Saffron Walden’s newest care home celebrates grand launch with special guests

Residents and team members at Saffron Walden’s newest care home were joined by a host of special guests for a grand launch celebration.

Care UK’s Bailey Lodge was declared officially open by Councillor Deryk Eke, who cut the ribbon, and Jennifer Jarvis, winner of Bailey Lodge’s Local Hero competition and founder of local support group, Forget Me Not Dementia Cafe.

Guests were treated to an afternoon to remember with live entertainment from Tom Huttlestone, while Kirsty Bowks helped to get everyone into the celebratory spirit with live drawings.

The team at Bailey Lodge organised a host of exciting activities for residents’ families and the local community to enjoy, including bowls and cricket and a creative flower-making workshop.

After touring the new home to see what life is like at Bailey Lodge, guests were treated to tasters of the delicious meals on the residents’ menu, specially prepared by the home’s talented head chef.

Councillor Deryk Eke said: “Last year as Mayor, I was privileged to be asked to turn the first shovel of soil and perform the topping-out ceremony at Bailey Lodge.

“To be asked to cut the ribbon and welcome the first guests, alongside 'local hero' winner Jennifer Jarvis, was the icing on the cake. And what a magnificent cake it was too!

“From my perspective, this home will undoubtedly provide excellent levels of care and comfort into the future.”

Abhilash Gopi, Home Manager, said: “Our grand launch party was a huge success and the perfect way to officially declare Bailey Lodge open.

“Our neighbours have been so warm and welcoming, and we loved meeting so many local people – we already feel like part of the community!

“We were delighted to be joined by our special guests and would like to extend a big thank you to Councillor Deryk Eke and Jennifer Jarvis. It truly was a day to remember, and we hope to welcome everyone again very soon for more fantastic events at Bailey Lodge.”

Bailey Lodge, which opened in February and is now welcoming residents, is a purpose-built luxury care home. Designed to allow residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence, it incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities. Full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, is provided by an expert team.