Inspirational employees and volunteers from care homes in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, run by The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) were celebrated at the Trust Recognition Awards 2024. The ceremony took place at Wellington Barn in Calne, earlier this month (22 October).

Over one hundred guests attended the event, where the opening address was given by Dan Hayes, Chief Executive, the Master of Ceremonies role was shared by Mike Stredder, Group Operations Director and Matt Jones, South Division Director. The Awards were given out by members of the Senior Leadership Team and Trustees Anton Borg LVO and Judy Wright MBE, DStJ.

Candidates for the Trust Recognition Awards were nominated by colleagues, residents, and friends of care homes. Nominations were judged by a panel and finalists invited to the awards, where winners were presented with trophies. 

Dan Hayes, Chief Executive, said: “The collective skill and effort of OSJCT employees achieves the most wonderful outcomes for the people within our care. Our teams restore identity and dignity and replace vulnerability with love and compassion.  

“It is my privilege to be in the company of people who live the values of the Trust, and who have excelled in what they do.”

The 2024 award winners are:

Exceptional Dedication to Caring Award

Stacy Torr, Night Care Leader, Goodson Lodge Care Centre, Trowbridge

Rhian Groves, Carer, Chestnut Court, Quedgeley

Outstanding Community Engagement Award

Goodson Lodge Care Centre Team, Trowbridge

Beata Beevor, Activities Co-ordinator, Windsor Street Care Centre, Cheltenham

The Empowerment Award

Sonia Seal, Deputy Manager, Florence Court extra care housing scheme, Trowbridge

Kelly Broad, Carer, Watersmead, Westbury

Unsung Hero of the Year 

Andrew Lawrence, Executive Chef, Wellford Gardens, Wheatley, near Oxford

Heidi Fyfe, Handy Person, Ridgeway House, Wootton Bassett

The Inspirational Leader Award

Dorte Chandler, General Manager, Wellford Gardens, Wheatley, near Oxford

Rebecca Long, Home Manager, Jubilee Lodge, Bourton on the Water

Making a Difference Volunteering Award 

Ethan Burt, Volunteer, Goodson Lodge Care Centre, Trowbridge

Margaret Winskill, Volunteer, Hungerford House, Cosham

John Monckton Memorial Award 

Regional winners, Wellford Gardens, Wheatley, near Oxford

This Award is given out in memory of a late Trustee to recognise improvements in care. This year’s theme – creative ideas to bring residents and families together through food and nutrition - reflects the importance of good food and nutrition at any age. 

Long Service Awards

Seventeen employees have been honoured with a Long Service Award, together achieving combined service of 535 years. Some of those named below attended the Trust Recognition Awards event.

Employees recognised for 25 years’ service:

Jean Harrison, Carer, Hungerford House, Cosham

Jennifer Cameron, Kitchen Assistant, Bourne House, Old Sarum

Rachel Smith, Activities Co-ordinator, Rodley House, Lydney

Donna Johnson, Carer, Millbrook Lodge, Brockworth

Leanne Neely, Carer, Jubilee Lodge, Bourton on the Water

Louise Cooper, Carer, Henlow Court, Dursley,

Linda Weston, Housekeeper, Marden Court, Calne

Employees recognised for 30 years’ service:

Jackie Jones, Senior Care Leader, The Coombs, Coleford

Julie Fluck, Carer, Rodley House, Lydney

David Spreadbury, Kitchen Assistant, Willowcroft, Salisbury

Emma Tuffley, Head Housekeeper, Millbrook Lodge, Brockworth

Employees with 35 years’ service: 

Ian Miller, Handy Person, Coombe End Court, Marlborough

Rachel Moore, Housekeeper, Hungerford House, Cosham

Elaine Evans, Night Care Leader, Buckland Court

Employees with 45 years’ service:

Linda Jefferies, Kitchen Assistant, Hungerford House, Cosham

Jane Matthews, Cook, Rodley House, Lydney

Trudy Gwynne, Carer, The Coombs, Coleford

The Chairman’s Commendation for Meritorious Service has been awarded to the following employees, some of whom attended the Trust Recognition Awards event:

Debbie Elliott Administration Assistant, Willowcroft, Salisbury

Claire Johns, Deputy Manager, Ridgeway House, Wootton Bassett

Lynne Donaldson, Deputy Home Manager, Monkscroft, Cheltenham

Michelle Duparcq, Night Lead, Hungerford House, Cosham

Wayne Hutcheon, Handy Person, Edwardstow Court, Stow on the Wold

Jackie Wright, Area Operations Manager, Central Operations