A Salisbury care home resident had a wish come true when she welcomed the city’s MP for a morning of conversation.
Marlene Twyman, who lives at Colten Care’s Braemar Lodge, was interested in a career in politics when she was younger and, while she ultimately chose a different path, has followed the work of John Glen with a keen eye since his election victory in 2010.
She asked team members at the Stratford Road home if they could arrange for him to visit, and they liaised with John’s constituency office to make it happen.
On the day, John spent time with Marlene talking about various aspects of local, national and international politics.
As they sat together on a sofa in the lounge, Marlene told the MP of her wish that she had been able to enter politics, joking that he had ‘taken her job’.
Marlene said afterwards: “It was a personable visit from a young man who was easy to talk with. He was enthusiastic and willing to talk about his job in an interesting way. The visit worked out well, it was very pleasant.”
As well as meeting Marlene, John spoke with several other residents and team members including Clinical Lead Zodwa Lukhele.
He was also given a tour round the home’s new extension and recently refurbished areas.
Companionship Team member Kelly Bartlett said: “Marlene was very much looking forward to meeting him and discussing various topics of interest. He talked about his life and how he came to be a politician, becoming the local MP in 2010. He shared details of his different roles in government and opposition over the years.
“Residents learned how he divides his time between London and Salisbury, and how he keeps in touch with constituents here through events, surgeries, visits, talks and simply being around the city, particularly on our Saturday market day.
“The morning was a wonderful way for residents to further engage with local and countrywide politics, for Marlene to have her wish granted, and for our local MP to see our newly extended home.”
The 18-year-old home has undergone a huge project of refurbishment this year coupled with the completion and opening of the extension, taking the overall number of bedrooms to 95.
Activity on the extension began nearly three years ago with groundwork, construction and fit-out led by Colten Care’s sister company Colten Developments.
Around 30 sub-contractor companies, employing more than 250 tradespeople, were engaged on the project, helping with local job creation.
The extension is split over three floors, including a garden floor, and extends to 2,700 sq m or 29,052 sq ft.
As well as ensuite bedrooms, there are training and staff rooms and a second-floor guest suite. The main entrance and reception area are accessed from road level.
October 2025 saw an official opening by The Mayor of Salisbury, Councillor John Wells, who said its “facilities of the highest quality…enhance a strong sense of comfort and care”.
