A message from Dan, our Chief Executive
At The Orders of St John Care Trust, our commitment to providing exceptional care for our residents starts with our incredible team. Every day, our employees demonstrate compassion, dedication, and expertise, ensuring that the individuals we care for feel valued, respected, and supported.
So it is only right that we take the time to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary achievements of these incredible people. Each year, our employee awards programme honours those employees and volunteers, nominated by their peers and leaders, who have given something extra special to their
work, improving the lives of our residents in meaningful ways. These awards represent more than just recognition though. They are a testament to the excellent care we strive for every day and highlight the heart of our mission: to deliver the highest standard of care through the commitment and kindness of our people. Read more about our awards programme in the special feature on pages 8 to 11.
2024 has been a significant year for the Trust with two acquisitions completed. We have increased the number of people we care for and employ, and we have given ourselves the chance to learn from the best practice of others, and to support
new colleagues in continuing to improve the services in which they work. As we move forward together, I am excited for what the future holds, and I hope you enjoy reading about some of the positive changes we are already seeing on page 7. As the year comes to a close, the Trust is stronger and better equipped than ever to continue making a real difference in the lives of those we care for.
Dan Hayes OBE Chief Executive
What’s happening across The Orders of St John Care Trust
evidence the care expertise that support its residents and clients.
Between December 2022 – August 2024, eCare has achieved: Our new electronic care records system, in partnership with Nourish Care, is now operating in 70 OSJCT care homes and extra care housing schemes.
Over
30 million interactions
Between December 2022 and August 2024, OSJCT introduced electronic care records – eCare –to over 70 care homes and extra care housing schemes. OSJCT introduced the new technology in partnership with Nourish Care, who provided the care management software and worked with the Trust to set up this project.
Care teams can now view care plans and records via secure and dedicated handsets, instead of in cumbersome paper files. By reducing administration time, care teams can spend more time, with residents and clients delivering personalised support. eCare has made it quicker and easier for employees to record the great care and support they provide, in the moment. The technology also enables the Trust to better
Dan Hayes, Chief Executive of OSJCT, said: “Moving to digital care records is part of our longterm strategy and supports the Trust’s vision to improve the health outcomes and safety of our residents and clients and enable carers to spend more time delivering personalised care.”
The introduction of eCare to OSJCT services was made possible thanks to grants from Lincolnshire County Council, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB), NHS Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon & Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, Sussex Health and Care ICS.
Oxfordshire residents add their touch to public art installation
OSJCT residents across Oxfordshire put their creative mark on a lifesize ox sculpture as part of OxTrail, a major public art installation that captivated thousands of visitors this summer. The trail, organised by Sobell House Hospice with Wild in Art, featured a herd of 31 life-sized oxen sculptures and dozens of mini oxen displayed across the county.
The hospice selected the Trust’s design, titled ‘The Power of Hands’, from among 300 artist submissions. It stood out from the selected professional artist designs as the only collective creation, inspired by residents and carers in OSJCT’s Oxfordshire care homes who decorated the sculpture with their handprints. Each handprint tells a personal story, transforming the sculpture into a celebration of life, experience and comforting touch. The hands symbolise diversity, spirituality,
Tim Robinson, Eva Cares Founder and Technology Lead, partnered with Anna Lewkowicz, Home Manager at Skirbeck Court, and Kirsty Youngs, Nottingham Community Housing Association, as part of the National Care Forum’s Care Innovation Challenge 2024. Eva Cares is one of five ideas from an initial cohort of 12, which received £500 and mentoring from the care sector. The Challenge involved presenting at The Care Show in Birmingham where the winning idea was awarded £1,000 and further mentoring.
Tim was inspired by his elderly father, David, who moved into a care home in spring 2024. David is blind and diabetic and had struggled to use common technology such as Alexa, so Tim had the idea to develop a
friendship, unity. They tell individual stories, but also celebrate the power of hands to connect people.
Residents and team members from all over the county visited a pop-up studio at Longlands, an OSJCT home in Oxford, to decorate the sculpture. The painting and trips to see the trail gave residents something meaningful and fun to do. It helped them feel happy, proud and good about themselves. Franka Toglia, who lives at Longlands, was among the first residents to make her mark. “The ox is amazing,” she said. “I had so much fun with my friends, putting our handprints on it.”
