Colleagues win award for grand garden revamp

Two of our talented care home colleagues have won Colleague Awards for transforming the outdoor space of a Skipton care home into a lush garden for residents.

Tony Lyness, Kitchen Assistant at Gills Top care home, is a keen gardener and decided to revamp the garden to create a peaceful and beautiful space for residents. With the help of Rob Bateman, Maintenance Operative at Gills Top, and other members of the care team, the outdoor space has been transformed into a haven for residents.

Tony, who has been gardening since he was 16 years old, started plans for the garden in February and used seeds and saplings from his home garden for the project. With help from the care team, Tony planted more than 420 plants including geraniums, calendula, asters, and dahlias.

Tony said:

I wanted to bring new colour, new smells, new sounds and new experiences that will last to the garden. I think it turned out to be a really lovely and serene space and hopefully it brings back a few memories to our wonderful residents.

Gardening is also a hobby for Rob who enjoys growing vegetables and flowers and working outdoors. Aside from helping Tony with the gardening, he erected a new fence to enclose the space and laid flagstones to create a circular path for the onsite greenhouse where many plants will be regrown each year with the help of residents.

Although Tony and Rob led the project, many members of the care home team also got involved. Rob explained:

Everyone seemed to chip in once we got started and I really enjoyed being part of the team effort!

Many residents have been especially enjoying the new bird feeding area. The lush atmosphere of the garden has also attracted bees, insects and birds creating a natural retreat for residents to enjoy.

Tony started at working at Gills Top care home in 2020 as a Kitchen Assistant and quickly progressed to become a Chef Manager. Rob has worked at the home for nearly five years. Both were thrilled to use their skills to support residents and were honoured that their work was acknowledged with an Anchor Colleague Award.

Mary Moran, Manager of Gills Top, said:

The garden looks absolutely beautiful and brings everyone so much joy. Tony and Rob are always going above and beyond and we’re extremely lucky to have them in our team. They truly deserve this award for their hard work and dedication to residents at Anchor’s Gills Top care home.

Like many throughout the pandemic, residents have developed an increased appreciation for quality time outdoors. Leisurely walks, falconry and floristry are amongst the activities residents have been enjoying in the updated garden. Sports days and frequent entertainment events are also held in the new space as part of the array of activities that the care team has planned for residents at the home to help their health and wellbeing. Eileen Edmanson, resident of Gills Top care home said:

I love spending time in the garden, it’s been so nice to have a new place to relax or participate in activities.