Keen gardeners in our care homes and extra care housing schemes are preparing for the
Judging will take place in late summer, but gardening is a year-round joy!
This year, we are gardening for the senses, so look out for new sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and textures.
Can you help?
If you are able to donate plants, seeds, tools, accessories or compost we would be very grateful. Or consider helping as a volunteer.
Gardening as a community
having fun. Families, friends, volunteers, and and we encourage everyone to relax in our
To get involved, speak to your home or scheme manager. connection, teamwork, sharing knowledge, and
A message from Dan, our Chief Executive
Welcome to this edition of Trust in Care magazine, which shines a light on the heart of our organisation – our people and their stories. Our residents, employees and community partners continue to make a real difference, and it’s great to share some of their inspiring stories with you.
From a new film which showcases the rich history of The Orders of St John Care Trust and our sponsoring Orders, to our Admiral Nurses’ crucial role in dementia care, this issue highlights the compassion and loving care that defines us. We also celebrate the contributions of
our wonderful volunteers and share some of the exciting events that have been happening across our services.
Our dedication to excellence is reflected in innovative initiatives like GP Connect and the fantastic CQC inspection result at Hartsholme House in Lincoln, which retained its Outstanding rating. Achievements like these are a testament to the hard work and commitment of employees across the organisation towards enhancing the way we deliver care.
We continue to strengthen our presence within the sector,
and you can find out about our Buckinghamshire services on pages 6 and 7, including Wing View Care Centre which is set to open later this year, adding another highquality home to our portfolio.
I encourage you to explore this edition and join us in celebrating our incredible residents and employees. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Dan Hayes OBE Chief Executive
What’s happening across The Orders of St John Care Trust
Good and Outstanding CQC ratings
In 2024, four OSJCT care homes received a ‘Good’ rating and Hartsholme House was reawarded its ‘Outstanding’ rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), an independent inspection body. Unannounced inspections assess care home operations under the headings of Caring, Safe, Effective, Responsive and Well-led. Hartsholme House in Lincoln was inspected in October. This is the second time the care home has achieved this impressive rating, following its award in 2018.
Cheryl Gilderdale, Home Manager, shared her excitement: “It is fantastic that we’ve achieved the CQC Outstanding rating again. It reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team. We’re always striving to improve and make things better for our residents and staff.”
Hamish Falconer, MP for Lincoln, congratulated the team at Hartsholme House, saying: “A huge well done to the hardworking staff who made this possible. Hartsholme House is a real asset for the city, and it shows they really care for the residents.”
CQC inspectors praised Hartsholme House’s commitment to personalised care, independence, and innovation. This has been supported by the implementation of electronic care records (eCare) in the past year, which has streamlined care planning and enabled the team to provide even more efficient and tailored support.
Chilterns Court Care Centre in Henley-on-Thames was awarded
a ‘Good’ rating. Joanna Dowejko, Home Manager, said: “It is a privilege to care for our residents, many of whom live with advanced dementia. We are a close and dedicated team, and we take pride in making Chilterns Court a very special place to be.”
“They have involved the specialist dementia nurses in developing support strategies.”
Avon Court CQC inspection report
Avon Court, part of Avonbourne Care Centre in Old Sarum, also received a ‘Good’ rating. During the CQC inspection, inspectors heard from relatives who shared among other feedback that: “The staff are brilliant. The love and respect they show us is fantastic.”
At The Meadows in Didcot, which was rated ‘Good’, inspectors reported that “Relatives felt the care people received was good and staff were kind and caring. The new manager was approachable and visible in the home.”
Townsend House in Oxford, also rated ‘Good’, received a report stating that those living at the care home “were positive about the staff’s caring nature and told us they were supported to be independent and were treated as individuals.”
All our care homes undergo internal auditing for health and safety and care quality every year as part of continuous improvement efforts and to ensure they are always ready for a CQC inspection. These rigorous assessments truly put home teams and their processes to the test.
