Castle Grove

Meet the Staff

Read here about our staff.  They are responsible for making sure that the residents of Castle Grove have the best possible experience while they are with us.

One of the fascinating aspects of Castle Grove is that the staff often stay for years & this is recognised with long-service awards at the annual staff Christmas party (which takes place, for historical reasons, in January.) Other things of note are that staff sometimes return & perform a different role. Many staff live in Bampton & are related to each other. (In a small community it is worth remembering this!)

MEET THE STAFF

Isabelle Kenny - Proprietor: Born and educated in Devon, Isabelle took a B.A. at London University before teaching in a secondary school. Whilst living in Wales, she researched and completed a Masters Degree at Cardiff. In 1984, Ray and Isabelle found Castle Grove and recognised its potential for Residential Care. Isabelle also holds an NVQ Level IV in Care Management.

For over twenty years Castle Grove was run by Isabelle and her late husband Ray Kenny who passed away in 2007. Born in Dublin, Ray trained as a chef at the Dorchester Hotel, London and at various hotels in Switzerland. Whilst teaching catering at Ealing College, he studied for a degree and furthered his experience by lecturing at University College, Cardiff. His wide knowledge of hotels and haute cuisine is reflected in the level of service and care at Castle Grove. To read more about the life of Ray Kenny please click here.

Sue Thomas – Nurse Manager: Our Registered Nurse-Manager, Sue Thomas, R.G.N, trained at University College Hospital, London and has worked in elderly care since qualifying in 1983. She has been at Castle Grove since 1995 and is a qualified NVQ Assessor and a Manual Handling Key Trainer. Sue also holds an NVQ Level IV Registered Manager’s Award.

Jonathan Whitton - Head Chef: Jonathan trained at East Devon College and Exeter University before commencing a career in several of the local hotels, where he gained experience and knowledge of many of Devon’s excellent local food suppliers. He has also cooked on occasion for a number of celebrities, including the late Princess Margaret and Jools Holland. He is a versatile chef able to cope with anything from special diets to the annual Christmas Party buffet.

HOUSEKEEPING STAFF

Ably led by Debbie (who first started working here as our book-keeper 23 years ago), the team includes 2 long-serving members of staff, Julie & Gill (who both began as carers).Eileen, Sue Floyd & Caroline complete the team, which is valued for its versatility.(Gill arranges the flowers.)

CARE STAFF

The care team is led by Sue Thomas the Nurse-Manager, another long-term member who began as a night nurse before she took charge of the home. Ros also began working here at night a considerable number of years ago. We have a strong connection with Zimbabwe, as Gladness, Tambu, Theresa, Betty & Prisca complete the nursing team. (We celebrate Zimbabwean National Day on 18th April, when the flag is flown & we eat food based on African recipes.)

The night staff are Linda Howe, Kelly, Lorraine & Jenny (another long-term employee & Julie’s sister.)

We have quite a mixture of ages amongst the care staff, ranging from the youngest, Emily & Zoe to Chris, who arranges activities & bakes superb birthday cakes, themed for each resident. Goschka, from Poland, adds a cosmopolitan flavour to the team. Sharon is Sue Floyd’s daughter & began here after leaving school. Emma & Sue MacAlliskey started their careers here & returned to work after their families were born. Tracey & Rowena are newer recruits from Tiverton. Patsy, Josie, Donna, Jade & Sally live in the Bampton area. (Always handy when we have weather crises, like the recent snow!)

ANCILLARY STAFF

Nigel Browne –  is our office-manager, but often turns his hand to other tasks to help out. Ian Buchanan (married to Gill) is a recent employee as estates manager, but has long been a friend of Castle Grove, especially when it comes to manning the bar at the residents’ Christmas party. John (married to Chris) assists Isabelle in the garden & works with Brian, our volunteer. Peter, Emily’s brother is our youngest team member, helping with the bins & recycling.

Lastly, here is Molly who tries to supply the home with fresh rabbit!