In 2014, Fremantle Court Care Home on Risborough Road, Aylesbury opened its doors to elderly residents requiring care in a friendly and safe community. Many of the skilled staff, volunteers, residents and family celebrated 10 happy years at Fremantle Court on Wednesday 27th March 2024. Guest of Honour: The Worshipful the Mayor of Aylesbury, Councillor Steven Lambert joined them to share in this special day.
The Fremantle Trust merged with The Orders of St John’s Care Trust in February 2024, both of whom offer quality care for communities across the counties. The fun events and activities that take place in all the care homes across the group every day are testament to the full life and personalised care that the elderly community can enjoy.
All the guests were treated to a special show from local and famous singer ‘Ja’n of 60’s band Marmalade. Everyone sang along and danced, especially to Jan’s famous chart hitting anthem ”Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da”
Care home manager, Claire Watson and her team invited the Mayor, community partners, family and friends joined the residents to mark the long service of local care workers at Fremantle Court, lunch and the cutting of the 10 year Anniversary cake.
“We are so pleased to share these celebrations with the whole community. Fremantle Court has been ‘home’ to so many families and we join hands today as one big family. We are grateful to Councillor Steven Lambert for joining us as I know his Gold Chain and regalia is so admired and respected by all. The residents love trying it on. My whole team take great pride in caring for our residents who’s care needs can be simple through to nursing and dementia. We look forward to serving the community for decades to come” advises Claire.
Recounting on tales of their 10 years, we have resident Alan Bann; care home award winning hairdresser, Denise Carr; carers Toni Vipan and Maria Walker; and Wellbeing and Lifestyle Manager, Sue Faulkner.
Alan - Resident, shares:
“I moved to Fremantle Court in April 2014 and remember being one of the first residents. Prior to moving to the home, I lived in a care home, near Milton Keynes for several years. My reason for moving to Fremantle Court was to live nearer my sister. I was diagnosed with MS in my late 20’s but was able to work for several years until my health condition progressed.
Fremantle Court is a lovely home, and the staff are really caring. I feel comfortable and happy. The home has enabled me to keep my independence as I like to go out on my own in my electric wheelchair. I love the summer months and spending time in the garden and catching the rays. I’m still quite young but over the years have formed friendships with residents and staff. Long may this continue.”
Denise Carr has brought her hairdressing services to Fremantle since opening and is a welcome sight for many residents, who still value ‘keeping up appearances’. Three beautiful lady residents, Joan, 104years, and Stella, 95years, seen enjoying an afternoon tea are regulars at Denise’s salon. As is Margaret 98years who allowed us to interrupt her appointment.
Denise shares, “I have had the pleasure of styling the hair of residents living in Fremantle court for a decade. To be honest I don’t quite know who’s doing who the favour as I love working here. I started on day one and knew this was my vocation, my father always said, ‘if you find a job you like you’ll never work again!
Having won the National Dementia Care Champion Award in 2020 made for a very humbling experience, my unique way of working with my clients (I call friends) certainly keeps them entertained! I’d like to thank Fremantle court for creating such a wonderful work atmosphere!”
Toni Vipan, one of Fremantle Court’s dedicated carers has worked for the Trust for the past 21 years and joined aged 17 working as a cleaner. Toni shares her career development, “Having worked at a couple of services I was drawn to working at Fremantle Court due to its location. I can’t believe 10 years have past so quickly. My whole motivation is keeping our residents happy. I love the residents as they are like family! My highlights are always the big events and there have been so many over the years. I’m happy to help support the teams wherever I can. Last summer, we had a family fete and helped organise the day that was very well received by both residents and families. If the residents are happy then I know I’m doing my job well.”
Maria Walker, another wonderful carer explains how she discovered her vocation at Fremantle Court. “I was inspired to work in care following looking after my grandmother. Initially I worked as a home carer in the community and found out about Fremantle Court through one of the Trustees. I wanted a more stable environment and to see if this would work for me. I’ve never looked back and my motivation with staying within Fremantle Court is certainly the residents. Fremantle Court feels like one big family, and coming to work is a pleasure.
One of my key highlights of satisfaction, was through the difficult times of the Covid pandemic. Despite the challenges faced by families and residents, I was able to help our residents stay in communication with their loved ones. I managed to organise a 100th Birthday Party and set up an area for families to celebrate within the garden area.
I hope to progress within my career and spend many more years at Fremantle Court.”
Sue Faulkner, Wellness and Lifestyle Manager, has served Fremantle Trust for almost 12 years. A born organiser, Sue’s career has spanned pubs, restaurants, charities, where she was always acting hostess and raising funds for the community events. Sue found her forever job when she joined the Trust and joined surveyors in putting the first spades in the ground back in 2014 when the Trust acquired the land for Fremantle Court.
Sue has seen the care home flourish over the years and hosted 2014’s Lord Mayor Tom Hunter-Watts for the opening. Sue and her team of over 20 activity organisers and 5 wellbeing companions are vital to the care homes. Sue explains, “Activities are an integral part of supporting wellbeing and health. Staying mentally and physically active has a huge impact on an individual’s physical and emotional state. Providing person centred and stimulating activities promotes independence, can overcome loneliness, reduce falls as well as encourage and maintain social engagement whilst giving a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Over the years our residents at Fremantle Court have engaged in a vast variety of community events and activities from opening a Community Dementia Friendly Café; working with the local community groups such as Brownies, Guides, Churches, schools; holding summer fetes and Christmas bazaars, concerts and art exhibitions, even visits from farm animals and exotic animals- alpacas and miniature ponies memorable highlights.
Our residents’ activity team here- Ben, Theresa, Jo and Wellbeing companion Nikki are always on hand to ensure that daily activities are meaningful, stimulating and fun from Bingo to Quizzes, Carpet bowls and balloon volleyball, Tai Chi and Reiki, Art and Craft to baking, DIY and gardening, you name it we’ll try it and our residents are usually game for anything new and different.
For further details, please contact the press office:
Lindsay Ball: Head of Marketing communications
Tel 07960493863
Lindsay.ball@fremantletrust.org
Sue Faulkner: Lifestyle and wellbeing manager (events)
Sue.faulkner@fremantletrust.org