11 June 2025
When you walk through the doors of Cromwell House, you’re met with a sense of familiarity and warmth that can only come from decades of genuine care and commitment. For one dedicated member of our team, this building has been more than just a place of work — it’s been a lifelong journey, a community, and a home.
A Journey That Began 43 Years Ago
“Can you take us back to your first day working in this building 43 years ago?”
The answer came with a nostalgic smile. “It was lovely when it was a hospital. I met so many interesting people. I was working as a chef back then, and I’d actually been a chef since I was 15. We wore the full chef uniform — tall hat and all — and would go around to each patient, asking them what they’d like to eat.”
Every patient had their own room, some staying for as long as three months while recovering from cosmetic or general surgeries. It was personal, it was busy, and it was deeply rewarding.
Why Stay So Long?
When asked what inspired a career in this setting and what’s kept them here for over four decades, the response was simple but heartfelt: “It’s hard to explain. The hours were good, and the building itself has a certain something. It draws you in.”
A Home Evolving Through the Years
Cromwell House has transformed immensely over the years. “It went from hospital to nursing home. I’ve seen three different owners, and Abbey Healthcare is the third. Each change brought something new, but the heart of this place has always stayed the same.”
From the Kitchen Hub to Cherished Memories
As Head Chef for many years, the kitchen was more than a workspace. “The kitchen was the centre of the home. Everyone came through it — chatting, sharing news, connecting. It was a hive of activity.”
A standout memory? “We cooked for the Prime Minister — John Major — when he came to open the building as a hospital. For two months before, we weren’t allowed to open the doors to the public! We laid out a grand buffet, and I managed to sneak one photo. Back when Dr. Gallen owned the building, Mrs. Gallen loved entertaining — we had garden parties and all sorts. I still have some of those photos.”
A Personal Connection to Care
Not just a chef, but a patient too — “I was admitted to the hospital three times myself. I know firsthand how comforting good care and good food can be.”
And that care was always deeply personal. “I used to go around daily — sometimes twice — chatting with patients about the menu. Steak and prawn cocktails were always a favourite after surgeries!”
A New Chapter in the Garden
After decades in the kitchen, a new role called. “Two days a week in the kitchen just didn’t work anymore, and Adam was helping too — now he doesn’t have to. I moved into supporting the maintenance team and focused on gardening. I love it. Every day is different, and after doing the same thing for so long, it’s refreshing.”
The garden has become a new centrepiece of Cromwell House. “So many residents comment on how nice it looks — and it’s still a work in progress. Being outdoors lifts their spirits, helps them sleep better, and just makes them feel good.”
The Vision for the Garden
There are exciting plans ahead. “I want to create a peaceful seating area and a sensory garden — especially for our residents living with dementia. I’ve got olive trees in mind, a new pathway so everyone can access the space, and we’ve got a water feature ready to install. I want different zones — a tranquil space, a social area, places to just enjoy nature.”
Why It All Matters
When asked about the most rewarding part of 43 years at Cromwell House, the answer was clear: “Seeing people eat well. Watching them get stronger because of good meals. Going into the dining room and seeing empty plates — that was always the sign.”
Many residents have left a lasting impression. “There was one woman, so anxious before surgery she wanted to go home. I sat with her, helped her choose her menu, and reassured her. She went ahead with it and thanked me the next day. That stuck with me.”
Still Inspired, Still Motivated
After all these years, the joy hasn’t faded. “I still love coming to work. The variety, the people, the garden — it all keeps me going.”
The legacy left in these walls — from hospital kitchens to blooming flowerbeds — is one of care, comfort, and connection. And for all who’ve had the privilege of working or living at Cromwell House, it’s a story that continues to inspire.