Local community hero SARA opens Ashchurch View

Ashchurch View, the new 60-bed care home serving the care needs of Ashchurch and the wider Tewkesburycommunity, was officially opened by the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA).

Mr Chris Crowley, Area Commander (Central) of the Gloucestershire Water Rescue Centre of the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA), was joined by Mike Parsons, Founder and Chief Executive of Barchester Healthcare, to unveil the plaque on behalf of the charity. 

SARA was nominated for its steadfast work and dedication in putting the safety of the residents of the county first, especially as the team is mainly made up of volunteers that provide standby search and rescue services 365 days of the year.

Mr Chris Crowley, said: “It has been a real honour to open Ashchurch View on behalf of SARA and the Gloucestershire Water Rescue Centre. Now that our award-winning emergency services family is well-established, it is great to extend the invitation and work symbiotically with Ashchurch View on mutually beneficial projects.  We look forward to developing this relationship between our very capable team and the residents and staff at the fantastic new care home.”

The fun-packed day saw entertainment from the wandering minstrel group, Mediaeval Dragons and the chiming hand bell ringers of St Nicholas Church. A local saxophonist and classic guitar player also provided background music as guests took tours of the home. Olympic torchbearer Kevin Philipson who was one of the staff from Midcounties Co-operative was also a guest and brought the torch along for people to see.

A local boy, Luke Morgan, 6, was presented with a £30 voucher for naming one of the home’s three suites. The home ran a competition at the Tewkesbury Medieval Festival to come up with names synonymous to the festival and the War of The Roses. Luke named the home’s Lancaster suite and other children named the others Red Rose and York.

Mike Parsons presented SARA with a cheque for £2,000, which will be used to refurbish their Land Rover and to help with their portable defibrillator fund. The donation is from Barchester's Charitable Foundation - a charity that raises money through fundraising activities often organised by many of the staff, residents and friends of Barchester homes.

Sue Stannard, General Manager at Ashchurch View, said: "I am over the moon that we are now open and it has been a pleasure to honour real local heroes. What a valuable service they provide for our community to have! We are excited to welcome 30 residents and their families over the next few weeks, which is when this house will turn into a real home.”