Farewell to Thornwood

Workers from the past and present met last Thursday to celebrate almost 25 years of care at the site.

Thornwood, consists of a sheltered housing complex, a 16- place day centre and a 16-place registered care home.

County chose to re-allocate funds to 'community based' services.

Residents and users of Thornwood will be moved to alternative centres.

Members of staff, some of whom have served at the centre for over 20 years, have had to find alternative employment.

Anne Freeman, acting-up resource manager for Thornwood, said: "It is nice to see colleagues but sad. It is hard for myself as a manager. I still don't understand why.

"We have got people coming in and meeting up with old colleagues. It would have been a shame not to have done something. It is nice to see them but a sad occasion.

"The residents don't want to leave. They have made friends and you don't want to be moved around at that stage of life.

"It has been hard but we have a fabulous team here. They have worked very professionally and got on with the job in difficult conditions.

"It is nice to bring people together and remembering what we have done here over the years."