£5.7 Million Care Home Welcomes Angela Rippon For Official Opening

Respected TV presenter and journalist Angela Rippon joined staff and residents to celebrate the official opening of Meridian Healthcare’s newest residential care home, Augustus Court in Garforth, Yorkshire.

The new home played host to over 200 people across two bustling opening events, with the local community invited in for an afternoon of live entertainment courtesy of Garforth Community Choir and Dorinda School of Theatre Dance.

At the official ribbon cutting, guests had the chance to meet Ms Rippon and the Lord Mayor of Leeds, before being treated to an elegant afternoon tea in the home’s vibrant Lyceum and Vaudeville restaurants.

Acquired by HC-One in 2015, Meridian Healthcare welcomed its first residents to Augustus Court in February 2016. Once full, the £5.7 million care centre will provide a home to 58 residents, of which 15 have already moved in, and create up to 40 jobs for the local area.

Speaking about the event, Angela commented: “It has been lovely to come and see Augustus Court which is a genuine home from home. The residents here have made a lifestyle choice and want to be somewhere that is comfortable with plenty of social contact and lots of opportunity to make friends.

“No-one is ever going to feel isolated or lonely here and they will receive great care from all of the staff.”

Meridian and HC-One managing director, Paula Keys, added: “We’ve been delighted by the feedback about Augustus Court from residents, relatives, visitors and our neighbours in the local community. Augustus Court is a modern and finely appointed home and we are proud to see that our team are already supporting people who have chosen to come and live there with kind care every day.”