A brand-new luxury 73-bedroom care home has officially opened.
Lambwood Heights on Lambourne Road, Chigwell, was opened by its first resident, Pat Maidman and HM Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, Jennifer Tolhurst.
Together, they conducted the ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of guests, staff, residents and their families on Friday, February 7.
Two West Hatch High School students, Joshua Ward and Aaron Gelkoff were invited to sing at the official opening ceremony as part of the celebrations.
Headteacher Daniel Leonard said: "We are delighted to be able to support such events in our community and we are very proud that our students performances were so highly thought of by the guests at the event."
The art-deco styled care home is the newest addition to Oakland Care’s portfolio which includes Woodland Grove in Loughton and two homes in East Sussex.
Guests were invited to tour the home and see the facilities such as the cinema room, library, private dining room and hair and beauty salon, while enjoying canapes and champagne.
HM Lord Lieutenant Jennifer Tolhurst unveils the plaque watched by home manager Sonia Kasese and Oakland CEO Joanne Balmer
Ishbel McGregor, 94, has been living at the home for three weeks, her daughter Lynne, said: “The care that Mum has received in the short time she has been at Lambwood Heights has been second to none.
“She has enjoyed all the stimulating activities and social opportunities provided and it’s lovely to see her as part of, and wanting to be with, 'the gang' as she calls her new friends, rather than sitting in her room alone or sleeping. It's like getting some of the old mum back again.”
HM Lord-Lieutenant, Jennifer Tolhurst, commented; “It was a huge honour to be invited to come and open Lambwood Heights.
“A lot of work has gone into the design of the building and the rooms, and there are many things here that encourage residents to be stimulated and happy.
As part of the opening celebrations, Oakland Care made a donation to Mary’s Meals, a charity chosen by HM Lord-Lieutenant Tolhurst that provides children with one school meal a day.
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