Participation in OxTrail also encouraged socialisation and interaction between sister homes in the county, with residents and colleagues arranging more visits to share meals together. OSJCT also forged new partnerships with key local businesses such as MINI UK and other artists involved in OxTrail.
After the trail ended, the sculptures went under the hammer at a live auction led by TV celebrity auctioneer Thomas Forrester. Proceeds from the auction went to support Sobell House Hospice, ensuring the spirit of OSJCT homes will have a lasting impact on the wider local community.
Specialist practice IP Asset Partnership, one of OxTrail’s sponsors, bid on the Trust’s ox and then kindly donated the sculpture back to OSJCT. It now stands proudly in the garden at Longlands, for the daily enjoyment of all those who
phone call solution, which uses AI, as an easy and familiar technology which his father could use regularly alongside care provision. Eva Cares monitors trends of mood, self-care and health indicators and creates a report for family members or health professionals.
Anna and Kirsty were matched with Tim to bring their considerable experience in health and social care. They have been able to give Tim practical and technical advice to ensure that the product can be tailored to the needs of the care sector and helped Tim with testing the product’s features and reporting.
Anna said: “Eva Cares is very exciting. A call with ‘Eva’ felt very natural to me and provided good advice on ways to keep healthy and active.
“The tool has great potential to
complement professional and family care for older people. The dedication and care provided by teams in OSJCT is unparalleled, but we are very open and supportive of innovations such as Tim’s, which can be used in many scenarios to boost what is available.”
Tim said: “Eva Cares offers an easy way for older people to share their thoughts and daily experience. The technology feels very natural to anyone having a conversation with ‘Eva’ or another persona, but its main potential lies in the way it can monitor and report on the self-disclosing information about health and self-care trends. Reports can be shared with health professional or family members, and urgent issues identified, which can then be investigated.”
For more information about Eva Cares visit www.evacares.co.uk.
OSJCT expands its horizons
OSJCT is a not-for-profit charitable trust. The merger with The Fremantle Trust, acquisition of Elmfield Care and continual investment in new developments and refurbishments, ensures the organisation stays adaptable and responsive to the needs of those it serves. It also strengthens OSJCT’s ability to deliver high-quality, effective loving care through shared expertise and innovation.
Royal opening of new care home Wellford Gardens
In June, His Royal Highness, The Duke of Gloucester, officially opened OSJCT’s new care home Wellford Gardens in Wheatley, Oxfordshire. Wellford Gardens offers the unparalleled personalised care associated with OSJCT, in luxury surroundings.
The Duke toured the new care home and was introduced to residents and employees. During the visit, The Duke also unveiled a plaque marking the opening of the new care home.
Dorte Chandler, General Manager at Wellford Gardens said: “We were delighted to host a special visit by The Duke of Gloucester to mark the official opening of Wellford Gardens. It was a great opportunity to showcase the latest innovations in care and The Duke showed a keen interest in the important role care homes play for older people wishing to live life to the full, and the vital contribution we make to local communities.”
William ‘Bill’ Clenell is among the first residents to move into Wellford Gardens. On meeting The Duke, Bill said: “This was the first time I met a member of the Royal Family. I was a bit tongue-tied. The Duke asked me if I was the first person in this room and although I wasn’t the first person to move in, I am the first person in this room and so I can claim to be an original resident.”
The Duke said: “This home has been designed carefully with all the lessons learned from previous homes. I hope all who come here will feel it’s the perfect care home and that all their needs are attended to. I hope all will be extremely happy here.”
In addition to the dedicated loving care for all residents, the home boasts innovative technology such as state-of-the art acoustic monitoring and fresh air ventilation, all-inclusive features and luxury services to support residents with living their lives to the fullest, and dementia-friendly landscaped gardens that inspired the home’s name.
Chair of OSJCT Trustees Mark Everall and The Duke of Gloucester unveil a commemorative plaque
The Duke meets resident Bill Clenell
The Duke meets team members at Wellford Gardens
Forward together: a journey of collaboration
As OSJCT and The Fremantle Trust (TFT) move towards becoming one organisation following the merger in February 2024, it has become even more clear how aligned both organisations are in their values and approaches to care.