The Hartsholme House team celebrate their second Outstanding CQC rating.
Cheryl Gilderdale, Home Manager, Conny McGowan, Head of Care, Hamish Falconer MP for Lincoln, Mike Stredder, Group Operations Director.
Hayward Care Centre celebrates 10-year anniversary
Hayward Care Centre in Devizes celebrated its 10th anniversary, commemorating a decade of loving care and community service.
Residents and colleagues hosted a special celebration, which included a cake and live entertainment. The event was an opportunity to honour the home’s legacy and thank the colleagues, residents and families
who have made the centre what it is today.
Resident Malcolm Bryant had the honour of cutting the celebratory cake with Home Manager Alison Stenning. He said: “I love it here. I’ve lived here for five years and I’ve loved every minute of it. I am so well looked after.”
The late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, officially opened the home on 7 May 2015. His visit was a nod to his deep ties to Wiltshire, a county where he lived briefly during his naval service and proposed to Her Majesty The Queen. His connection to the region - and the armed forces - made his presence at the inauguration especially meaningful.
The home is named in honour of Reginald Hayward, a war hero who served in the 1st Battalion Wiltshire Regiment during World Wars I and II.
GP Connect pilot
OSJCT is running a trial of GP Connect in several Oxfordshire care homes. If successful, the use of GP Connect will be adopted by more OSJCT care homes later in the year.
What is GP Connect?
GP Connect is a secure system that allows our care teams to view important health information from a resident’s GP record. This helps us to work more closely with healthcare professionals. This information will help care teams to make informed decisions, ensuring that each resident receives the most up-to-date and accurate care.
Benefits of using GP Connect
• Less paperwork: care teams can spend more time providing care, rather than handling paperwork.
• Faster decisions: care teams can make better decisions more quickly with easy access to key medical information.
• Better communication: improved communication between our care teams, GPs and other healthcare professionals ensures a faster response to care needs.
• Improved care journey: the care provided to our residents will be more efficient, with reduced delays and improved quality of care.
For more information about GP Connect search the NHS website.
Resident Malcom and Home Manager Alison cut the cake
HRH the Duke of Edinburgh at the official opening in 2015
Forward Together
The OSJCT group brings together a wealth of experience, knowledge and best practice. This collaboration allows us to enhance our services, share innovative approaches, and build on our shared commitment to deliver exceptional care.
Following the merger with The Fremantle Trust and the acquisition of Elmfield Care in 2024, the OSJCT group now offers care for more than 4,000 people by over 6,000 colleagues. We have 75 registered care homes and eight extra care housing schemes, as well as five residential and four supported living services for people with learning disabilities. Our services reach communities across Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire, Lincolnshire, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, West Sussex and Wiltshire.
Here we provide a glimpse of our care homes in Buckinghamshire which have become part of the group since the merger with The Fremantle Trust.
Mulberry Court, Gerrards Cross
Sir Aubrey Ward House, Marlow
Farnham Common House, Farnham Common
The Heights, High Wycombe
Lent Rise House, Burnham
Cherry Garth, Holmer Green
Lewin House, Aylesbury
Chesham Leys, Chesham
OPENING SOON
The refurbishment of Wing View Care Centre in Buckinghamshire is progressing, with the care home expected to welcome the first residents in summer 2025. OSJCT is working closely with Buckinghamshire Council and landlord Housing Solutions on preparations for the official opening. For enquiries, please call the Customer Services team on 0800 988 8133.
A real Home: the origin of The Orders of St John Care Trust
Residents, team members and senior leaders star in a new film about the Trust’s remarkable origins.
The Orders of St John Care Trust is a modern charity with a long and successful history of caring for people of all faiths and backgrounds. Founded in 1995 on the Christian values of love, compassion, respect and inclusivity, OSJCT continues the charitable legacy of its sponsoring orders, the Order of Malta and the Order of St John. Their care for others has been a mission since the Middle Ages.
