Lancaster Grange opens reaching new heights

Lancaster Grange, the 60-bed care home in Fernwood, Newark on Trent, was officially opened today by three local heroes.

Situated on the edge of Newark, the children of Claypole Primary School named the care home in honour of the brave airmen who flew Lancaster Bombers from Newark in the Second World War. The site of the home is believed to be built on an old airfield.

The three local heroes nominated locally to take part in the special day were:

Jim Weale, Chairman of Fernwood Parish Council, who opened the information suite earlier in the year and has become a strong advocate of the home in the local area over the last few months. Jim unveiled the plaque and presented a painting to the home from a local artist.

Howard Keeling, Secretary to the Trustees of the Newark Air Museum, is a historian with important links in the local community. Howard planted a memorial tree in the grounds of the home for residents to enjoy for years to come.

Sue Lowe, was the winner of Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Citizen of the Year Competition 2012 in the Over 60s category. Sue is involved with the Barnby Gate Strollers and leads some of their walks. Sue cut the celebratory Lancaster Bomber cake.

Tutor Steve Pask along with several of his students from Newark College joined guests at the event as they designed and produced our the Lancaster Bomber inspired weather vane.

An Open Weekend follows the event and a Spitfire and a Hurricane are scheduled to overfly the open day on Saturday.

Caren Billingsley, General Manager at the home, said: "What a fantastic day! We are lucky to have such a supportive community ready to engage with us with a whole host of future events and it has been very special to share this day with residents and their families, too. There is plenty more excitement to be had and hopefully there will be a flypast to mark the home's opening on Saturday."