Jacqui Roynon, Director of People and Voice at OSJCT has stepped into the role of CEO at TFT. She explains, “Our shared commitment to providing quality care creates an exciting opportunity for collaboration, growth and improvement. A key factor in OSJCT’s search for the right merger partner was shared values, and the process of transitioning to one organisation has reinforced just how well we are aligned on these. We are finding that joining forces is both rewarding and enjoyable in equal measure.”
Collaboration between OSJCT and TFT has already begun to deliver meaningful improvements across key organisational areas such as recruitment, shift management, payroll, and health and safety. Although TFT is comparable in scale to just one of OSJCT’s regional divisions, by working together, both organisations have had the chance to exchange valuable insights,
benefiting from each other’s expertise. This cross-organisational learning has been mutually beneficial, and both teams have already grown stronger as a result.
Jacqui continues: “The next phase of this journey is exciting, as the intention is for TFT to fully transfer into OSJCT within the next 6 to 12 months. We are confident that this merger will continue to deliver the positive outcomes we’ve already experienced. We are grateful for the warm welcome and support from all involved, and we look forward to building on this foundation of collaboration.”
Elmfield Care, which OSJCT acquired in spring 2024, also adds a new dimension to OSJCT’s offerings, allowing the Trust to tap into their unique experience in privately funded care.
“Together with the Fremantle Trust and Elmfield Care,” Jacqui concludes, “we are creating a stronger, more innovative organisation, equipped to provide exceptional care for all those we serve.”
Major home refurbishment gets underway in Wing
OSJCT and Housing Solutions, a community-focused housing association, have started the major refurbishment of a care home formerly managed by The Fremantle Trust in Wing, Buckinghamshire.
Upon completion of the works, the revitalised care home will be known as Wing View Care Centre. The decision to rename the home was inspired by the local setting. The refurbishment will involve a comprehensive overhaul of the interior of the main building, providing a modern, comfortable, and supportive environment for residents. Key features of the refurbishment will include state-
of-the-art fixtures and equipment; contemporary furnishings and décor; and upgraded wi-fi connectivity. Communal areas will also be reconfigured to create vibrant social spaces for residents and their loved ones.
Dan Hayes, Chief Executive of OSJCT said: “It is really important for people to have the opportunity to remain within their local communities as they age. OSJCT has a long and successful history of providing quality care, and our homes are a safe and welcoming place where people are well looked after and can continue to lead meaningful lives.
“We are delighted to be working in
partnership with Housing Solutions and Buckinghamshire Council to start the refurbishment of this previously closed care home in Wing, and to reveal the home’s new name: Wing View Care Centre. The complete transformation of this building underscores our joint commitment to providing highquality loving care, and to creating a safe and supportive environment for people.
“We’re looking forward to inviting members of the community to have a look around once the refurbishment is complete.”
Wing View Care Centre is expected to welcome the first residents in late spring 2025.
L-R Charn Loi, Jacqui Roynon, Bogumil Cwiklak, Sarah Coates, Caroline Dunagan, Karen Southern, Chris Honey
Celebrating excellence in care
OSJCT’s employees and volunteers play a vital role in supporting residents to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Thanks to their skill, passion and dedication, the Trust is able to fulfill its mission of providing exceptional care. To honour and celebrate their valuable contribution, outstanding service and remarkable achievements, the Trust has a programme of prestigious awards.
The Trust Recognition Awards
celebrate the exceptional achievements and dedicated efforts of employees and volunteers. This year there were 30 winners across six award categories: Exceptional
Dedication to Caring, Outstanding Community Engagement, The Empowerment Award, Unsung Hero of the Year, Inspirational Leader and Making a Difference Volunteering Award.
Candidates are nominated by colleagues, volunteers, residents
and their families and friends.
Finalists attend special ceremonies, where senior leaders and trustees present winners with certificates and trophies for these and other awards. Notable qualifications are also formally recognised during these ceremonies.
