Saffron Walden’s new care home welcomes first residents

The team at a new care home in Saffron Walden has welcomed its first residents after opening its doors in February.

Married couple Michael ‘Bill’ Offer, 84, and Christine ‘Chris’ Offer, 85, can now call Care UK’s Bailey Lodge on Radwinter Road their new home.

The pair spent their first days at the home settling in and getting to know the team while sharing stories from their lives and careers.

Bill spoke about his time working at the London College of Printing, where he spent 30 years and rose to become Deputy Dean, as well as his role as Deputy Chairman of The Printing Charity and later work as an invigilator for BTEC courses.

Chris also reflected on her career as an accountant, including 20 years at Price Bailey accountants where she worked as an office manager.

Bill and Chris have also enjoyed reminiscing about their travels, with Bill having visited destinations across the world including China, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, as well as Argentina and Mauritius.

Commenting on how he has settled into life at Bailey Lodge, Bill said: “I’m easy‑going and not fussy about things. I really appreciate having supportive people around me, and I enjoy a bit of peace and quiet while I watch TV. Settling down in the evenings to watch my favourite shows always makes me feel right at home!”

Chris added: “I enjoy being able to ask the team what’s going on, and I always like to have a walk in the garden. I’m a big fan of the cosy coffee shop, too!”

Bailey Lodge has also installed a ‘Wishing Tree’, an initiative launched by Care UK that allows residents to suggest ideas for new hobbies they’d like to try, places they’d like to visit or even activities linked to past careers. It encourages residents to lead fulfilling lives – from skiing to a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Abhilash Gopi, Home Manager at Bailey Lodge, said: “We are delighted to have opened our doors and welcomed Bill and Chris to the home. It has been a pleasure getting to know them both and hearing about their fascinating careers and travels.

“Seeing the first residents move into the home is a significant milestone for the team. Bailey Lodge has been thoughtfully designed to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment, and we are looking forward to supporting residents to live active and rewarding lives.”

“We are excited to welcome more residents and their families in the coming weeks.”

Bailey Lodge is a purpose-built, luxury care home that 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.