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Our team at
Tall Trees

Experts in award winning care in Colchester, Essex

Experts in award winning care in Colchester, Essex|With 40 years’ experience,
Care UK are experts in delivering award winning care|Care UK is the most awarded care home provider for the last four years|Discover why Care UK is trusted to care by over 10,000 families

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Meet our friendly care team

Get to know the wonderful team here at Tall Trees. From our skilled and experienced managers, to our valued carers, nurses, housekeeping and maintenance staff, each individual here is passionate about the residents care and strives to make each day the best it can be.

Alice Banda

Home Manager

Alice Banda

I trained as a nurse as I'm passionate about caring and about delivering quality care.

Before joining Care UK in 2011 I'd worked for two other healthcare providers. I'd heard about the organisation's vision for older people's care, and I was keen to be a part of it.

I believe that making the little moments count is all-important to helping an older person to live a meaningful life. We see the difference it makes and it motivates us to do more. I have a very caring team here at Tall Trees, and each of us, whatever our role, understands that we can make a big difference to residents. 

We've come a long way together at Tall Trees. We have a great team, and were focused on delivering the highest standards of care. 

Ruxandra Andrei
Ruxandra Andrei
Deputy Manager

I worked as a nurse in Romania for 11 years before joining Care UK in 2016. Over the years I have had many opportunities to grow professionally, being promoted from Nurse to Clinical Lead and now Deputy Manager.

I chose to work in a care home because I’m passionate about providing compassionate care to residents. The opportunity to grow within this well-respected care provider means I can contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of residents while advancing my professional development.

I believe a Deputy Manager should possess strong leadership and communication skills, organisational prowess, clinical expertise, and the ability to collaborate with the nursing team to ensure quality care.

My favourite part of my working day is our morning team meeting. I enjoy having the opportunity to connect with colleagues, address any immediate concerns and plan the day’s activities together. Being in this position where I can make a difference in residents’ and colleagues’ lives is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.

I usually spend my free time outside of work reading books or playing badminton. I also love to travel. Every year I look forward to exploring new places and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Andrea Bradshaw
Andrea Bradshaw
Lifestyle Lead

I’ve been working for Care UK since 2008. I was new to the care sector when I joined the organisation and it seemed a good place to start. Here I am, ten years later! 

By far the best part of my day is the time I get to spend with the residents. Being able to make a difference to help them live more fulfilling lives is a huge privilege, and something I find hugely fulfilling myself. 

At Tall Trees, and Care UK as a whole, we’re about delivering a ‘whole home approach’ to care and to helping residents to enjoy meaningful lifestyles. It’s brilliant seeing more and more of my colleagues getting on board and realising that they have an important part to play. Anything can be a meaningful interaction for a resident, whether it’s putting laundry away together or having a chat when you deliver someone a cup of tea. 

Johnathan Wiekamp
Johnathan Wiekamp
Head Chef

This is my first role in care. Prior to joining the Tall Trees team I was a sous chef for five years.

I trained as a chef at the Colchester Institute. After I qualified, I moved to London and worked in some very high end establishments. I spent a long time working at Buckingham Palace, cooking for HM Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. During my time there I also catered for some big functions in the gardens. I stayed for weeks at a time when they travelled to Sandringham, Balmoral and Windsor.

Working in the care sector brings some unique challenges, including understanding each resident’s dietary needs and taste preferences. I’m really enjoying these challenges and taking the food to a new level of quality and presentation to benefit the residents. 

Abbe Moncur
Abbe Moncur
Business Administrator

I am responsible for handling all payroll, HR, recruitment, rotas, and billing. I also over-see the domestic team. I ensure all administrative tasks are well implemented and organised, I have 15 years experience within this role and environment.

The administration office can be found on the ground floor as you enter the building.

Charlotte Morton-Smith
Charlotte Morton-Smith
Head Housekeeper

As a Head Housekeeper at Care UK, I take great pride in ensuring that Tall Trees maintains the highest standards of cleanliness and comfort for residents, visitors, and colleagues alike. Having previously worked as a Housekeeper for Airbnb properties - where I was proud to maintain a 5-star rating across two locations - I bring the same attention to detail and commitment to excellence to my role here.

I joined Care UK because I love cleaning and interacting with people, and I’ve always admired what the company stands for. I’ve worked in a care home before, so it felt natural to return to this environment where every day you can make a difference.

I believe being caring, passionate about cleaning, hardworking, and reliable are key qualities for success in this role. My favourite part of the day is arriving bright and early, greeting everyone with a cheerful “good morning,” and getting organised for the day ahead.

I’m proud to do my job to the best of my ability, supporting my team and ensuring we maintain a happy, motivated environment where high standards shine through.

Outside of work, I love crocheting little teddies and toys, going for walks, and taking seaside trips with my dog. These moments help me recharge and bring that same positive energy back into my work each day.

Michael Frost
Michael Frost
Maintenance

I believe that to do my job well, you need to be good at communicating, caring, and able to use your initiative.

My favourite part of the day is doing my morning rounds with a cup of tea, checking in on everyone and making sure all is running smoothly. I take pride in being part of a team that makes a positive impact on residents’ lives, and I always focus on keeping the building and residents safe and happy.

One of my career highlights was planning and installing public address systems for many royal visits, a project I’ll never forget.

Outside of work, I enjoy classic Japanese vehicles, motor homing, and home maintenance.

Our experienced teams

Every day Care UK colleagues live our values of passionate, caring and teamwork to empower residents to enjoy fulfilling lives.

Carers

Our hardworking teams always keep individuals and their families at the heart of the care they provide. We work with you to shape the care your loved one receives, the food they’re served, the activities and experiences they want to do – even the ways they prefer to keep in touch with their friends and family. 

Nurses

The nurses at Care UK are highly skilled and receive sector-leading training, which enables them to keep developing expertise in different clinical fields from dementia to palliative care.

Lifestyle

Our dedicated lifestyle teams work hard to organise a range of activities and events at our home. From gardening and baking to quizzes, music sessions and even live entertainment. Above all, we get to know your loved one to make sure our activities are tailored to suit their interests and hobbies.

Home support roles

From catering to maintenance, housekeeping to administration, our home support teams play a crucial part in ensuring individuals enjoy an exceptional and safe service every day.

All our teams get to know each person they care for to ensure they provide a service that’s designed around their unique needs and tastes. 

Infection control

Every colleague receives training in infection prevention and control as part of their induction and updates regularly through online and in-person learning. Our dedicated IPC Champions in each home help embed safe working practices and raise awareness of hygiene standards.