Former seamstress and playgroup leader June Boyer was the first to welcome her guests, daughter Josie and granddaughter Katie Thompson when they visited her at Richmond Manor in Dunstable Street, Ampthill.
From left: Josie Thompson, Hamberley Homemaker Sharon Murphy, resident June Boyer and granddaughter Katie Thompson.
Although friends and relatives have been visiting their loved ones at Richmond Manor using a COVID-secure luxury visitation suite during lockdown, in March the rules changed and allowed one nominated person to visit inside of the home every week.
And from Monday, further easing of the rules mean residents can now nominate two guests to visit inside the home and babies and small children can be included.
Grandmother of seven, June, 84, said: “I haven’t seen them in person for weeks.”
June’s daughter Josie Thompson added: “More than a few weeks, it’s been over a year now! I think it’s a significant step really, that we’re actually in here. We’re beginning to see that light at the end of the tunnel!”
June, who has four daughters, worked as a seamstress until she had her children and then developed her activities around them. She became the first playgroup leader in nearby Stondon Village and has always played a big part in all of her grandchildren’s lives.
As well as visiting June at Richmond Manor, granddaughter Katie, who has just completed a music degree at Cambridge University, has also performed an outdoor concert at the home. Previously she has even sung at June’s WI and church events.
The second resident to enjoy a special visit was 86-year-old Barbara Aggett who has four children and eight great grandchildren.
From left: David Farbon (son-in-law), Hamberley Homemaker Sharon Murphy, great granddaughter Izzy, Barbara Aggett and Judith Farbon (daughter).
The former PA Barbara welcomed her 20-month-old great granddaughter Izzy, visiting with her daughter and son-in-law Judith and David Farbon.
Although Barbara has seen Izzy from behind the screen in the home’s cosy Family & Friends suite during lockdown, this is the first time she has been able to be up close since Izzy was a newborn.
Barbara said: “It means everything to see them”.
Judith said: “It’s very emotional. This is a step forward – it’s one with great apprehension because of everything still going on.”
Son-in-law David added: “And you’ve had your second jab Barbara, which is reassuring for all of us.”
Home Manager, Fiona Smith said: “It’s been a very emotional week and the sheer delight on everyone faces has been amazing.
“It’s certainly been a very challenging year, but we can really start to see some real joy again for all our resident and families as they start to connect in this way once again.”
BBC Look East paid a visit to Richmond Manor to capture these very special reunions – watch the full story here:
Our luxury care home in Ampthill is now open for tours. Come and find out more about our award-winning model of care, and the superb features which set our home apart from the standard care home – contact us to book your visit today:
