Somer Valley House

Carol brings a wealth of experience to Somer Valley House as its General Manager. With decades of experience managing nursing, residential, and dementia care homes, she is exceptionally well qualified for the role. Holding a degree in leadership and management, Carol has dedicated her career to supporting older people and leading large teams. She has been deeply involved in training and mentoring staff, ensuring the highest standards of care and compliance with CQC requirements. Having successfully opened three care homes previously, Carol is well-equipped to lead Somer Valley House. She takes pride in delivering exceptional customer service and is excited to work closely with residents and their families.

I take pride in being kind, patient, friendly and understanding. I am passionate about doing the absolute best for our future residents, their families and the entire Somer Valley and Oyster Care home teams.

I have a fun and cheerful personality and am eagerly looking forward to meeting our residents, hearing about their stories and interests and making them feel that Somer Valley House is a home away from home by always providing a welcoming and friendly presence.

As a lifelong resident of Midsomer Norton, I am absolutely thrilled to be part of the Somer Valley house adventure from the very beginning and have excitedly watched the progress of the building every week since the beginning of the year.

Rhona has always been someone who helps others, especially being a military wife abroad, supporting families while their loved ones were away on active duty.

Once back in the UK she was offered a carer role. She has worked for some amazing empowering people who bought out the best in her. She has been both a carer and a General Manager achieving level 5 in leadership and management. A kind, open and quirky person.

Sharon has lived locally all her life, and is thrilled to be part of the exciting new venture at Somer Valley House. Happily married for 25 years and a proud parent to four wonderful children. As the Housekeeping Team Lead gives Sharon the opportunity to support and guide her team members. With exceptional housekeeping skills, she considers it a privilege to help maintain such a beautiful home, ensuring it is always kept in pristine condition.

Born and raised in Somerset, Bruce began his career in horticulture after training at Radstock Tech and Cannington College. Working as a plantsman and landscaper at a local nursery before becoming the Head of Maintenance and Gardener at a 54-bed hotel.

In the mid-1980s, his career took a different direction when he decided to pursue a career as an HGV driver. Spending 30 years driving across the UK, Europe, and Africa, before a health scare in 2020 led me back to my roots in gardening and maintenance at a care home in Bath.

He lives locally with his partner, Vicky, and can often be found pottering in the garden at home or entertaining his six grandchildren. He is a National Trust members and love spending time exploring the local sites on leisurely strolls.

Born and raised in Somerset, Bruce began his career in horticulture after training at Radstock Tech and Cannington College. Working as a plantsman and landscaper at a local nursery before becoming the Head of Maintenance and Gardener at a 54-bed hotel.

In the mid-1980s, his career took a different direction when he decided to pursue a career as an HGV driver. Spending 30 years driving across the UK, Europe, and Africa, before a health scare in 2020 led me back to my roots in gardening and maintenance at a care home in Bath.

He lives locally with his partner, Vicky, and can often be found pottering in the garden at home or entertaining his six grandchildren. He is a National Trust members and love spending time exploring the local sites on leisurely strolls.

Born in South America and raised in Bradford-on-Avon, Laura Hewat brings a unique blend of creativity and passion to her role as Head Chef at Somer Valley House.

Originally a Fine Art Sculpture graduate from the London School of Arts, Laura ran her own plastering and decorating business, Nice Finish, for over a decade before retraining as a chef. Her culinary journey includes roles at renowned establishments such as Babington House and Ston Easton Park, with a specialisation in viennoiserie, pastry, and artisan chocolate making.

Inspired by her experiences in North and South America, Laura infuses her cooking with creativity and care. Having started her career in the care sector at The Mineral Bath, she is dedicated to providing high-quality, nourishing meals while fostering a positive, welcoming kitchen environment.

Laura is excited to make every meal at Somer Valley House a moment of joy for residents and staff alike.