Folkestone Care Home Joins UK’s First National Celebration Of The NHS And Care Sector
A memorial event to remember resident lost during the pandemic took place at a Folkestone care home this week.
Pelham House Care Home invited a small number of friends and family for a garden tea party, held on the same day as Monday’s (5th July) first NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day.
The morning memorial service was led by local Vicar, Roger Smith, who read out eulogies to the 10 residents who had died suddenly during the pandemic.
Stories were shared about them, photos displayed on easels and plaques bearing their names were hung in a special part of the memorial garden for people to see.
Pelham’s owner, Roger Waluube and Chairman John Harrington also took a moment to remember the residents and thank staff for the unwavering dedication to their job and the care of their residents.
The emotional service was disrupted briefly by seagulls swooping down to collect Forties-style biscuits, handmade by Pelham’s chef; from war time shortbread, ginger and ANZAC recipes.
The morning service was followed by an afternoon BBQ and a celebration of the efforts of the care staff during the pandemic.
Forties music played and a huge cake, made and gifted by local baker Philippa Grant, from Friday Treats in nearby Hythe was cut and enjoyed
Roger Waluube, said: “It’s important to remember the people who we lost in such a sudden and shocking way.
“The last year has been extremely challenging, and losing people we know as friends has been so very difficult.
“Today was about stopping, remembering and honouring, both the residents we lost but also our staff, who have faced unprecedented circumstances and excelled in putting their residents first.”
