Cambridge care home hosts chess competition with university club in memory of late resident

 

A Cambridge care home brought its community together for a special chess competition held in memory of a former resident of the home.

The event at Care UK’s Heathlands House, on Bullen Close, was a poignant tribute to late resident and passionate chess player Ian Lawrence. The Heathlands House team played against the Cambridge University Chess Club, an association with a history of more than 150 years.

Ian’s two sons participated as players, while his wife, Margaret, attended as a special guest and presented the competition’s shield to the winner, the Cambridge University Chess Club.

The competition was followed by an afternoon tea, prepared by the home’s Head Chef, where residents, families, and guests came together to celebrate Ian’s legacy and share stories.

Ian was a much-loved resident of Heathlands House who unfortunately passed away in July 2024 at the age of 90, but his love of chess lives on within the home. 

Razvan Stanbeca, Home Manager at Heathlands House, said: “We were honoured to host this chess competition in memory of Ian, who was a much-loved member of our community. It was heartwarming to see Ian’s family, residents, and players from the Cambridge University Chess Club come together to celebrate his legacy and share their passion for the game.

“Events like these not only bring joy and connection but also ensure that residents’ stories and interests continue to be celebrated. It was a truly special day for everyone involved.”

Heathlands House offers full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, the home incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities, both indoors and out. The layout of the building has been configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge and dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities, and the home has its own cinema room, hair and beauty salon and pub.