The Chairman’s Commendation for Meritorious Service
recognises employees and volunteers who have gone above and beyond to serve those living at OSJCT and have made a significant difference to enhancing residents’ lives.
“Our awards programme is all about celebrating our people – their hard work, dedication and the incredible difference they make every day. We are truly grateful for all our colleagues’ and volunteers’ efforts and the awards are our way of saying thank you for the passion and commitment they bring.”
Lou Berg, Deputy People Director
Featured here are some of this year’s highly commended colleagues with trustees.
The Ferrers Innovation Award
encourages employees to share ideas, thoughts and innovations that improve the quality of life or the environment for all those living and working in the Trust. The award is sponsored by The Earl Ferrers, patron of OSJCT. The winner for 2024 is still to be announced.
The John Monckton Memorial Prize
is awarded in memory of a late trustee. John was an extraordinary man of the utmost integrity and kindness, who devoted much of his time to charitable works. He advocated on residents’ behalf for the very best care and quality of life.
The objective of this award is to stimulate improvements in care. This year’s theme – ‘creative ideas to bring residents and families together through food and nutrition’reflects the importance of good food and nutrition at any age.
The Nigel Stourton Award
recognises an individual or team in the North Division who has excelled in the year and made an outstanding contribution to resident care.
Nigel Stourton was the first chairman of the OSJCT Board of Trustees. Under his governance, the Trust acquired care homes that now comprise the division, and he presented this award for many years. He was appointed CBE in 2008 for his tireless charitable work in helping care for others.
Skirbeck Court received the Nigel Stourton Award 2024
The Meadows was awarded the John Monckton Memorial Prize 2024
Medals of Merit
are presented by the British Association of the Sovereign Order of Malta (BASMOM) at a special investiture and mass at The Brompton Oratory in London to employees and volunteers in recognition of their exemplary service to social care. This prestigious accolade highlights the dedication and exceptional support medallists provide to the Trust and its residents. Twenty-four employees and volunteers were honoured with medals this year.
The Order of Malta is one of OSJCT’s sponsoring orders and has been dedicated to caring for those in need since the Middle Ages. The Order of Malta today is a global institution offering professional medical, social and humanitarian aid.
Long Service Awards
recognise experienced employees and volunteers who have completed 25, 30 and 35 years’ continuous service. Long service employees and volunteers have so much insight into the Trust and its values and are appreciated and acknowledged for their loyalty.
Medallists at this year’s BASMOM investiture
Here are some long-serving colleagues with senior leaders from the Trust and trustees.
Bloom TRUST IN Vitality 2024
Creativity, dedication and community support were bountiful in OSJCT gardens this year, as homes competed to enhance and showcase their outdoor and indoor garden spaces for Trust in Bloom 2024. Residents, volunteers, teams and supporters cultivated beautiful outdoor spaces and appreciated the abundance of ‘vitality’ on their doorsteps, in this year’s theme.
Inviting gardens foster family interactions
Edwardstow Court,
Edwardstow Court’s remarkable use of its gardens has strengthened bonds between residents and their loved ones. Planning for the garden started earlier in the year and involved resident participation and bird-friendly activities. Kath, a volunteer, and Maz, Activities Co-ordinator, led the project, encouraging involvement from families and community organisations. Volunteers and family members including Jill, Rodney, and Ivor, contributed time and donations,
while Network Rail and Tesco supported with volunteer days and donations.
The garden is a welcoming space and helps to foster connections. The home is also developing a wildlife challenge in its Woodland Walk to engage both residents and visitors.
“We are absolutely overjoyed with this win. Our garden project brought together residents, staff, volunteers, and the local community in a wonderful collaboration that has truly enriched our home environment.”
Matthew Peach, General Manager
“Our gardens reflect the brilliance of our home. Residents can enjoy this safe, lovely space where they can freely interact with their families. Even those who stay inside can enjoy the flowers and gardening in our mobile miniature garden in a wheelbarrow.”
Maz Woods, Activities and Wellbeing Co-ordinator
In addition to the winners showcased here, thirty homes received certificates as category winners, runners-up, or for Highly Commended and Most Improved gardens. Each winning home received gardening vouchers generously donated by competition sponsors Ground Care Group, Spa Gas and UK Landscapes.
