Nottinghamshire nursing home Field House, which is part of dementia and nursing care specialist group Church Farm Care, marked its 40th anniversary with a celebration to honour its long-standing staff and family members, while recognising the company’s heritage and commitment to care.
Field House located in Radcliffe-on-Trent, was founded in 1983 by Ronald and Pat Pring. In 2016 it was taken on by their daughter, Lucy Atkinson and her husband Patrick who now run the specialist care group.
Operating as one of four Church Farm Care locations, Field House is currently home to 52 family members and 92 registered nurses and staff.
The Field House home hosted a huge celebration with speeches to showcase the history of the care group, singing performances from singer songwriter Stacey Lynn Crowe, as well as celebratory cakes, welcome drinks, and an array of buffet food.
The home also honoured its two members of longstanding staff as they shared their memories and experiences at the home. Head of the kitchen Debbie Croucher has worked at Field House for 36 years alongside housekeeper Beverley Moore who has worked there for 13 years.
Debbie said: “When I joined Field House, I was originally just helping out and just like that, 36 years later I now head up the kitchen, looking after all the catering and a team of six.
“I have always loved caring for people, from babysitting children for my friends, to caring for our family members at the home. Although kitchens are often a high-pressure environment, the most rewarding part is when people ask for a second serving of food – it really puts a smile on my face knowing that I might’ve made a difference to their day.
“I’m due to retire soon, but I want to stay working at Field House for longer to continue helping out the team.”
Church Farm Care Group has four nursing homes across Nottingham, specialising in both dementia, palliative and residential care.
Beverley said: “From looking after my own family at a young age, I always knew the care sector was for me. Originally, I joined the team as a cleaner and have worked my way through the ranks to my head housekeeper position.
“Field House has grown so much, and I now look after a team of six. Although the care sector has its challenges, no two days are ever the same. I’m retiring in December, but I’ll never forget the number of lifelong bonds I’ve created with my family members.”
Lucy Atkinson, director at Church Farm Care said: “We’re so pleased to be celebrating 40-years of our Field House home. While it became officially part of our Church Farm Care group more recently, the home has been part of my life since I was a child. As our oldest home, we’re so grateful to be able to look back while also continuing to plan for the future as the home continues to thrive.
“Everyone at Field House really does go above and beyond with the care and activities they provide for family members. We’re so thankful to everyone for all their work over the past 40 years, and we can’t wait to celebrate many more.”
Pat Pring, former owner of Field House said: “I’m so proud that my daughter Lucy and son-in-law Patrick were able to take on the home and continue my passion for caring.
“As you’d expect over time the home has changed a great deal. It’s been surprising to look back at old photos to see staff wearing formal uniforms, which fitted the model of care at the time. Yet this would seem alien to anyone visiting the home today, where staff wear everyday clothing to make family members feel at home. This is just one of the changes Church Farm Care has implemented to progress forward and make its homes truly stand out.”
