hard at work preparing the garden for its grand launch.

“On behalf of the team and residents here at Mercia Grange, I’d like to invite the people of Sutton Coldfield along to what promises to be a fun afternoon for all – we’re keeping our fingers crossed for some sunshine!”

Mercia Grange is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia, and short-term respite care. The three-storey care home, which features 67 ensuite bedrooms, has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon, and café.