Holloway House in Quorn held a party to celebrate a milestone achievement of one of its volunteers.
Abbeyfield has a proud tradition of volunteering, with the services of around 2,500 volunteers employed by the organisation around the world. The party at Holloway House was in celebration of Mrs. Kate Hutchinson, who has recently passed the milestone of 40 years of volunteering for Abbeyfield.
Kate’s contribution to Abbeyfield over the years has been huge, beginning before Holloway House was created. The special atmosphere at the house is down to the research and dedication she displayed during the planning, construction and improvement phases it has been through.
The party provided great enjoyment for the 50 guests and marks the start of a new era at Holloway House. Holloway House Sheltered Housing Manager, Tricia Hopcroft, said, "All Abbeyfield services are a joy to visit, offering a friendly, homely atmosphere, but Holloway House just has that unique edge, largely because of Kate’s support for many decades."
"Kate is a true gem and many residents and staff have been lucky to have had the opportunity to know her. I look forward to what the near future holds for us all."
Tricia Hopcroft, Sheltered Housing Manager
Regular highlights for the resident including boat trips, visits to the theatre and garden centre outings would simply not have happened without Kate’s determination to put their wellbeing first. Her connections to the local community in Quorn were also tremendously beneficial, and she was able to call on her many friends to support with events and activities – including the popular residents’ armchair exercise group and poetry, reading and art clubs; many examples of the residents’ artwork are displayed on the walls throughout the house. The warmth and care that Kate exhibits while carrying out all these duties has made her extremely popular and well liked by staff, residents and their relatives.
Kate is keen to make sure that the residents get to experience the joy of special occasions at their home, and will always ensure that birthdays are celebrated. She will decorate the house for Christmas every year and brings her fellow volunteers together to provide Christmas dinner for the residents and staff, with all the trimmings.
The house’s 14 residents and their family members attended the party, alongside community partners and supporters, Abbeyfield staff, and the Worshipful Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Jennifer Tillotson. The house was adorned with ruby-themed decorations and the guests enjoyed a special cake to mark the occasion.
Abbeyfield’s Director of Housing Operations, Theresa Wilson, presented Kate with a bouquet of flowers a certificate to acknowledge her long service, saying, "Kate was instrumental in the opening of Holloway House in Quorn and has worked tirelessly as a volunteer from its conception some 40 years ago to what the house represents today for both staff and residents. Her dedication to Abbeyfield is truly remarkable and I would like to thank her for all her outstanding work and time that she has generously given to Abbeyfield and its residents in Quorn over the years."
Kate said, "I was a little embarrassed to find a party arranged for me, but I thoroughly enjoyed the occasion, as I saw what kindness and love had gone into all the preparations, the house, the decorations, the food and the sheer presence of all my colleagues over the years.
“I particularly enjoyed the magnificent cake that one of our volunteers from Nottingham made me, which perfectly illustrates that Abbeyfield really is like one big family.”
Interested in becoming a volunteer?
Volunteers play an important part in our houses and homes and becoming one can be such a rewarding way to make a difference by giving back to the community, learning new skills and helping to enrich the lives of our residents.
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