Toray Pines Care Home Staff Recognised at East of England Awards

Across all our UK care homes, we celebrate staff who make a real difference. This is especially true for Toray Pines care home This year, Linda Nicholson, our housekeeper at Toray Pines Care Home, became a Regional Finalist for the Ancillary Worker Award at the East of England Care Awards. She has served our residents with care for 35 years.

Linda, 69, joined Toray Pines in 1990. Over three decades, she has taken just one sick day. Her work goes far beyond laundry. She brings warmth and joy to residents and colleagues every day.

“I couldn’t believe it when they told me about the award,” Linda said. “I feel truly appreciated. Winning would show that everything I’ve done has made a difference.”

Although she reached retirement age, Linda chose to continue at Toray Pines. “I could have retired, but I would have missed the residents too much,” she said.

Nicola Eadsforth, Home Manager, said: “Linda is the heart of our home. She doesn’t just do a job—she changes lives every day. We are very proud of her.”

Linda remembers cycling to work from Woodhall Spa during icy winters, sometimes arriving with icicles in her hair. Today, she drives a Smart Car and walks into work, ready to start her day. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening and knitting, reflecting her kind, down-to-earth nature.

Other Toray Pines staff also received recognition. Jo Johnson, Administrator, was shortlisted for the Care Home Activity Organiser Award. Across the Tanglewood group, staff nominations included:

• Care Team Awards – Holbeach Meadows, Spalding

• Ancillary Worker Award – Wendy Trotter, Tanglewood Care Homes Head Office

• Care Home Activity Organiser Award – Hayley Jackson, Cloverleaf Care Home, Lincoln

• Palliative Care/End of Life Award – Katie More, Regional Manager, Tanglewood Care Homes

At Toray Pines, part of the family-run Tanglewood Care Homes, we focus on high-quality, person-centred care. Residents enjoy comfortable rooms, home-cooked meals, engaging activities, and beautiful gardens. Our team works every day to make residents feel safe, valued, and at home.

We are proud to celebrate Linda and our team for their dedication, professionalism, and the positive impact they have on residents’ lives.

To learn more about the care and dedication of our teams at Tanglewood, or to find out about life at Toray Pines Care Home, speak with our kind care home staff. They will share information on our residential, dementia, respite, or palliative care services, and help you arrange a visit.