For such an important occasion residents and staff wanted to celebrate in style so invited along family members, current and former staff as well as some of the other people that have had an influence on making Elston such a wonderful place to live and work these past 10 years.
The entertainment was all provided by the excellent Disco Entertainment who supplied a range of fun activities for guests including a bouncy castle, frozen slush drinks, an amazing disco and magic mirrors. The DJ, Anthony, was tremendous and played all of the resident’s favourite songs which got everyone involved and dancing.
As part of the celebrations there was an awards ceremony, residents each received their hard earned ASDAN certificates for the projects they’d been working on this past year. Staff members who had been at the home since it opened also received their ten year service awards.
Throughout the day all the guests got to mingle with family members and residents in the relaxed atmosphere reminiscing on all the fantastic memories that have been created through the years. All visitors received a Cygnet goody bag which included memorabilia from Cygnet and Elston along with a feedback form to complete. Comments left on the form included:
- “Congratulations for 10 years you and your team do a super job giving the individuals a great style of life.”
- “Loved the atmosphere, great to meet team members. Such a happy day.”
- “Great to see individuals get awards along with Long standing staff members being recognised for their contribution to Elston. Cannot believe it’s been ten years since it opened its doors, we have always said Elston House is an outstanding credit to Jane and the staff.”
- “Everything was great, a real party and lovely to see people we don’t get to see e.g. ex staff members. From the first day of visiting Elston while our son was still at school we were made to feel so welcome and we are so lucky that he can call Elston his home – it is a real haven, well done to all.”
Elston House’s registered manager Jane Bellamy, who opened the home in 2009, said in an emotional speech, “All of Elston’s residents have been with me here for at least 7 years and some have been here since day one. This was such a lovely way to celebrate all of the progress that residents have made as well as the amazing staff, the MDT team and fantastic parents of the residents who have always supported and trusted us to deliver the best possible care. A massive thanks to you all and to Alex for organising such an amazing day.”