THE outstanding performances of care workers across Wiltshire have been celebrated by two companies.

More than 100 guests attended the annual Order of St John Trust county awards on May 23, at Wellington Barn in Calstone, which recognises care home and support team members for their work achievements.

Dan Hayes, OSJCT’s chief executive officer, said: “All our employees work very hard and are committed to reaching and maintaining the highest standard of care for our residents.

“The award ceremony provides special recognition to those instrumental to the Trusts achievements, made more special by the fact that they have been nominated by their colleagues.

“It is delightful to be able to celebrate individual successes together and I feel lucky to be associated with such wonderful people.”

A very special nominee won a newly-added highly commended award at the event - Bailey, the much-loved dog at Goodson Lodge in Trowbridge.

He won the accolade for his time spent at the home and his great sense of character as well as always helping to reassure the residents and making them feel safe and happy.

This year’s awards were presented by Sarah Troughton, The Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, to Kelly Broad, Watersmead in Westbury (Carer of the Year); Taylar Ford, Seymour House in Chippenham (Young Carer of the Year).

Other awards went to Helen Butler, Hayward Care Centre in Devizes (Leader of the Year); Kirsty Comley, Marden Court in Calne (Hospitality Award); Gary Bayliss, Seymour House in Chippenham (Unsung Hero); Issy Warren, Athelstan House in Malmesbury (Volunteer of the Year); Lianne Jones from Coombe End Court in Marlborough (Activity Co-ordinator of the Year); Sara Leigh, Watersmead in Westbury (Newcomer of the Year), and Chris Sykes, Goodson Lodge in Trowbridge (Office (Homes) Employee of the Year).

Don Wood, Chairman of the Trustees, presented a Long Service Award to Linda Jefferies, Hungerford House in Corsham (40 years); Elaine Evans, Buckland Court in Amesbury (30 years) and Julie Hatchman, Bemerton Lodge in Salisbury (25 years).

Sue Lane, human resources director, presented certificates to employees who have achieved qualifications in Business & Administration, Health & Social Care, Moving & Handling Trainer, Care Certificate Mentoring, and Hospitality, Supervision & Leadership.

Meanwhile, three employees at Candlelight Care in Westbury have celebrated five years of service with the Glastonbury-based care company with prosecco and cakes.

Deputy Manager Mandy Shuckford presented certificates to care and support worker Angie Cripps, and senior care and support workers Maria Rogers and Teresa O’Toole to mark their achievement. It was a double celebration as Teresa O’Toole is one of four finalists from the Westbury branch in the Candlelight Care Awards 2019.

Lorna Kent, Registered Manager of Candlelight Care in Westbury, said, “Angie, Maria and Teresa are a pleasure to work with and we know that our clients are very appreciative of everything they do.”

Candlelight Care is a family-run company offering homecare and live-in care services in Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and East Sussex.

Based in Glastonbury, it has been caring for people of all ages in their own homes for 30 years.

Candlelight Care has been awarded the Investors in People Bronze standard for its commitment to developing its staff.