Hadleigh Deputy Mayor Carolyn Cammack and fellow town councillor Emily Wright were guests of honour at an open day at Hadleigh Nursing Home.

Manager Tracey Burt said: “The idea came from the fact we have an amazing mix of staff here with nurses and support workers from countries as far afield as the Philippines, Nepal, India, Nigeria, Poland, Rumania, Bulgaria, Lithuania and the USA.” Visitors were also able to meet the famous Hilly Ridge alpacas from Wattisham whose regular visits to the home for dementia therapy sessions featured on BBC’s The One Show last year.

The councillors were welcomed by Kingsley Healthcare CEO Daya Thayan, Mrs Burt and staff from Kingsley’s head office, including operations director Debbie McGovern. Mr Thayan said: “We are delighted to welcome Carolyn and Emily from the town council. It’s important for our staff and residents to be at the heart of the community and we are always looking for ways to support the community.” The councillors met several residents and spent time hearing about activities the staff organise on a daily basis, such as tending to the three chickens now resident in the garden.

They were both impressed by the way the home was presented and noted the warm and friendly atmosphere that the residents clearly enjoyed and the fact that staff took a pride in the home and the care of residents.  Cllr Cammack said “Support for the elderly in the community is something the town council is keen to promote and we would like to see more events held in Hadleigh to bring elde  “The Hadleigh Market Feoffment Charity is embarking on a project to make better use of the Guildhall complex and themed coffee mornings and afternoon teas in the garden or the beautiful rooms are ideas being considered.

A regular programme of events is an ideal way for everyone in our community to meet in a friendly and sociable atmosphere.”rly residents more into community life.