The Order of Malta and the Order of St John share a deeply intertwined history, tracing their roots to the medieval Knights Hospitaller, a Catholic order founded in the 11th century to provide care for sick and poor pilgrims of any faith and origin.
Today, the Order of Malta is a global institution offering professional medical, social and humanitarian aid. Each year, the Order of Malta in
Britain (BASMOM) presents Medals of Merit to OSJCT colleagues and volunteers in recognition of their outstanding service to care. This prestigious accolade is presented at a special investiture and mass at The Brompton Oratory in London, celebrating the dedication and exceptional support medallists
provide to the Trust and its residents.
The Order of St John has evolved into St John Ambulance, a major international provider of emergency medical aid.
Residents and team members from Monkscroft Care Centre in Cheltenham eagerly participated in telling OSJCT’s unique history. They collaborated closely with Susannah Penn, PR and Communications Manager at OSJCT and Philippa Leslie, Communications Director at BASMOM, along with a professional film production crew. Their experiences of living and working at OSJCT were captured in the film, highlighting the Trust’s lasting impact.
Activities Co-ordinator Rachel Mechan, who features in the film, says: “OSJCT has a positive influence on people’s lives, and our
amazing residents and colleagues are best placed to share their own experiences. In the film, we all speak from the heart, there were no scripts. Our participation in the film honours the Orders’ legacy in a symbolic and meaningful way.”
Nurse Eleanor Alexis added: “Our job is all about the residents and putting smiles on their faces. To see their smiles in this film, that was not staged. It’s reality captured in six minutes.”
Resident Philip Eden, who stars in the film with his wife Valerie, said of his experience: “It was nice to be involved.”
Judith Green, another resident who also stars in the film, shared: “I’ve
done more here in the care home, than I would have ever done on my own. Living here is so rewarding.”
Both of the sponsoring Orders
provide trustees and chaplains to the Trust. In the film, Mark Everall, Chair of Trustees, and The Very Reverend Nicholas Frayling share their perspectives on OSJCT’s mission and values, emphasizing its enduring commitment to compassionate care.
Filming also took place at The Museum of the Order of St John in London. Located in the historic St John’s Gate, the museum includes galleries, historic rooms, a church and crypt and the Cloister Garden. The film, which was made possible by a generous grant from the Order of Malta, premiered at Monkscroft, allowing residents and team members to celebrate its release together.
The Trust’s film A real Home premiered at Monkscroft Care Centre, where many of its stars gathered for the special screening.
Caring for a loved one with dementia
Dementia is a life-changing condition that touches countless families and friends across the UK. Each person’s experience of living with dementia is unique, requiring a tailored approach to care. Our experienced teams are committed to providing outstanding care and support, ensuring the wellbeing of residents as well as families and friends. From specialist teams to therapeutic approaches, OSJCT offers a comprehensive, individualised approach to dementia care.
Understanding dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term for conditions affecting memory, thinking, and communication, including
Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia impacts every individual differently, underscoring the importance of personalised care plans. OSJCT employs skilled dementia specialists, including Admiral Nurses and
Dementia Leads, to guide families, friends as well as colleagues through the complexities of dementia care with empathy and expertise.
John enjoys using a light projector
Admiral Nurses: skilled dementia specialists
OSJCT is one of only ten care providers in the UK with a dedicated team of Admiral Nurses, employing five of the seventeen specialists working in this field. These specialist nurses, who are supported by the charity Dementia UK, provide emotional support, practical advice, and in-depth assessments to meet the needs of OSJCT residents and their families as well as employees.
Admiral Nurses also develop and lead dementia-specific training programmes for care teams at OSJCT, ensuring that residents
receive the highest quality care. Angie Williams, Lead Admiral Nurse at OSJCT, explains: “Our skilled employees work closely with Admiral Nurses to stay up to date with best practices in dementia care. This collaborative approach enhances the wellbeing and quality of life for those who live and work in our homes, or who visit.”
