HRH Duke of Gloucester Officially Opens the New Fairfield Care Home
HRH Duke of Gloucester officially opened the new Fairfield residential care home on Thursday 11 October 2018. The Duke was welcomed by John Cole, chair of trustees, and Debbie Hayes, registered manager, who then guided him on a tour of the new home. The Duke was shown one of the 38 en suite bedrooms as well as the new assisted bathroom facilities before visiting the dining room, lounge and hub areas.
HRH Duke of Gloucester met with some of the trustees, staff and residents before unveiling a plaque to mark the occasion. Also present were representatives of the professional teams responsible for the construction of the new home, past trustees and guests. The Duke of Marlborough also attended the opening.
After 70 years in a Victorian building on the Banbury Road, the new Fairfield is a brand new, purpose-built, 38 bedroomed care home, built just behind the original house in North Oxford. The new home offers residents a modern, spacious environment with quality facilities and continuing high standards of care.
John Cole, chair of Fairfield trustees, said,
“We are delighted that HRH Duke of Gloucester performed the official opening of our wonderful new residential care home. The plaque that marks this momentous occasion will be there for all to see for many generations to come. The new Fairfield will continue to care for residents just as the old Fairfield has done for the last 70 years, although now we have a beautiful purpose built home to enjoy!”
HRH The Duke of Gloucester was keen to hear about the activities enjoyed by residents. There is a stimulating programme of daily activities, which includes lectures and talks; arts, crafts and hobbies; fitness and movement classes for mobility; as well as an increased selection of visits and outings.
Debbie Hayes, Fairfield manager, commented,
“The staff and all the residents enjoyed meeting The Duke and telling him about life at Fairfield. They are all very proud of the wonderful facilities their new home provides.”
New Fairfield has been designed with all the facilities required to be able to provide a homely environment for its elderly residents along with 24-hour residential and respite care. The teams of professionals who have worked with the trustees on this project over the last 8 years were all Oxford firms. Carter Jonas obtained planning permission for the new home, it was designed by Oxford Architects and built by Kingerlee under the project management of Bidwells.
