STAFF at a care home in Yate have celebrated its 30th birthday with a party and unveiling of a tree carving in its garden.

Firgrove House in Station Road is a family-run care home and currently cares for 20 people aged 65 and over, with an additional three part-time residents.

Jenny Roberts opened Firgrove 30 years ago as a nursing home and changed its usage to residential after 10 years.

She marked the impressive milestone alongside Chipping Sodbury Mayor Wendy Whittle by unveiling a tree carving which features woodland animals.

“Even though a lot has changed in the last 30 years in the caring industry, our commitment to delivering the best possible care and support for our residents and their families has not,” said Jenny.

“I am extremely proud of the continued hard work and dedication shown from all the staff who have been part of our team during the last 30 years and all those who still continue to make Firgrove House a very special home.”

Former matrons, staff, families and clients attended the celebration at the home on Saturday, July 1.

Jenny’s daughter Alethea Mizen, who also works at the home, spoke highly of her mum’s passion for caring.

“She has always had a passion for caring for the elderly and for many years she had 3 local care homes.

“To enable her to focus back on Firgrove House and to spend more time with her grandchildren she reduced to two care homes and since 2014 has just owned Firgrove House.

“It's allowed her to focus on the recent renovation works which we have been doing over the last 18 months and we have further plans to come.”

She places the success of the home on the low level of staff turnover, with many several staff members who have worked at the home for over two decades.

This includes care assistants Denise Granger (29 years) and Uma Kachalia (22 years), deputy manager Anne Newman (22 years) and registered home manager Lorraine Beer (21 years).

“I think this shows such wonderful dedication to care and commitment to Firgrove House and i am sure would have contributed to the CQC awarding us "outstanding" for Well Led, and "Good" in all other areas for our inspection last year,” said Alethea.

Care at the 17th century home is split between two buildings, the main house is occupied by 14 residents whereas the former coach house accommodates six.

Staff are on hand 24 hours a day and retain the aim to “create a warm and friendly environment for all our clients, making it a happy place to live.”