A CARE home celebrated its 20th anniversary yesterday – but had to combine the joy with sadness as it bid farewell to one of its longest-serving standing staff members.

The Ladymead Care Home in Wroughton held a summer garden party to markhonour two decades of providing care in the community.

It was a bittersweet time for the Moormead Road based home as the celebration also doubled up as a surprise retirement party for manager of 18 years, Anne Rouse.

Residents, staff, family members and the mayor of Swindon gathered in the gardens to enjoy an afternoon of Pimm's, cake and live music courtesy of swing singer Neil Patterson.

Anne said she felt overwhelmed that a celebration had been planned in her honour as she enters her final week as manager.

“This day has been full of surprises. I couldn’t believe it when they said the party was for me. They know I don’t want all the fuss but I’ve loved it,” she said.

“It’s the spirit and friendship of everyone that makes Ladymead a great place. We are just like one big happy family. We are simply the best.”

The community stalwart was presented with two cakes and a photo montage detailing her most memorable moments since 1997.

Over two decades the home has more than tripled its resident intake with Anne the guiding force at the helm of the Ladymead ship for 18 years.

Former Marie Curie Cancer nurse Anne said the time was right for her to move on to pastures new.

“It’s the right time to leave," she said. "I shall be sad to go but there is so much more I want to do – travelling, visiting family, getting fit and volunteering. I’m excited for the next chapter.

“I’ve got mixed feelings about it. My personal highlight has been pretty much every day working here.

"I love what I do and I love meeting the people here and building that relationship with each individual."

Mayor of Swindon Andrew Bennett, an old friend of Anne’s, said the level of care available at Ladymead was testament to her hard work and dedication. He said: “Standing here today in a well-run, clean and safe care home you can see the hard work that’s gone into making Ladymead a success. Anne has built all of this up during her time here and she should be commended for that.”

Sue Woodward of Purley Close, who visits her friend at Ladymead, said Anne’s experience was invaluable when she was choosing the right care home.

“She showed so much dedication and care when we were choosing somewhere for our friend to go. She’ll definitely leave a legacy on this place,” she said.

Anne will be succeeded by deputy manager of 10 years Byju Vasudevan from Rodbourne.

He said: “Anne will be sorely missed by everyone here. She’s made the care home what it is, along with our team of staff.

"I’m happy to take the reins now but I will really miss her.”