School Reunion at Netley Court
Residents and the care team at Hartford Care’s brand new 65 bedded care home – Netley Court in Netley Abbey, were delighted to hold their first ‘School Reunion’ on 14th May.
The building started life as a primary school formally known as Netley Court School, but unfortunately was closed down and stood empty for a number of years. In 2013, Hartford Care, in partnership with Highwood Group, developed the old listed building into what is now Netley Court Care Home.
Over 25 ex-staff members from the ‘old school’ were invited to join the fantastic team at Netley Court and were given the chance to see, first hand, the amazing transformation that has been made to the original school building. They were all stunned and genuinely delighted by the respectful way the building had been designed and developed – both internally and externally.
Once the group had arrived, everyone was treated to a tour of the beautiful home, lead by Home Manager Geraint Williams. The tour commenced from The Potting Shed on Reef Floor and as everyone took a steady pace around the home, they were delighted to see all of the purposed-designed communal areas, dining rooms, bedrooms and Netley Court’s newest residents relaxing in The Music Room.
It was clear that each member of the group had fallen in love with the traditional stair case as soon as it caught their eye. Everyone was thrilled that it was still standing strong and as conversation flowed, they discussed how much it reminded them of the school that will always be in their hearts.
The tour came to an end in The Moorlands Suite, where everyone was given the opportunity to enjoy a glass of wine and a variety of delicious home-made canapés, whilst catching up and watching the waves break over the Solent from the window.
Teacher, June Plews, who dedicated 31 years of her career to Netley Court School commented: “It is very clear that Netley Court Care Home is an extremely happy place – just like it was when it was Netley Court School at its best. It has been great to meet both the staff members and their first residents who look very happy and content … thank you for holding this wonderful School Reunion.”
Ex Teacher, Carol Stansfield at Netley Court School said: “I am so pleased with the end result, you have breathed a new life into a building we all loved so much and you have done it with such sympathy for the area. It is clear that the loving ethos we had is still very much alive!”
Home Manager, Geraint Williams went on to say: “It was a great pleasure to meet such a wonderful group of people, who clearly care and love the building which was once known as Netley Court School. It was great to bring everyone together after so many years and to hear some memorable stories about the school. It was overwhelming to receive such a lovely reception from the whole group and I am looking forward to arranging the next School Reunion at Netley Court.
Work commenced on this prestigious development in autumn 2013 and our stunning new home is now open! The team at Netley offer residential and dementia care including permanent, respite and day care services.
For further information about Netley Court Care Home, please contact Geraint Williams, on 02380 450320 or visit www.hartfordcare.co.uk
