A SHERBORNE care home that opened a month before Covid-19 hit UK shores has celebrated its third birthday.
Trinity Manor opened its doors in December 2019, with staff and residents excited about what lay ahead.
But little did they know what would happen over the next two years, with government lockdowns and a tranche of restrictions for UK care homes.

The Trinity Manor care home in Sherborne had a bumpy start to life three years ago because of the Covid-19 pandemic but has subsequently prospered

At a special event to mark the anniversary, senior general manager Sohail Daniel said despite a difficult start the home had gone from strength to strength.
“Despite a bit of a bumpy start to life, we are now completely open and welcoming the community wholeheartedly into our home, which is as it should be,” Sohail said.
“With the pandemic firmly behind us, we have become a bit of a hub for the community, with events and groups joining us regularly in our home, much to the residents’ delight.
“We now have a regular Trinity Café here on a monthly basis for the local community to join us for some entertainment and company, and also have several schools coming in and out to see us during term time, coupled with visits from animals, such as dogs and donkeys, entertainers, hairdressers and lots and lots of family in and out, and we welcome them all with open arms.
“I am so very proud of the home we are becoming, even though it took a little longer to get there. I feel honoured to oversee this home and am excited for the future and what lies ahead.”

The Trinity Manor care home in Sherborne had a bumpy start to life three years ago because of the Covid-19 pandemic but has subsequently prospered

At the celebration, one resident, Dr Valerie, was also celebrating the third anniversary of her arrival at the home and gave a small speech to everyone present, followed by a toast to Trinity Manor’s future.
Deputy manager Paul Pippard added: “I cannot believe it’s been three years. It has been a very eventful journey to get to where we are now, but we are so proud of the whole team here and also so very grateful to our residents.
“We have been through a lot together and some of the residents have been with us since the very beginning, so really appreciate how far we have come and are excited as to what comes next.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the local community here in Sherborne who have championed us in the past three years. Without your continued support, we could not be where we are now, so massive thanks to you all.”

To learn more about Trinity Manor, phone 01935 815972 or email TrinityManor@Barchester.com