People Stories: Michael at Thornton Hall & Lodge shares his greatest adventures!

Michael moved into Thornton Hall & Lodge Care Home in April this year and has taken advantage of all activities that the home has to offer. He has showed his artistic flair and made meaningful friendships and connections. In our first instalment of our ‘People Stories’, we were excited to hear more about Michael’s life experiences and adventures.

Michael’s first ever job was helping out in his dad’s typewriter shop around school hours, before he began working with his mum in her catering business at around 20 years old – what a creative, entrepreneurial family!

“In hospitality, I learned every skill and did a bit of absolutely everything. From shining silverware to serving food and dealing with guest interactions, I was always busy. I have even done some work for the royal family!”

Later in his career, as his flair for customer service and high-standard hospitality progressed, Michael then moved to Malta where he helped manage hotels.

“I lived in Malta for 10 years until I had to leave due to Brexit. I spoke little bits of the language I picked up on the way, immersed myself in the culture and enjoyed every minute of my life out there!”

When asked what his favourite thing was about working in hospitality, Michael said it was definitely dealing with people every day and interacting with them. He loved the fact that customers could come in upset or stressed and leave with a huge smile on their face.

We also asked Michael what his favourite drink/cocktail would be (as a practiced bartender!): “I love a whisky and lemonade and a damn good bottle of wine.”

The Thornton Hall & Lodge team do what they can to ensure that Michael can engage in plenty of activities which he enjoys. They also give him lots of responsibility in the ‘upkeep’ of the home to keep his mind and body active, and to give him that sense of purpose which he has always relished.

Activity Coordinator Emily told us: “Michael is very talented at art and enjoys attending art club. He is also a devout Catholic and enjoys attending communion and church twice a week.”

When asked to describe Michael in one sentence, Emily told us he is friendly, intelligent and one of a kind. “He loves a chat and is always socialising with other residents, sharing stories of days gone by. He often tells us tales of his sailing days – he even owned his own yacht!”

Upon being asked his favourite thing about living at Thornton Hall & Lodge, Michael said he loves having his independence while being surrounded by a community of kind, caring people.

Thank you to Activity Coordinators Emily and Pat for always providing Michael with opportunities to engage in his much-loved hobbies, and to Michael for sharing his incredible stories with us!

Across our homes, many of our residents have lived very fun, adventurous lives and we’re always excited to hear about them. For this reason, this story marks the beginning of a new blog series: ‘People Stories’, where we will be focusing on the brilliant people living in Orchard Care Homes and the stories they have to tell.

If you’re looking for a new home for yourself or a loved one, and a space where you can engage in your favourite activities with lovely people, then take a look here for more information on our wonderful homes. Alternatively, why not give Thornton Hall & Lodge a call on 0151 924 2940?