A residential care facility in Oxfordshire has commemorated four decades of providing support to older people.
The Grange, situated in Goring close to Wallingford, held a celebration on Thursday, August 20 to mark 40 years of operation.
The event brought together current residents, their relatives, employees, and members of the local community.
Colin Northey, who established Goring Care Homes alongside his wife Jackie in 1986, expressed pride in the establishment they had created for the neighbourhood.
The couple recalled viewing The Grange as a family residence rather than an institution, emphasising that this remained their philosophy throughout their tenure.
They noted that the original family principles had been maintained throughout their involvement, making the anniversary a meaningful occasion.
Colin and Jackie Northey initially operated children’s homes before shifting their focus to elderly care, eventually assuming control of The Grange.
The organisation continues to operate as a family enterprise, with their daughter Joy and grandson Aaron now overseeing day-to-day operations.
Those present at the gathering were entertained with musical performances, a raffle, decorative body art, an activity involving foam throwing, and a pig roast.
Former employees and former residents, including individuals who had departed more than a decade previously, were among the attendees.
Joy Northey, who serves as co-director, thanked the local community for their backing, describing the event as an appropriate moment to acknowledge everyone who had contributed to The Grange and the wider Goring area throughout the past 40 years, encompassing current and former residents and their families, staff members both past and present, local businesses, and supporters of the home.
Jackie Northey considered how the approach to care had evolved during her time in the sector.
She described the early days as somewhat chaotic, noting that while care was provided, the establishment initially functioned more as a retirement residence where individuals would relocate for a more comfortable lifestyle in their later stages of life.
She observed that contemporary residents typically arrive at an older age and a greater proportion present with dementia, in addition to a significant increase in administrative requirements.
The Grange provides residential accommodation, specialist dementia support, and short-term respite services for as many as 35 individuals within a building of historical significance.
The company also operates Lyndhurst Care Home, situated nearby on Lyndhurst Road.
Aaron Northey-Stevens, who serves as co-director and is the founders’ grandson, stated their commitment to the values established by his grandparents, explaining that every resident receives the same standard of care they would wish for their own family members.
He noted that his grandmother-in-law was a current resident, which reinforced the sincerity of this commitment.
Long-term residents also expressed their appreciation for the occasion.
Cynthia Lawrence, aged 93, who has resided at The Grange for three years, described the event as particularly memorable, highlighting the favourable weather conditions, attractive setting, and excellent company.