JB Munro’s Visit to St.Albans, 5,6,7 September 2011
JB Munro in Abbeyfield's Brown's Field House in Cambridge
JB Munro, Chair of the International Council was in Copenhagen on behalf of another charity in which he’s involved and he took the opportunity to come to St.Albans for some induction and orientation. As well as meeting the Abbeyfield Directors and other staff, JB and I took the opportunity to visit three Abbeyfield Houses.
Brown’s Field House
Marsha, Sally and team run this innovative and cheery care home in Cambridgeshire. It has been described as a ‘fun fair for residents’ and the enthusiasm of the staff team and their approach to providing individual care is refreshing. Ducks, hens, house dogs, and themed areas provide stimuli for residents and a totally non institutional environment. Above, you can see JB in the sweet shop, and there is a chemists, post office, telephone box, and VIP area among other themed areas. The areas immediately outside residents rooms are recreated with ‘props’ (garden furniture etc) from residents’ previous dwellings all to make them feel secure in their new environment. Little wonder this care home has won so many awards!
Brown's Field House's Post Office
David is returning there next week with Marc Servotte, the new Belgium Director, for a further visit, and also for a table tennis match with one of the residents!
A Vietnamese Experience
We also found time to visit An Lac House, which an Abbeyfield house for the Vietnamese community. Drawing on the UK for its residents, the house is full and runs a waiting list. The clean and airy design are all part of an Eastern influenced building that is fronted with two large Asian iron gates. Mai, the Chair and Aurore the Manager, treated us to a beautiful Vietnamese lunch, as served to the residents and the house includes a Buddhist shrine.
Shrine at An Lac House
Aurore, An Lac's Manager, with JB Munro and Mai, the Chair, at An Lac House
Abbeyfield Girton
Our final stop in Cambridge was at the Abbeyfield Girton building site. Abbeyfield Girtonis Abbeyfield’s flagship development of independent living with personal care that comprises 76 apartments with a built in leisure centre. Click here for full details of the project. The building structure is progressing rapidly and completion is set for Spring 2012.
Girton under construction
Next week
So roll on next week, when Marc Servotte, the new Belgium Director, comes to St.Albans for some orientation, and I have my table tennis match at Brown’s Field House!