Stow-on-the-Wold Trust in Bloom 2024 overall winner and best overall gardens 2024, Private Collection Division
Resident Yvonne Goodman with the home’s miniature garden
Colleagues, volunteers and family members celebrating their win
Hartsholme House, Lincoln
Best overall gardens 2024, North Division
A garden of community spirit
Hartsholme House’s garden thrives thanks to its dedicated gardening club of carers, volunteers, and local supporters. Residents actively contribute, creating their own window boxes filled with their favourite flowers. The garden promotes sustainability and attracts
Henry Cornish Care Centre, Chipping Norton
Best overall gardens 2024, Central Division
A colourful retreat
Monkscroft Care Centre, Cheltenham
Best overall gardens 2024, South Division
Gardening for happiness
wildlife like deer and birds from the neighbouring country park.
Donations from families and businesses have enhanced the space, creating a beautiful, peaceful environment that supports residents’ wellbeing.
At Henry Cornish Care Centre, the well-maintained gardens are filled with colourful plants and productive vegetable planters, which supply the kitchen. Ann, Jo, and volunteers Dave and Ted have developed new areas, including a tranquil rockery and side garden.
Monkscroft’s garden embodies the home’s mission to foster happiness. Climbing flowers at its entrance and wildlife gardens all contribute to a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
The involvement of residents is evident throughout, with the garden designed to offer interesting features for them to discover. Children from a nearby nursery also visit, building connections between generations.
Residents like Val, a keen gardener, have enjoyed using their gardening talents and experience to nurture green spaces at Monkscroft.
Residents Val Eden and June Pring
Members of the home’s gardening club
Stories
Highlights and events from our homes and extra care housing schemes
Community unites to support Salisbury care homes
Two OSJCT care homes in Salisbury, Bemerton Lodge and Willowcroft, have raised funds for Magic Tables, thanks to supporters and the local community. The digital touchscreen device allows users to play interactive games, both individually and as part of a group. This innovative product encourages social and physical stimulation with specific benefits for those living with dementia. Bemerton Lodge raised £5,000 during their fundraising campaign which included a car wash, bake sales, a summer fête and raffle, and a 500-mile cycle challenge on a static bike in the care home’s entrance hall.
Rebecca Flood, Home Manager at Bemerton Lodge, said: “Everyone pulled together to raise the money. Local businesses have been very
generous with prizes and residents invited their friends, family members and the community to our events. Local nurses, GPs and other supporters have joined in. It’s been wonderful to see the happiness and enthusiasm shared by all taking part in these events.”
Willowcroft has raised £1,500 so far from a 20-mile sponsored walk around the Wiltshire hills and a community bake sale and are planning a pre-loved sale and Christmas raffle.
Carol Wootton, Home Manager at Willowcroft, said: “We’ve had wonderful support from the local community and friends of the care home, even a donation from a resident’s relative who lives in Australia. The sponsored walk by team members was challenging, given that it was on one of the hottest days of the year. Our residents were cheering us on. We have also enjoyed the opportunity to open our doors to the local community and hold fundraising events.”
Multi-generational family celebrate a lifetime of love
Fundraising helps build relationships with local supporters and reinforces the visibility and appreciation of care homes in their communities. Proceeds from fundraising events are paid into a resident amenities fund. Residents enjoy excellent facilities and entertainment in OSJCT care homes, however resident amenities funds exist to provide additional recreational opportunities and enriching experiences, like Magic Tables.
Three generations gathered at Isis House in Oxford to celebrate love and family bonds in a special double blessing ceremony.
Isis House resident Josie Griffiths, aged 93, and husband Eddie Griffiths, aged 89, renewed their wedding vows at the care home after 63 years of marriage. This milestone celebration was extra special as it also included a blessing for the marriage of granddaughter Gracey and her husband James.
A magic table at OSJCT
Willowcroft team set off on their 20-mile fundraising walk
Double blessing at Isis House
Skirbeck Court wins Most Attractive Neighbourhood award
Old Station House hosts rooftop cocktail party
Over 60 guests attended a cocktail party to celebrate the opening of the refurbished roof terrace and conservatory at Old Station House in Abingdon. The Mayor of Abingdon, Councillor Gabby Barody, and Judy Feltham, a resident at the care home, cut the ribbons to the revamped facilities.