Therapeutic approaches to care
Effective dementia care goes beyond medical support. OSJCT incorporates therapeutic approaches such as sensory activities, including gardening, music and art, as well as reminiscence sessions to enhance residents’ emotional wellbeing and mental health.
Innovative technology also creates a more engaging and comforting environment for residents. Paro, a therapeutic, social robot seal, provides emotional support and companionship. Its soft fur, responsive movements, and soothing sounds help reduce stress, anxiety, and agitation while encouraging social interaction. Similarly, light projectors like the Happiness Programme engage residents in stimulating games and activities that promote cognitive function, motor skills, and social bonding.
Admiral Nurses are qualified nurses with a professional specialism in dementia.
Their extensive clinical knowledge and experience means they can:
• offer additional expertise, care, and support such as offering advice on medication, symptoms, and therapeutic interventions
• help people to understand the disease
John Loveridge, a resident at Lake House in Banbury, shares his enthusiasm for interactive technology: “I really enjoy using the light projector. It’s relaxing and makes activities more fun. It’s a nice way to spend time with others and helps brighten up the day.”
Life Story: the heart of personalised care
A standout initiative at OSJCT is “All About Me” Life Story work - a personalised record of a resident’s history, their interests, and significant relationships. This invaluable tool underpins care as well as supporting residents to maintain their sense of identity, and fosters trust and deeper connections with caregivers and loved ones.
Life Stories take various forms, including scrapbooks, videos, or memory boxes. They can include details such as childhood memories, career milestones, favourite foods, and daily routines. By understanding the past and integrating these personal stories into care plans, our teams ensure that every resident is treated as an individual with unique preferences and needs.
STOP PRESS
Lake House residents, team members, and Admiral Nurses share insights on living well with dementia on BBC Radio Oxford.
• prevent and manage signs of fear or distress
• signpost to other services and organisations that also provide support
• support homes with creating a resident’s Life Story.
• provide communication skills and techniques to help families and friends stay connected with their loved one
Angie uses social robots to help residents with dementia
Volunteering: building meaningful
Volunteering at OSJCT is all about partnership, between us, our residents, and our local communities. It’s something we’re incredibly proud of, and we do everything we can to nurture and grow these connections.
Just like our residents, our volunteers bring a wonderful mix of skills, interests, and backgrounds into our homes. That’s why we’re always striving for a diverse volunteer network, one that reflects all the people from within our community and those that we support.
In our latest volunteer engagement survey, 31% of volunteers told us they give their time because they want to give back and help others living in their community. We couldn’t agree more! Our goal is to create rewarding and enjoyable volunteering opportunities that make a real difference both to our residents and those living in our communities.
In previous editions, we’ve shared stories about our partnerships with educational institutions, helping young people gain experience through their volunteering for university applications or Health & Social Care qualifications. This time, we’re excited to introduce a fantastic programme we became part of last year – WorkFit.
WorkFit is the Down’s Syndrome Association’s employment programme, connecting employers with job seekers who have Down’s syndrome. Through supported opportunities, individuals gain confidence, independence, and valuable experience, all while meeting new people and building their social networks.
From left: Gemma, with her work buddy Jaz
partnerships in our communities
Roy Perrett, WorkFit Liaison Officer
Harriet Thaneja, OSJCT Volunteer Manager, and Roy Perrett, WorkFit Liaison Officer for the Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group, have been working together to match their candidates with the right opportunities in our care homes. So far, candidates have been matched with opportunities in four of our homes and this is only the start of it.
Harriet shared: “It’s been amazing working with Roy and our fantastic volunteers from the Workfit Programme. They’ve already made an impact on the home teams they support, and we’ve already learned so much about how to best support volunteers with Down’s syndrome. While we’ve offered supported volunteering internships before, WorkFit has helped us develop a more informed approach to ensure the tailored placement is a success. We’re excited to expand the programme further across our South division and beyond, it’s a win for the volunteers, our teams, and most importantly, our residents.”
