From Didsbury to The Palace: Carers Commended by the King
The devotion of two Didsbury carers to Manchester’s older Jewish community has been recognised by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at a Garden Party hosted at Buckingham Palace.
Social care workers, Carolyn Ball and Angela Luckett of dementia specialist, Belong Morris Feinmann, received invitations in a mark of appreciation for their exceptional performances in assisting older people to live as independently as possible whilst enjoying later life.
Speaking of the pair’s support for their residents throughout recent challenges faced by the Jewish community, His Majesty King Charles III, said: “Thank god you’re there to help.”
Joining them on the typical ‘British summer’ cloudy day were thousands of guests from throughout the country having made their way to the palace for high tea with the Royal Family. Also in attendance were Anne, Princess Royal; Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, with Sophie Duchess of Edinburgh; and the King’s first cousin once removed, the Duke of Gloucester, with the Duchess of Gloucester.
Angela Luckett, religious and cultural coordinator at Belong Morris Feinmann, said: “The whole day was a treasured memory. From walking up The Mall, seeing the Yeoman of the Guards, all the dashing morning suits and fabulous hats and dresses, to the gardens, tiny ‘butties’, beautiful cakes and copious cups of tea. And of course, meeting the King, himself – what a day!”
Village general manager, Carolyn Ball, added: “We are honoured to represent our wonderful Belong Morris Feinmann community at the Palace. Our work is more than just a job to us; it truly is a vocation, and one we are privileged to get to do every day.”
The pair of care team leaders were selected to attend along with invitees from other not-for-profit organisations, charities and societies, as well as people put forward by the government, armed services, the Church and other faiths.
Carolyn leads the Palatine Road care village which is operated on behalf of The Feinmann Trust, named after First World War refugee who set up the predecessor building in support of Jewish refugees fleeing the continent and setting in Manchester.
Meanwhile, Angela coordinates its vibrant experiences programme, both for customers, and the wider community which is invited to join activities including choir, crafts, and group exercise sessions, as well as intergenerational relationships with local schools, weekly Friday prayers, and monthly Shabbat services.
The news follows the annual, national Care Home Open Week campaign, encouraging people to find out more about their local care village. The week has been extended as guests continue to be invited to visit Belong Morris Feinmann, meet the team, and tour its on-site kosher bistro, synagogue and Holocaust memorial garden.
