New care home named after Essex family

 

 A new care home in Saffron Walden has been named after a local family who previously owned the site.

Bailey Lodge, the new Care UK home on Radwinter Road, is named after Sidney and Thelma Bailey who owned the site from 1977 for their business Universal Tape Printing Co. (UTP).

Established in 1958, UTP created and manufactured its own printing machines for self-adhesive tape, including Christmas tape and cellulose film for food packaging. Its products were widely used in various industries, even being used for identification purposes in Australia's rocket-testing program. The company served a diverse customer base, including national and international brands like Cadbury's, Nestle, Boots, McVities, and Guinness.

Due to the company's sustained growth, and needing space to expand, the company moved to  Radwinter Road in 1977.

Sidney Bailey retired as Chairman and Managing Director of UTP. The company was subsequently acquired and changed ownership multiple times before closing in 2017. 

Marcus Sorrell, Development Project Manager at Care UK, said: “The home naming process is one of the key milestones for a new home, and we wanted to root the new home firmly in area by honouring the site’s history.

“Saffron Walden has a rich manufacturing history, and as previous owners of the site, it felt only right that we pay homage to the Bailey family who are part of the new care home’s heritage. 

“We’re very much looking forward to the home taking shape and opening with its name of Bailey Lodge in 2026.”  

Designed to allow residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, the new Care UK home will incorporate space for hobby and leisure activities. The layout of the building will be configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.