Roy added: “As one of the first care home organisations in our region to take part in WorkFit, we’re already seeing how much our volunteers are gaining from the experience. They’re becoming valued members of the home teams, working with housekeeping and kitchen staff, and building skills that will help them on their career paths.”
Gemma Lees-Smith, WorkFit Volunteer
One of our first WorkFit volunteers, Gemma Lees-Smith, has joined the housekeeping team at OSJCT and is thriving in her role. Gemma said: “My role at Seymour House makes me feel good. It has given me more independence. I really enjoy working with Jaz and the team and meeting the residents.”
Jaz Singh responded: “I really enjoy being Gemma’s work buddy - she’s fun, eager to learn, and is always happy to help. Honestly, I think I’m learning just as much from her as she is from me! She’s a brilliant addition to the team.”
If you’re interested in exploring the many ways individuals and groups can get involved in volunteering at OSJCT, email volunteer@osjct.co.uk
Harriet Thaneja, Volunteer Manager
Stories
Highlights and events from our homes and extra care housing schemes
Bogumil Cwiklak receives British Empire Medal
Bogumil Cwiklak, Assistant Regional Director, attended the Gloucestershire BEM Honours Awards at Highnam Court, Gloucester to receive his British Empire Medal (BEM). This prestigious Medal was given to Bogumil for his services to adult social care during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bogumil said: “To receive this recognition in Britain, as someone who moved from another country, for helping our society is really fantastic.”
Bogumil attended the awards with his wife Ewa Cwiklak, Activities Lead, and senior management colleagues Caroline Alford and Caroline Dunagan.
Caroline Alford said: “It was a great honour and privilege to be present to see Bogumil receive his British Empire Medal. Receiving this award is no small feat. It’s a testament to his outstanding abilities and hard work. Congratulations on this fantastic achievement!”
Residents hit the catwalk during London Fashion Week
Residents and their carers hit the catwalk at Townsend House in Oxford during London Fashion Week with a pre-loved clothing fashion show, proving that fashion and beauty can be both glamourous and environmentally responsible at any age, and challenging an industry that often overlooks older people and prioritises trends over sustainability.
The home partnered with Sobell House Hospice to showcase a collection of pre-loved designer clothing and accessories, carefully curated from Sobell’s boutique stores in Little Clarendon Street and Headington High Street, as well as their warehouse in Bicester.
To add to the excitement, residents got glammed up with professional
hair and makeup, ensuring they felt their absolute best before stepping onto the runway.
Raymond Bennett was among the residents strutting their stuff on the catwalk, proving that style and self-expression know no age limits. He said: “I’ve never experienced a fashion show before. It was something new for me and it’s been very exciting and fun.”
Charlotte White, Manager at Sobell House, added: “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Townsend House. This event highlights the beauty and timelessness of pre-loved fashion while supporting sustainability.”
In the coming months, Townsend House plans to host preloved clothing sales, enabling even more people to enjoy and support sustainable fashion.
Raymond takes to the catwalk during London Fashion Week
Edward Gillespie OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Bogumil Cwiklak BEM and Caroline Duckworth, Deputy Lieutenant of Gloucestershire
Mini Shetland pony Poppy brings joy to residents
Poppy, from Dinky Ponies, visited residents at The Cedars in Purton earlier this year. The miniature Shetland pony’s calm temperament makes her an ideal visitor for older people. She enjoys being petted and resting her head on people’s laps. Residents were delighted to stroke her nose and, with guidance, give Poppy a kiss.
The therapy pony was accompanied around the home by Sarah Woodland, who runs Dinky Ponies. Most residents gathered in the home’s lounge and dining room to meet Poppy. Thanks to her small size, she was even able to go in the lift to visit
Colin rekindles his passion for painting at Lent Rise House
Once an accomplished painter and decorator who brought colour and life to his client’s homes, Colin never imagined he would pick up a paintbrush again. But thanks to the support of the team at Lent Rise House in Burnham, Colin rekindled his love for creating beautiful spaces, and for gardening.
