Cairn Group

Residents at a Gateshead care home chose the sort of tree they wanted to plant to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Lindsay Turner, activities co-ordinator at Craigielea, came up with four ‘eye-pleasing’ ornamental species and presented pictures of them to all the residents.

They said which was their favourite with the most popular – a pink magnolia Susan – now being sited in a prominent position in the home’s gardens overlooked by one of the communal lounges.

Four residents – Monica Pearson, Bill Hammond, Rosemary Lowes, and Mary Smith – formed a ‘guard of honour’ while the tree was being planted.

This was followed by a toast to the long-serving monarch with a glass of sherry.

Lindsay said: “We encourage our residents to play an active part in as many elements of life at Craigielea as possible.

“That is why I asked their opinion on what sort of tree we should have to mark this momentous Royal occasion. The choices were all very eye-pleasing - the magnolia, a weeping willow, red Japanese Acer and an apple tree.

“We all are looking forward to watching the chosen sapling flourish throughout the years and enjoy its lovely flowers. It is a beautiful variety of tree and will bring a touch of glamour and colour to our gardens.”

Craigielea, in Durham Road, Low Fell, provides residential, nursing, palliative, and dementia care and has 60 well-appointed bedrooms.

There are a range of public areas, in which residents can relax, including a café, lobby and communal lounges.

A feature of the home is its gardens, which have undergone a £40,000 renovation. They are made up of flowerbeds, vegetable-growing patches, pagodas, seating areas, a summer and green house.

To make the most of this asset, the home has a gardening club for those with green fingers.

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF SOLEHAWK LTD

CONTACT: Caroline Walker on 01325 363436

Notes to editors:

Solehawk is a group of four care homes located in the North East of England. It has been providing residential, palliative, respite and dementia care and nursing services to residents since 1989.