Time capsule buried at new Skipton care home

2023 has been captured by a group of schoolchildren at not-for-profit later living provider Anchor’s new care home in Skipton, North Yorkshire.

Pupils from Greatwood Community Primary School joined Anchor at The Mill House to bury a time capsule ahead of its opening in July.

Those who find the time capsule in years to come will also discover information and photographs about the site and development which will offer residential and dementia care.

Rob Martin, managing director of care services at Anchor, said: “The time capsule burial was a wonderful day – we were so happy to host the children of Greatwood Community Primary School.

“It’s always great to engage with the local community, particularly ahead of a new care home opening. For us at Anchor, helping people enjoy later life is something we are passionate about.

“It’s an exciting time for us as we celebrate the opening of our latest state-of-the-art care home, The Mill House.

“What better way to mark our new opening than sealing memories away for future generations to find.”

Local dignitaries including Sheila Bentley, deputy mayor for Skipton, councillor Simon Myers and councillor Chris Rose of Craven District Council joined the children to mark the occasion.

Sheila added: “Well done to all the children on their hard work. It’s clear to see that a lot of thought, time and effort has gone into this project.

“It’s been inspiring to hear about their visions for the future – it’s also been wonderful to get a preview of The Mill House which will be a great addition to our community.”

Overlooking the Leeds and Liverpool

Care UK has appointed Susanne Stevens as home manager of its latest home in Market Harborough, Oat Hill Mews, which is set to open in September. Susanne’s new position will see her lead the team at the home, which will provide residential, nursing and dementia care for up to 76 people. Beginning her career as a care assistant in a nursing home, Susanne went on to complete her BSc in Adult Nursing and become qualified as a registered general nurse. After university Susanne worked for the NHS in gastroenterology, before returning to a care home environment as a nurse and working her way up to deputy manager. Susanne quickly progressed and moved into home management within a few years with another care provider. Susanne will be joined by Mark Evans, who has taken the position of customer relations manager.

Canal, The Mill House is a new, luxury care home with 86 en-suite rooms and eight independent living apartments. Built on the site of an old mill and offering state-of-the-art facilities including a restaurant and bistro, village shop and beauty salon, The Mill House will provide personcentred residential and dementia care.

McCarthy Stone, developer and manager of retirement communities, has appointed Shane Paull as its new chief operating officer. Shane brings a wealth of experience to the role having worked at the business for the past 23 years. He joined McCarthy Stone in 2000 and progressed quickly, becoming land director in its Southern division in 2006 and then divisional managing director for Southern in 2012, a position he has held for the last 11 years. Shane has been responsible for the development of more than 100 retirement communities during his time as DMD. Shane will now be responsible for McCarthy Stone’s strategic development functions, including land, planning, build, construction and health and safety, as well as group sales and marketing.

Margaret Winney celebrated her 100th birthday at Signature at Reigate Grange, where she has been a resident for nearly three years, in the company of her fellow residents and the care home’s team members. To mark the special occasion the chef prepared a birthday cake which was presented in song by the care home. Margaret was also the proud recipient of Reigate Grange’s first 100th birthday card from King Charles III and the Queen Consort. She said: “I have never been one to sit around. I have been very much involved with music, mainly classical and used to be a church organist. I have always kept my brain going, and have been very fortunate that I enjoyed all the jobs I had.”

A not-for-profit care home organisation has made a series of senior leadership appointments as a new manager joins and four employees are promoted to managerial roles. Jessica Costa is the new manager of HICA Group’s specialist dementia home Albermarle in Hull following four years as the deputy. Kerry Moss, who has been at the organisation for 17 years, is now the manager of Elm Tree Court, also a home that provides specialist dementia care in Hull. Ruth Mountain is the new manager of Tamarix Lodge in Withernsea after starting as a carer in the residential and dementia care home 21 years ago. HICA at Home in Doncaster has appointed Nikki Lea as manager, while The Wolds Care Centre in Louth has welcomed Michaela McGlynn as its new manager.

The new manager of Avalon Nursing Home in Bridgwater says her personal experience of having a grandmother with dementia is what inspires her to ensure all residents in her care are treated like members of her own family. When Tamsin Forde’s grandma Glenys was living with dementia and both visual and hearing impairments, she took her to live at the home where she was clinical lead nurse in Ilminster and supervised her care there for three years, until she passed away. Tamsin, 44, originally qualified as an adult general nurse at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London and worked briefly with the NHS before moving to the care sector.