Deputy Mayor visits Green Lodge Care Home in Billingham

Last week, Green Lodge Care Home welcomed Deputy Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Bob Cook, and Deputy Mayoress, Sandra Cook, to their home as a surprise guest of honour for the last week in the group-wide cruise competition; a culinary experience which saw the homes anchor at five counties to enjoy local foods, culture and entertainment. We spoke to the team on why they asked Councillor Bob Cook to join them on their last adventure, and how the day went!

From 25^th June – 23^rd July, care homes across the group battled it out to be crowned champion of the cruise - and at Green Lodge Care Home, they invited Councillor Bob and Mayoress Sandra to help conclude the 5-week event.  With the final stop being in India, Activities Coordinator, Clair, transformed their dining room with Indian-inspired decorations to create a warm, vibrant and exciting space to host the event, which was well received by residents and colleagues alike.

“The Orchard cruise competition has been a great experience for us, and it gave us the perfect opportunity to invite Cllr. Bob and Sandra Cook to home to see everything we do for our wonderful people” said Clair, who organised the event. “We met them recently at a local community day, where we won a competition to design a flag for Pride month – it was then that I decided to invite them to the home to take part in the last stop of the cruise competition.”

This wasn’t the first time Councillor Cook has been to Green Lodge Care Home; his father received respite care at the Billingham care home several years ago, so was eager to return and speak to some of the long-standing team again. “It’s great to be back and see how the home has changed throughout the years. It’s been a long time since I was last here, but hopefully this marks the first step to a long and healthy relationship with the home!”

As part of the festivities, colleagues and residents at the Billingham care home showcased their creativity through incredible henna designs, which Cllr. Cook judged. The winner, Stan, was over-the-moon to receive his prize and particularly enjoyed chatting to the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress about the local community – something he’s always been passionate about.

Home Manager, Kelly Levick, said “We were honoured to welcome the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress to Green Lodge. The residents were thrilled to show off their henna designs and spend quality time discussing important local activities. It’s days like these that create wonderful memories and strengthen community ties.”

The Deputy Mayor, who represents Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, spent quality time with the residents and complimented the effort the team had gone to for the day. Both he and Sandra Cook were impressed by the delicious home-cooked dishes offered during the competition, which were made by Green Lodge’s chef, Carol.

“It’s always heart-warming to see the community come together, and it’s clear the team have put so much effort into today’s celebration,” said Cllr. Cook. “The food was fantastic, and the henna competition was an honour to judge. It’s great to see such rich cultural experiences being enjoyed here in my hometown of Billingham.”

Green Lodge Care Home, which is rated ‘Good’ by CQC, has always wowed with their incredible events; only a few days before, they welcomed Zante the fox (yes, you read that right!) to their home for cuddles with the residents and team, alongside his fellow furry friends from local animal handler, Steve.

With a strong friendship built with the home, the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress are excited to return soon for another day filled with delicious food, entertaining music and great conversation – thank you to Councillor Bob Cook and Mayoress Sandra for joining the Green Lodge celebrations, and a special thanks to Clair for organising the day!

Based in the heart of Billingham, Green Lodge Care Home offers residential care, residential dementia care and short-term respite care. Want to know more? Hit the button below!