One of the longest-serving team members at a top south coast care home provider has retired after a remarkable 38 years – and a surprise party organised by colleagues and well-wishers.
Marian Brookes joined Colten Care in 1988 to work night shifts as a Health Care Assistant at its first home, Monmouth House in Lymington.
When that closed in 2014, she transferred to newly opened dedicated dementia care home, Linden House, in nearby New Street.
While starting on nights, she moved over to day work when her children started school and she has kept the same role at Linden House until now.
Asked for her secret of longevity in committing to one job for so many years, Marian said: “You have to love what you do. My career has been challenging at times but hugely rewarding. I have enjoyed my 38 years with Colten so much and seen so many faces along the way.”
Colleagues surprised Marian by organising a retirement party for her in Linden House’s top floor conservatory complete with homemade cake and a spread of tasty dishes prepared by in-house chefs.
Against a backdrop of black and gold decorations put up specially for the occasion, she was invited her to wear a gold medal and a crown adorned with hearts, flowers and the numbers ‘1988’.
Thanking all involved, Marian said: “It was truly a surprise and the perfect way to start my retirement. I aim to enjoy lots more holidays and spend more time with my husband.”
Among the guests keen to bid Marian a fond farewell were Colten Care Chief Executive Mark Aitchison and Linden House Home Manager Priya Joseph.
Mark said: “Marian has made an incalculable contribution to the wellbeing and quality of life of generations of our residents. It’s only because of her, and colleagues like her, that we can deliver the exceptionally high standards of care we are known for.”
Priya said: “It has been a joy to have Marian work at Linden House for so long. She has been a great colleague and will be missed by residents, families and staff. We all wish her a wonderful and relaxing retirement.”
Marian is one of four team members across Colten Care’s 21 care homes to have completed service of 35 years or more.
The provider and its sister company Colten Developments recently held a celebration to honour 112 colleagues who have each given more than 20 years’ service, a combined contribution of more than 2,600 years or nearly one million days.
