Bluebrooke News

Welcome!

As we start to enjoy the long hot days of Summer (well, we’re keeping our fingers crossed!), it’s time for another round up of news from Oldfield and once again it’s been a busy few weeks at all of our homes – with events and activities, building works and gardening projects. We hope this issue keeps you entertained and informed!

News Bite

Bluebrooke residents enjoy tea, cakes and an afternooon of crafts at the local church.

New look for old favourite revealed

In the summer we held a garden party to celebrate the re launch of our home at Alveley, situated between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. Decked with purple and white bunting and balloons for the big day, we renamed the home Bower Grange, in memory of manager Susan Bower, who oversaw much of the refurbishment plans before she sadly passed away shortly before the event. With family and friends joining residents and staff, we kicked off the day with a barbeque and Pimms from the “Oldfield Arms” and had a variety of stalls and attractions – not least the Alveley Village Band on the lawn belting out old time and show time favourites – plus traditional pony and trap rides to show off the new gardens and the ornamental pond.

We “revealed” the new name by inviting residents, staff and children to line up each with a letter spelling out Bower Grange for the local newspaper’s photograph, and owner of the Oldfield Group, Simon Badland unveiled the new signage, commenting “Bower Grange is one of our flagship homes, but we needed to make improvements to the outside areas so that our residents could really enjoy the space we have here. Susan did a great job in helping get all this in place and we are very proud that her family were happy for us to re name the home in her memory”.

And despite the showers – a typical British summer’s day – a great time was had by all!

Simon Says

News from Simon Badland's pen

As ever, care of the elderly just never seems far away from the headlines. Most recently it’s been the CQC report on elderly care in some of the country’s leading hospitals, where a significant number were failing in their duty to provide even a basic level of care. While hospitals operate at a different level to care homes, there are lessons here to learn for us all who work in the sector, and it is yet another reminder of how vital good long term care is. At Oldfield this is something we always put first and foremost, we are in the business of care and we aim to provide it to an exceptional level 24/7 at all of our homes.

Cath Keeps A Secret

Bluebrooke resident Cath Jennings likes to keep a few things to herself – one of which was her MBE! Awarded to Cath in 2004 for over 30 years of service with the St John’s Ambulance, where she had risen to the position of Superintendent, plus voluntary work with the Forestry Commission, Cath and her family enjoyed a day at the Palace to receive her award from Prince Charles. Pictured here with husband Fred (also a Bluebrooke resident), daughter Mary and her granddaughter – it was a great day out for all the family. “We were all so proud of her that day” remembers Fred, and “we’re still proud of her today” added Activities Coordinator Dawn Hughes, “Cath and Fred are a lovely part of our family at Bluebrooke and we’re pleased Cath has allowed us to feature her award in our newsletter, as being awarded an MBE is a fantastic achievement and shouldn’t ever be forgotten!.

Have Your Say

In this section we’d like to get our readers to take part.

This month, Handyman Mike Brown, who looks after one of our homes in Shropshire, Bower Grange talks about his role within the organisation and how it’s one of the most fulfilling jobs he’s ever had.

“Having worked for a specialist door furniture supplier for some 25 years, when I was made redundant I wanted something where I could use the skills I had developed, and also put to good use my knowledge of plumbing and DIY, but in a totally different environment. This job at Oldfield has been brilliant. Every day presents a new set of challenges and no two days have ever been the same. Although I am responsible for Bower Grange, I also help out at the other homes in the group as needs be. Oldfield really is like a large, extended family – made up of the staff, many of whom have been here a long time – and residents – who are always ready for a joke and a laugh and a bit of a dance when they have the entertainers in. I’ve enjoyed it so much, my wife and I made the move from Wolverhampton to Alveley, the village where Bower Grange is based, as the countryside here is fantastic too”.

Just address your letters to: The Editor, Oldfield Now! The Grange Residential Care Home, Cannock Wood Street, Rawnsley, Cannock, Staffordshire WS12 0PW or email: gina@cherrettpricepr.com

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