The Abbeyfield St Albans Society celebrated 60 years of CQC rated 'Outstanding' care at Grace Muriel House recently with a special, distanced cocktail party for it's 36 residents.
Despite the national lockdown, the birthday celebrations went ahead for staff and residents at Grace Muriel House, complete with canapés, cake and a custom made cocktail for the occasion. The Society worked hard to connect residents, friends, family, management and staff safely by way of one large virtual gathering.
Pre-recorded messages of support were also played from The Right Worshipful Mayor of St Albans City and District Cllr. Janet Smith, Bishop of St Albans the Rt. Revd. Alan Smith, and local MP Rt. Hon. Daisy Cooper.
Mrs Cooper said, “Congratulations on reaching the 60 year anniversary of Grace Muriel House! I know that this year has been particularly tough, but I’m pleased that my team and I have been able to help you at key critical junctures. Your recent rating of ‘Outstanding’ from the CQC gives you a really firm foundation for the next 60 years of caring. I hope you have a wonderful celebration.”
You can also watch Mrs Cooper's message below:
Newly appointed Chairman George Ashworth added: “Given the history of the society, it is entirely fitting that we invited our special to virtually participate. A pre-recorded message from them helped to secure the safety of our residents, which is of course our highest priority. 2020 has been a very difficult year for the charity and the care sector in general, but we will continue to face the ongoing challenges of COVID-19 with professionalism whilst staying true to our ultimate aim of enhancing the quality of life and wellbeing of our residents.”
Being a much loved St Albans institution, it is only natural that we would want to commemorate this great occasion with the community of St Albans as a whole.
"We are very proud that Grace Muriel House is in the elite top 1% of homes rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC – it is a great achievement and is something that everybody in St Albans can feel proud to be associated with. I hope that the Society’s birthday celebrations can further help to strengthen our connections with the broader St Albans community, including local businesses.” he added.