It began with a simple but powerful conversation. Colin shared his wish for
some residents in their bedrooms, ensuring everyone could join in the excitement.
Naomi Allpress, Administrator, who organised the visit, said:
“Our residents love meeting animals. We could see the delight on their faces as Sarah encouraged them to meet Poppy up close. Earlier this year, we also had a visit from some squirrel monkeys, which became a talking point for weeks.”
Resident Doreen Driscoll said: “It was lovely to meet Poppy. She was very gentle.”
The visit reminded Doreen of pets she had earlier in life, corgis called Tala and Tina.
Another resident, Robert Green, recalled previous animal visits to the home, including rabbits and guinea
a way to bring elements of the garden to his room. The care team listened and his wish became their mission.
The first step was installing a bird box and feeder outside his window. From his bed, Colin delighted in watching the birds’ comings and goings, their cheerful chirps brightening his days.
pigs. He remarked that Poppy the pony had more character than the smaller animals.
Poppy’s visit, along with an earlier visit from some squirrel monkeys, was funded by money raised for the care home’s amenities fund. The funds were collected by team members who ran the Cardiff Half Marathon in October 2024.
Sherrie Lewis, Home Manager, said: “I’m very proud of the team who ran the Cardiff Half Marathon, as well as those who sponsored and supported us. Their efforts have allowed us to organise more of these special experiences for our residents. Having taken part myself, I can confirm that a lot of training and encouragement went into the challenge, but we are a close-knit team at The Cedars, and seeing the joy on our residents’ faces made it all worthwhile.”
Colin’s creativity was stirred: he wanted to plant flowers, as well as admire them. So the team arranged for him to paint a window box. He chose a vibrant blue for the planter, a shade that matched the boldness of his personality and the memories of the spaces he once transformed. When Colin finished painting the box, it was filled with flowers chosen to bring more bursts of colour.
“I never thought I’d paint again,” said Colin. “But here I am. It feels like I’ve found a piece of myself again. I’m so pleased with how it turned out, and to think I’d be doing this again… I didn’t think it was possible.”
Colin creates a vibrant window box
From second left, Courtney King, Care Leader, Fred Laroze, former Home Manager, Ronnie Llupar, Carer, Tanya Scutt, Head Chef, Tyler Dullea, now Home Manager at Ridgeway House, and Sherrie Lewis, Home Manager, pictured with supporters, after completing the Cardiff Half Marathon.
103-year-old Pip, pictured with Sarah from Dinky Ponies, meets Poppy.
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
CHURCH TIMES
Anna Chaplaincy celebrates 10 years with sponsored walk and service at Westgate
House
Anna Chaplaincy members Debbie Ducille, Ministry Lead, and Kate Arden-White, Pastoral Worker, visited Westgate House at the end of a 65-mile sponsored walk to celebrate Anna Chaplaincy’s 10-year anniversary as a national movement under Christian charity BRF Ministries. Debbie and Kate started their journey in Alton, Hampshire, and walked to Westgate House in Wallingford.
Anna Chaplaincy’s nationwide network includes nearly 400 Anna Chaplains who support the spiritual needs of older people across the UK.
On arriving at Westgate House, Debbie and Kate were joined by
Chaplain Wendy Moorin, with PAT dog Tilly, and led a Christian worship service based on ‘Messy Vintage’. This form of worship for older people can be adapted to any setting – in the community, in churches, or in care homes – and complements their background or faith journey.
Debbie said: “It was such a pleasure to join residents, volunteers, and staff at Westgate House, and we felt very welcomed by everyone. Residents who participated in Messy Vintage were clearly enjoying themselves and willing to try new things as part of worship, which was wonderful to see. Our focus on this occasion was on learning from trees: they need to be rooted and grounded in order to flourish. This is a helpful picture for us as people, showing how we can put down deep roots of faith that sustain us.”
