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Golden Anniversary garden improvements update
Our garden improvements to mark 50 years of providing residential, nursing and respite care are coming on apace. The final designs, including a new patio, walkways and a central sundial, will be officially opened by Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark on 28th July. We’re inviting people from Rusthall, Langton Green and Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas to join us at our summer garden party from 2-4pm to mark the occasion – and enjoy a cream tea in our new gardens. 
The work is being undertaken by Ransome Garden Design http://ransomegardendesign.co.uk/ based in Crowborough, who provide groundworks and landscaping services. We asked founder Chris Ransome to take five minutes out to tell us about the project.
Why did you want to do these garden improvements at Rusthall Lodge?
This is a really special project for me. My nan, who is no longer with us, used to be in a residential home herself. We were very, very close – we had a special bond – so I saw first hand what goes on in residential homes. I know it’s an extremely difficult job and the staff work very, very long hours. This was an opportunity for me to give something tiny back; although this wasn’t the care home my nan was in, it was a chance for me to show a bit of appreciation for what they did for my nan, in a roundabout way.
You’re not normally on the tools yourself these days, but you wanted to get your hands dirty with this project – why was that?
Where my company has expanded over the last few years, I just spend my days now pricing jobs over and over again, but with Rusthall Lodge Care Home – because it was so special for me – I actually wanted to get back on the machines and actually put my own personal bit of sweat and blood into it! Fortunately, it’s a lot cooler this week than it has been for the last two weeks, so it’s not too bad!
What will the garden improvements give the residents?
Other than giving them a little running track, because you can go right the way round, it just gives them another option of an outdoor space. It’s something completely new, where the residents can come and sit in different areas.
What’s it been like working onsite in a care home?
It’s given the residents a bit of excitement. At any point there’s up to eight people sitting outside in the sunshine on the benches; they watch, we have a chat and you say ‘Hi’ to them and it’s all really, really nice. That’s part of the reason that I wanted to do this job – it makes me feel closer to my nan, who I obviously miss dearly. Because I know she was in their position, I try to bring the residents as much joy and happiness as if they were my nan. It doesn’t take much to say ‘Hello’, ‘Good morning’, ‘Thank you’ and ‘How are you?’. I try to do that, and I’ve told my guys to do the same thing.
What have the highlights been?
It’s rolling the years back for me – I’m enjoying it! But there have been some quite funny comments from some of the ladies. Obviously, for health and safety reasons, we have to keep our tops on. Some of the ladies wanted the opposite – I won’t say any more – but that’s been quite funny!
Fancy a homemade cream tea in our new gardens? Be our guest on 28th July, 2-4pm. Children welcome – the more the merrier!
Looking for a care home for you, or a loved one, to Live Your Life?
Call 01892 556 500 to arrange a visit to Rusthall Lodge Care Home
Serving Rusthall, Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas in Kent and Sussex
Residential care, Nursing care, Respite care
Written on 28th July 2018