Teresa, Josie’s daughter and Gracey’s mother, said: “It was a really wonderful family day, the enthusiasm of the staff in Isis House was incredible. They were behind us from day one and it made it a wonderful family day. The staff at Isis House are like family to us.”
Around 40 guests attended the celebration, including Bob Shankly, HR Director at BMW Group in Oxford, where Josie and Eddie first met in the 1950s. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed
Skirbeck Court was chosen as the Most Attractive Neighbourhood in Boston, Lincolnshire in the council’s Love your Neighbourhood campaign.
The Mayor of Boston, Councillor Helen Staples and Councillor Callum Butler presented the award to residents and team members during a visit to Skirbeck Court. They congratulated the home for their commitment to creating a beautiful environment and promoting positive connections with their local community.
Skirbeck’s central garden features a pond, shaded area, pergola, seating, and many flourishing plant pots. There are also several ornaments added by residents and visitors, and
Team members transformed the care home into a rooftop cocktail bar, serving summery refreshments to residents and their family members and guests during the early evening event. They were joined by friends and volunteers of the care home as they enjoyed the views of Abingdon’s beautiful skyline.
Louise Allen, Head of Care at Old Station House, said: “We were thrilled to have so many people join us at this rooftop cocktail party to celebrate the renovation of this wonderful space. It has always been a favourite spot for our residents,
a reception and savoury buffet specially prepared by the home’s chef, complete with a wedding cake to mark the occasion.
Josie, originally from Ireland, moved to the UK in the mid-1950s. In 1959, she met Eddie while working at the car factory; Eddie cut out the leather for the car seats, and she stitched them together. They married two years later in Oxford. Together, they raised three children and now have seven granddaughters.
seating areas making it a relaxing and sociable space.
Sasha Thornalley, Head of Care at Skirbeck, said: “Residents really enjoyed making our garden into a pretty area for themselves and their visitors to sit in and enjoy the sunshine. It’s been rewarding seeing residents’ enthusiasm and pride in the garden. Staff and visitors have also been busy making this an attractive area, it has been a real team effort.”
Resident Sylvia Smalley added: “I really enjoyed helping with the garden and making bunting for display. It kept me busy and now we have a lovely area to enjoy with our visitors. It’s been so nice seeing everyone work together.”
especially in warm weather. As a team we are incredibly proud of the vibrant, joyful community we’ve built here, and we want to quite literally shout it from the rooftops!”
Follow our Facebook pages to keep in touch with stories in our homes and schemes.
L-R Cllr Callum Butler, Mayor of Boston, Cllr Helen Staples, Judith Arbon, Sasha Thornalley and resident Sylvia (seated)
Mayor of Abingdon, Cllr Gabby Barody, and resident Judy Feltham open the roof terrace.
IN THE PRESS
Every week residents, tenants, employees and volunteers in our homes and extra care housing schemes achieve and celebrate happy milestones. Here are just a handful of those stories which make the headlines. Read more stories at osjct.co.uk/news
Festival at The Meadows celebrates traditions from 30 countries
The Meadows in Didcot held a summer food festival to celebrate over 30 countries and cultures represented at the care home. The Mayor of Didcot, Councillor Andrew Jones, attended to congratulate the diverse team which run the home, and to meet with residents and guests.
The cultural celebration started with late morning refreshments and a variety of cakes and sweet treats from Wales, Romania, Poland, and other countries. During the afternoon the party moved into the garden for a food festival with many culinary delights to taste including matumbu from Zimbabwe and Nigeria, chicken korma and chilli chicken from India, kaeng hong le from Thailand, goat stew from the Philippines, chakalaka from South Africa and cucumber sandwiches and pork pies from England.
Employees and residents at the care home come from over 30 countries and cultures, including Swapna Nandanan, Head of Care, from Kerala in India, and Tobias Matonhodze,
Home Manager, who came from Zimbabwe to the UK in 2004. Other countries where team members lived before moving to the UK, include Poland, Nigeria, Thailand, and the Philippines. Residents reminisced about their travel or growing up overseas in countries including Jamaica, Ghana, and America.