Pastoral volunteering at Westgate House has developed over time, thanks to dedicated volunteer Graham Atkins. He describes his role as a ‘ministry of presence’.
Graham explained: “I often visit those who rarely leave their rooms. They appreciate a friendly face, a listening ear, and a break from routine. It gives me great joy to see residents at a service, especially when they join in singing familiar hymns. Just being with these wonderful people enhances my life as much as it enhances theirs.”
Skirbeck Court holds Stars in their Eyes fundraiser
The team at Skirbeck Court in Boston held a fun-filled Stars in Their Eyes fundraising event to raise funds for specialist music headsets. These headsets will allow residents to enjoy music from their favourite eras at sociable, dementia-friendly silent disco events.
The event featured performances by lookalike acts of the Spice Girls, Amy Winehouse and Bruce Springsteen, all lip-synching to popular songs. After a vote from attendees, the Spice Girls – performed by Anna Lewkowicz, Home Manager, Sasha Thornalley, Head of Care,
From left: Wendy Morin, Chaplain, Graham Atkins, Volunteer, Kate ArdenWhite, Pastoral Worker and Debbie Ducille, Ministry Lead
Coombe End Court initiates community book swap
Coombe End Court in Marlborough launched its new community book swap in January. The mini library is a beautifully crafted box near the entrance of the home. It was built by handyperson Martin Goldstone using materials generously donated by Fort Builders’ Merchant.
The project was inspired by Activities Co-ordinator Siobhan Maddison, who regularly visits book swap stations in nearby Calne and noticed there was nothing similar in Marlborough. Siobhan says, “My daughter loves to read, and there are a few book swaps in Calne. I got the idea from Instagram, and I think it’s a lovely thing to have in Marlborough now.”
Thanks to Siobhan’s vision and teamwork, anyone in the community can stop by to exchange books or simply pick up something new to read.
Sheila Brierley, a respite resident at Coombe End Court, said, “I don’t read as much now as I used to – I used to be an avid reader – and I loved history books. Anything on the Tudors! I think it’s a lovely thing to have here.”
Home Manager Kelly Edwards agreed: “We’re glad to be able to encourage a love of books and reading.”
Jo Gostelow, Head Housekeeper, Sarah Benge and Sarah Royston, both Carers – were crowned as the Best Performers.
Over £600 was raised towards the cost of the specialist headsets. Unlike regular silent discos, where a DJ plays music on different channels through wireless headsets, these headsets are specially designed for care home residents. They come preloaded with music from past decades, including 1960s classics, jazz, and rock ‘n’ roll.
Anna said: “It was a wonderful event for a fantastic cause. Some of our residents live with dementia, and music is a great way to help them reminisce over happy memories. The headsets will play music from each
Court team lip-sync
resident’s favourite era and will be a hugely beneficial addition to the care we provide.”
Donna Ellerby, an OSJCT Admiral Nurse, added: “Listening to music is a universal experience. We all know how the right song can boost our mood, and the same is true for people living with dementia. Music often triggers powerful memories, such as a first dance with someone special. It can also reduce anxiety and help maintain language and speech in those living with dementia.”
Dance-loving nonagenarian Mary gets Lake House grooving
A former dance teacher, Mary Barrett, aged 91, helped residents and carers at Lake House in Banbury get on their feet for a special Valentine’s Day tea dance.
Mary brought decades of dance experience to the floor, teaching residents and team members –including two of her former dance pupils – some dance moves. “I never thought I’d be teaching fellow residents and staff to dance at my age,” Mary said with a smile.
Mary’s passion for dance began at an early age. Despite her father’s initial reservations – preferring she work in a bank – Mary was determined to follow her dream of dancing. “I couldn’t sit still in a bank; I would be tapping my feet and moving about all the time,” she laughed. She pursued her passion and her dedication led to the establishment of the Banbury School of Dancing, which she ran from 1953 until her retirement in 1988. She met her husband, Roy, through dance, and they remained inseparable until his passing.
