Abbey Wood Lodge Celebrates Reopening of Revitalised Garden

Residents, families and team members at Abbey Wood Lodge in Ormskirk came together on 25th August to celebrate the reopening of the care home’s newly transformed garden following a programme of summer improvements.

The outdoor space has been officially named “Our Little Haven”, after residents, team and the home’s Facebook followers took part in a community vote to choose its new name. The winning title was announced during a special reopening event, which staff described as the busiest celebration the home has hosted to date.

Guests enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment from local performer Andrew Alty, whose live music had residents singing along to familiar favourites, with some even taking to the floor to dance. The home’s lounge was decorated with vibrant summer-themed displays, while residents embraced the occasion by wearing colourful summer leis.

Refreshments were served throughout the afternoon, including a showstopping three-tier Victoria sponge cake created by Chantelle with support from the home’s Baking Club. Decorated with bright summer-coloured icing, sugar flowers and butterflies, the cake proved a popular centrepiece for the celebrations.

Following the entertainment, residents and visitors were invited to tour the newly improved garden and view the enhancements completed over the summer. The project was led by Lifestyle Coordinators Claire and Chantelle, working closely with members of the home’s Gardening Club.

New additions include wheelchair-accessible raised planting beds, a dedicated In Memoriam feature and a new seating area designed to provide a peaceful place for residents and visitors to relax and spend time together.

The improvements were made possible through funding provided by Abbey Wood Lodge’s CEO Daniel Rowark, alongside generous donations from Southport B&Q and relatives of residents. Staff explained that the garden had become underused in recent years, prompting the initiative to restore it as a welcoming and accessible outdoor environment for everyone at the home.

Abbey Wood Lodge expressed its thanks to all those who contributed to the project and reopening celebrations, including residents and their families, staff members, the Gardening Club, Andrew Alty and Daniel Rowark for their support and commitment.

The newly reopened “Our Little Haven” is now available for residents, relatives and visitors to enjoy, providing a peaceful outdoor retreat and a valuable space for socialising, relaxation and reflection.