Tobias said: “Wow, what a day. Everyone went above and beyond to put on a fantastic cultural feast and activity day!”
The Mayor of Didcot said: “The Meadows is a wonderful care home. The team, which reflects Didcot’s multicultural community, enthusiastically shared their cultures with residents in a way that creates the feeling of one big happy extended family.”
The Meadows was awarded the 2024 John Monckton Memorial Prize for bringing residents and families together through food and nutrition at this event.
L-R Mayor of Didcot, Cllr Andrew Jones, Sheila Phillips, resident, Tobias Matonhodze, Home Manager, Swapna Nandanan, Head of Care
100-year-old Doris’s walking challenge raises £1,300
for Marden Court
Doris Maslen celebrated her centenary by walking 100 lengths of the car park at Marden Court in Calne to raise funds for the care home’s amenities fund. She raised £1,300 for the fund, which is managed by residents.
Residents experience the magic of Glastonbury at Goodson Lodge
Goodson Lodge in Trowbridge brought the legendary spirit of Glastonbury to residents with its own vibrant summer music festival. Across three days, residents and visitors enjoyed a star-studded lineup of local talent, ranging from the rave sounds of Sweet Silent Disco to the charismatic drag queen Miss Luscious Lips Lucy.
Alex Damon, Events Manager at Goodson Lodge, shared his vision: “I wanted to create a fun and memorable experience for the residents, many of whom have fond memories of musical concerts and festivals in their youth.”
Resident Maisie Frampton, aged 92, couldn’t agree more: “It’s been very good and the work that’s gone into it is fantastic.”
Doris started her challenge in May, walking up to two lengths a day, and gained a great deal of admiration from the local community, including messages of encouragement from the local Calne Police. She was interviewed on television by BBC Points West and on BBC Radio Wiltshire.
Doris said: “I wanted to do a sponsored walk because everyone at Marden Court is so kind, and I felt like I needed to give something back. I have never been a sporty person, but I cycled everywhere in my younger years because that was the way from one place to another. If people did not have a bike, they walked.”
Debbie Scammell, Home Manager, said: “We are all in awe of Doris wishing to do this challenge. She is an outgoing lady who enjoys her
The festival atmosphere was in full swing, complete with delicious food options and fun hands-on activities such as circus skills workshops by Clare’s Circus and farm animals from Chloe’s Mobile Farm.
life, despite not being able to see well. Doris finds happiness using her Amazon Alexa and spending time with everyone in the home!”
‘Goodson does Glastonbury’ was a community effort, with carers, family members, friends, volunteers, and local businesses and charities all coming together to make the festival a success.
Doris (left), with Carer Sian, completing a lap in Marden Court’s car park
Residents enjoying the music festival
Making a difference
Our carers, support teams and volunteers love getting to know our residents, and doing all they can to make their lives a bit easier, happier and healthier.
Raihan Islam, a volunteer at OSJCT, recently won the ‘Oxford Brookes Student Volunteer of the Year’ award at the Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action (OCVA) Awards.
Raihan, who recently graduated in Biomedical Science at Oxford Brookes University, began volunteering at Townsend House in Oxford whilst still a student, running a mobile shop for residents. He quickly became an integral part of the team and a favourite among both employees and residents.
Reflecting on the award, Raihan shares, “It means a lot to me because it acknowledges the positive impact I’ve been able to make on the lives of the residents. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my efforts are appreciated and that I’ve been able to bring joy and convenience to those at the care home.”
Ethan,
Volunteer
Ethan, a volunteer at Goodson Lodge in Trowbridge, took on a 100-mile bike ride to raise funds for the residents’ amenities fund. Cycling has been a lifelong passion for Ethan, and this event holds special significance as it marks two years since he first started volunteering.
“I love mountain biking, and this fundraiser feels like the perfect way to give back. Goodson Lodge has taught me so much about the sector, and I’m proud to support them in return. Plus, completing a 100-mile ride in 10 hours will be a personal milestone for me.”