The care team decorated the home especially for the tea dance, and served red velvet cake, heart-shaped shortbread biscuits and chocolate brownies made by the home’s chef on fine china. A chocolate fountain added an extra touch of indulgence to the occasion.
Skirbeck
as the Spice Girls to win Stars in your Eyes competition
Martin Goldstone and Sheila Brierley helped launch the new book swap
Mary teaches Activities Co-ordinator
Joanna Dixon some dance moves
Making a difference
Our homes bring people together for meaningful causes, often raising funds to support local charities and make a positive impact in the community.
Oxlip House in Bury St Edmunds recently raised funds for a lifesaving air ambulance charity.
Oxlip House Domiciliary Care Manager, Natalie Bell, her nephew, Harry Sadler, and members of their family, visited the East Anglian Air Ambulance station in Norwich to personally thank the crew who played a crucial role in saving Harry’s life following a serious motorbike accident in the summer of 2024. During their visit, they proudly handed over a £350 donation raised by the Oxlip House community.
Determined to support the vital work of the charity, Natalie organised a coffee morning and raffle at Oxlip House, where she oversees domiciliary care services run by OSJCT. Residents and their guests enjoyed delicious cakes and hot coffee. They also bought raffle tickets for prizes, kindly donated by Natalie’s family. In addition, Natalie crafted and sold seasonal decorations at the event and on order.
Harry’s recovery is a testament to the incredible work of the East Anglian Air Ambulance team. After
being airlifted within minutes to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, he underwent two critical operations to repair fractures in his arm and leg. Harry has since made a full recovery.
Natalie and Harry’s visit to the station in Norwich was both emotional and inspiring. They toured the facility, sat inside the helicopter, and learned more about the lifesaving procedures performed by the team. The crew were delighted to see how well Harry had recovered, making the occasion a truly special one for all involved.
Natalie Bell, Harry Sadler and family members, visited the East Anglian Air Ambulance station in Norwich to hand over £350 donation.
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
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
Cherry Garth
Chesham Leys
Farnham Common House
Fremantle Court
Icknield Court
Lent Rise House
Lewin House
Mulberry Court
Sir Aubrey Ward House
The Heights
Centurion House (ECH)
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
“The staff are always friendly and attentive. During today’s visit the residents were being encouraged to join in a dice-rolling game. The volunteers named the residents, they clearly knew the residents. We were made to feel welcome...”
Sandra T, resident’s daughter, Eresby Hall
9.8 review score
“Choosing a care home for a loved one is a very difficult decision, there will never be any regrets in going to Westgate. My dad was happy with the care and appreciated how caring the staff were not just to my mum but to him too. Westgate felt like a home, it was warm and friendly and the activities were fabulous.”
Emma H, resident’s daughter, Westgate House
Reviews are verbatim and scores are correct at time of print.
9.5 review score
“The staff were very welcoming and extremely helpful and supportive during my visit. My father could not be more delighted at being at the Hayward Care Centre and described it as like a hotel! Thank you to all the staff.”
SB, resident’s son, Hayward Care Centre
9.5 review score
“I am very pleased with the care that my mum receives at Digby Court. The staff are very caring and helpful. My mum is happy and enjoys the activities that are arranged.”
JK, resident’s daughter, Digby Court
9.9 review score
“My mother is currently in Wellford Gardens and I have nothing but praise for the place. It’s reassuring to know that my mum is being well looked after, and I’d have no hesitation in recommending the place.”
CH, resident’s daughter, Wellford Gardens
9.6 review score
“I am very pleased to see my gran settle in so well. The staff all seem very caring and attentive and went the extra mile to help us celebrate Gran’s 100th birthday in style. It’s very reassuring to see my gran respond so positively to the staff and I am so grateful for the care displayed.”
PP, resident’s granddaughter, Avon Court
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
