HM Lord-Lieutenant of Essex opens our luxury new Chigwell care home

Our Lambwood Heights care home in Chigwell, Essex was officially opened by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, Jennifer Tolhurst. The fabulous ‘Great Gatsby’ themed event was attended by local Councillors, as well as local businesses and the home’s first residents and their family members.

Guests were entertained with performances by the local Lambourne Primary School Choir and singers from West Hatch Secondary School. ‘The Gatsbys’ trio also performed, as guests enjoyed champagne, cocktails and canapés.

Speaking about the opening of Lambwood Heights, HM Lord-Lieutenant, Jennifer Tolhurst, said: “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. Those are the things that really stand out to me and I can see that Oakland Care has addressed these in a big way.”

Welcome speeches were given by Sonia Kasese, Lambwood Heights Registered Manager and Joanne Balmer, Oakland Care CEO.

As part of the opening celebrations, Oakland Care made a charitable donation to Mary’s Meals, a charity chosen by HM Lord-Lieutenant, Jennifer Tolhurst. A charity that provide chronically hungry children with one meal every school day.

The opening event for Lambwood Heights gave guests an opportunity to tour the stunning new care home, operated by Oakland Care. Located within a quiet and peaceful area of protected woodland in the heart of Chigwell, Essex, the purpose-built, luxury care home provides the highest quality bespoke residential, nursing, memory and respite care for up to 73 residents.

State-of-the-art facilities at the home include a café bistro, cinema room, hair and beauty salon, multiple air-conditioned lounges, a private dining room, garden room and a library. The stunning foyer features a 6ft chandelier specially commissioned for the home and each space has been uniquely and expertly designed with an art-deco theme throughout.

Speaking about Lambwood Heights Care Home, Lynne Kelly, daughter of one of the home’s first residents, Mrs Ishbel McGregor said: “Our mother was thrilled with the reception she got from all the staff on the day that she moved in. We couldn’t believe the guard of honour at the front door and Mum thought for an instant that she was indeed the queen!

“All the staff have continued to be amazing – the care staff, the nursing staff, the managers, the activities staff, the house keepers, the chef, the reception and office staff – awesome!

“The care that mum has received in the short time that she has been at Lambwood Heights has been second to none, so much so that she has ‘woken up’ quite a lot due to all the stimulating activities and social opportunities provided.”

Watch the best bits of the event below.