Care home pays tribute to 'remarkable' administrator as she retires aged 79

A 'remarkable' lady who has made a huge difference in her time at a care home in North Yorkshire is retiring after 30 years - having never had a day off work sick.

Since in Leyburn opened in 1968, Norma Croft, aged 79, has worked tirelessly in her role as a part-time administrator.

Now, as the care home is closing and residents are moving to nearby Kirkwood Hall, her colleagues and friends have paid tribute to her work and the difference she has made.

Dedication

“What makes Norma special is the absolute dedication she shows in everything she does,” said registered manager of Brentwood Lodge, Karen Stephens. “She always goes above and beyond the call of duty and thinks nothing of it, if it is for the good of others.

“Norma spent many years hosting bingo nights in her own time and has fundraised for our residents in so many other ways over the years.

“Norma may have come as a clerical assistant at the beginning but there is not one job other than providing hands on care that she has not undertaken in this building. Staff will tell you that if they want anything or can’t find anything, Norma knows exactly where to get it from.

“I find it hard to put into words just how remarkable she is because you have to know her and work with her to fully appreciate her efforts.

“Norma will never stop and intends to visit our people in their new homes and continue with her church and community activities.”

Community-minded

Ms Croft, who has two sons and one granddaughter, was born in The Old Horn Inn at Spennithorne and lives in a cottage next door. A keen walker, she has been a WI member since she was 15 and is treasurer for her church in the village.

She has been known to walk two miles in the snow to get to work and is credited by North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) for saving them a small fortune over the years with her recycling and mending skills.

As colleagues presented Ms Croft with a bouquet of flowers at her retirement party, she said: “I have always been community minded. I believe in helping to make the community a better place for people and improving the lives of others.”

County Councillor Clare Wood, North Yorkshire’s executive member for Adult Social Care and Health Integration, said: “Norma has been so well regarded by the staff and people who live at Brentwood. We all want to mark the end of her long and dedicated career working in public service and for her local community.

“Norma is such an active person and highly competent in all she does and we are sure she will continue with her boundless energy and commitment to benefit all the groups with which she is involved. We wish her a long and very happy retirement.’’

New care scheme

Ms Croft’s retirement comes after the announcement that Brentwood Lodge, which currently provides residential care for 32 people, will be closing and residents will be moving to a new state-of-the-art £8m extra care scheme in Leyburn.

Broadacres, in partnership with North Yorkshire County Council, Richmondshire District Council, and the Homes & Communities Agency, will provide 53 homes, including seven two-bedroom bungalows, 26 two-bedroom apartments and 20 one-bedroom specialist apartments for people with complex needs and those living with dementia.

Communal facilities will include a lounge, restaurant, hair and beauty room, guest suite, assisted bathing room and 24-hour care for residents who require it.

Commenting on the development, Ms Croft said: “I think that Kirkwood Hall will be a great asset to Leyburn and Richmondshire. It will provide something we have needed for a long time.

“We have an increase in older people in the Dales and people don’t like to move away. When you are living alone as an older person you need a feeling of security. You want companionship but also the ability to lock the front door and stay in your flat if you don’t want to mix. Kirkwood Hall will provide all that.”

Andy Powell, Broadacres’ director of customer services, added: “The new scheme has been designed to support a range of needs including physical disability, mobility and sensory impairment, as well as people living with dementia and other aged-related issues.

“It will provide high-quality, modern accommodation for local people and our aim is for it to become a valuable resource for the local community.”