Marcus, a befriender at Larkrise Care Centre in Banbury, ran the Oxford Half Marathon in October. He was inspired to raise money for the Huntington’s Disease Association by his friendship with Brian, a resident at Larkrise.
“Brian and I bonded over football, despite our rivalry - he’s an Everton fan, and I’m Liverpool through and through! But we set that aside to chat about everything from football to horse racing. I learned more about Huntington’s disease after speaking with Brian’s family who explained how underrecognised it is, despite the challenges it brings.”
Raihan adds:
“If you’re thinking about volunteering, I would say go for it! Volunteering with OSJCT is an incredibly rewarding experience. It offers the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of the residents, build meaningful relationships, and gain valuable skills. The sense of community and the joy you bring to others are unmatched, and you’ll find that you receive just as much, if not more, than you give.”
Marcus, Volunteer
Raihan with OSJCT Volunteer Manager Debs Clementson
Where we are
C hestnut Court
Edwardstow Court Care Centre
Grace Care Centre
Grevill House / Ashley Intermediate
Henlow Court
Jubilee Lodge
Millbrook Lodge
Monkscroft Care Centre
Paternoster House
Rodley House
The Coombs
The Lakes Care Centre
Windsor Street
Apple Trees
Beckside
Boultham Park House
Digby Court
Eresby Hall
Ermine House
Foxby Court
Gregory House
Hartsholme House
Patchett Lodge
Skirbeck Court
Southfield House
The Poplars Whitefriars
Cherry Garth
Chesham Leys
Farnham Common House
Fremantle Court
Gold Hill East
Icknield Court
Lent Rise House
Lewin House
Sir Aubrey Ward House
The Heights
Chilterns Court Care Centre
Henry Cornish Care Centre
Isis Court (ECH)
Isis House Care & Retirement Centre
Lake House
Langford View
Larkrise Care Centre
Longlands
Madley Park House
Marston Court
Mayott House (ECH)
Meadowcroft
Moorside Place (ECH)
Old Station House
Orchard Meadows (ECH)
Shotover View (ECH)
Spencer Court
Stirlings
The Meadows
Townsend House
Wellford Gardens
Westgate House
What families say about us
We aim to provide the highest standard of loving care for all of our residents and tenants. Don’t just take our word for it, here are some recent reviews about The Orders of St John Care Trust taken from the independent consumer website carehome.co.uk.
9.6 review score
“Since my mother has been admitted to Foxby Court the pressure on the family has been eased considerably and we are satisfied her needs have been met. We are grateful as a family that the care she has received has been outstanding and this has been a weight lifted off our shoulders.”
Gaynor, resident’s daughter, Foxby Court
9.5 review score
“My husband has been staying at Edwardstow for 4 weeks on the dementia floor. I feel that he is receiving excellent compassionate and consistent care. The staff are cheerful pleasant and polite. They know the patients and often greet visitors by name. Visitors are always made welcome.”
TF, resident’s wife, Edwardstow Court
Reviews are verbatim and scores are correct at time of print.
9.8 review score
“My sister has been living here for 2 years. She settled in very quickly and made to feel very comfortable. She is so happy and loves all the activities. The carers are always on hand, very caring and respectful. When we visit we are always made to feel welcome. Would recommend to anyone.”
Jennifer, resident’s sister, Larkrise Care Centre
9.7 review score
“The nicest most friendly care home I’ve visited. All the staff are extremely efficient and kind. Nothing is for show as I visit at different times and on different days. Residents are very well cared for and where possible, every effort is made to keep them stimulated and happy.”
RF, resident’s brother-in-law, Windsor Street Care Centre
9.5 review score
“The staff are knowledgeable, caring and attentive. The meals suit individual needs and wishes. Visitors are encouraged and made very welcome. I could not be more delighted knowing that my wife is so well looked after now.”
HJ, resident’s husband, Coombe End Court
9.8 review score
“My mother was very ill, she was able to rest and recover and the care she received from all the staff was amazing. After 20+ days she was well enough to be discharged and enjoyed her 90th birthday at home with family.”
Sandra, resident’s daughter, Apple Trees Care and Reablement Centre
If you or your loved one lives in one of our homes or schemes and you would like to share your experience, submit a review at: www.carehome.co.uk