Barchester Farley Gardens Care Home

Hi! My name is Simona, and I am the Senior General Manager here at Farley Gardens. My team and I can't wait to welcome you into our beautiful new home.

My role is to ensure that we deliver what we say we do. I am responsible for overall service delivery to our residents and community, inspiring and leading the team and ensuring high standards of governance and compliance are achieved.

I trained as a nurse in Italy and worked there for 20 years in that capacity. The last 7 years before leaving Italy, I had the privilege of serving the public healthcare sector through managing and leading frontline hospital services. In 2017, I came to the UK and joined the NHS, which I was particularly proud of. I have learnt a great deal from these colleagues along my career journey.

I truly believe in the values of responsibility, integrity, kindness, compassion and doing what I can for others. The care sector has afforded me the opportunity to ‘live’ these values in the workplace, for which I am truly grateful.

After serving in the NHS, I was immediately drawn to Barchester because of the culture and principles the organisation aspires to.

I am now passionately working with the community and my team here at Farley Gardens to take the home’s services forward. My team and I are fully committed to embedding the Barchester Values: RESPECT, INTEGRITY, PASSION, EMPOWERMENT and RESPONSIBILITY.

My door is always open to the community, family, residents and staff: do not hesitate to come and talk to me should you need anything or if I can assist in any way.

Thank you for your interest in our lovely home. Read less

Hello, my name is Oana, and I am the Deputy Manager here at Farley Gardens.

I began working in the care sector 9 years ago and have progressed in my career to become a Deputy Manager. It is a true pleasure to be working in this beautiful, luxurious home.

I love supporting our residents and take great fulfilment in being actively involved in their care. It is important to me that my team and I work hard to understand the residents' personal goals, support their well-being and simply be a consistent and compassionate presence in their lives.

I am passionate about learning new things and developing my skills. The best way to progress is by embracing every opportunity, as no task is too small, and no challenge is too big. My philosophy! Stay curious, stay involved and keep evolving.

I am so pleased to be part of Barchester Healthcare. Working alongside Simona and the team is a privilege, and I am confident that together, we will provide great care, offer a wonderful lifestyle and bring happiness to our residents and each other.

Outside of work, I am an avid traveller. I enjoy exploring new places with my son, husband and my mother-in-law, a combination that guarantees both adventure and entertainment. Greece is my favourite destination (my second home), though I am open to any place with good food. I also love reading and indulging in a well-prepared meal, believing that a great book and a good meal are the perfect way to recharge.

We are proud to share that Oana is our Onboarding Buddy at Farley Gardens. Read less

Hello, my name is Hayley, and I am the Administrator here at Farley Gardens.

I am originally from South Africa, and I joined Barchester in 2022. Previously, I have worked as a support worker, and I have also been a hairdresser. My personal mission statement is to do my best to promote kindness. I love working with people, and I am so excited to be part of the amazing team here at Farley Gardens.

I look forward to being the friendly face that welcomes our residents and their families to our beautiful home every day.

We are proud to share that Hayley is our Speak Up Champion at Farley Gardens. Read less

Hello, my name is Bruno, and I am the Second Chef here at Farley Gardens. I am from Brazil, and in 2008 I graduated there in History, which led me to work in museums, public archives and a primary school. In 2016, I moved to Germany, where a good friend got me into working in the kitchen environment, and I have done this ever since, working as a pizza chef, grill chef and team leader. I am really pleased to be working for Barchester in this new and beautiful home. I look forward to working with my team, our new residents and their loved ones in this luxury environment. Read less

Hello, my name is Mareesa.

I am a dedicated Activities Lead with experience working in care as a Senior, which gives me a strong understanding of residents' individual needs and wellbeing. I find great joy in creating meaningful moments that bring happiness, comfort and a sense of belonging. Combining my care experience with activities allows me to support residents holistically, ensuring they feel valued, safe and truly cared for. Read less

Hello, my name is Tony, and I am the Head of Maintenance here at Farley Gardens.

After serving 15 years in the military, I decided it was time to take on a new challenge. I have been working in the care industry for just over 5 years, running maintenance in care homes. It is a role that brings me great satisfaction knowing I am providing a safe, comfortable and happy environment for our residents.

I have been part of Barchester Healthcare for 3 years, and I thoroughly enjoy working for the company. They take the safety of our residents extremely seriously, and it is my pleasure to bring this to Farley Gardens. I have a wonderful team around me who I regularly train on safety procedures and changes in policy, and I will always do everything possible to keep our residents, their loved ones and the team safe. I am here to help, so please come and talk to me if you have any questions.

In my spare time, I have owned gyms, I enjoy football and being outdoors with my family.

We are proud to share that Tony is one of our Health and Safety Champions at Farley Gardens. Read less

Marie joined the Farley Gardens team when we first opened in July 2025 and has been a friendly, welcoming presence ever since.

As our Hospitality Host, Marie is the front of house and the friendly face of our kitchen team, helping to ensure mealtimes are not only well-organised but also an enjoyable experience for everyone. With a background in retail, care, pharmacy and the leisure industry, Marie brings a wealth of experience and a warm, approachable nature to her role.

Marie says the best part of her job is getting to know people and putting a smile on their faces – something she does every day with genuine care and kindness.

Outside of work, Marie loves spending time outdoors, going for walks, and unwinding with a cosy evening and her favourite films.

We are proud to share that Marie is our Nutrition and Hydration Champion at Farley Gardens. Read less

Hello, my name is Chaka, and I am a Senior Care Assistant here at Farley Gardens. I have been working in care for the last 20 years, 10 of those were working with young adults living with mental health issues. I then began my 10-year career supporting the elderly, and I continue to love this every day. I am so pleased to be part of the Farley Gardens team and working for Barchester. We are excited to welcome our new residents and their loved ones to the home, and I look forward to supporting them on their journey with us.

We are proud to share that Chaka is our Moving and Handling Champion at Farley Gardens. Read less

Hello, my name is Bindi, and I am a Senior Carer here at Farley Gardens. I am originally from Nepal, and I came to the UK 7 years ago. I have 5 years of experience working in the care sector and have enjoyed it thoroughly so far. I really love my job, and I am extremely passionate about delivering dignified, person-centred care to our residents. I joined Barchester to develop my career, and I am excited to be part of opening this wonderful home. I look forward to meeting our new residents and being able to make a positive difference in their lives.

We are proud to share that Bindi is our Dementia Champion at Farley Gardens. Read less

Hello, my name is Gunjan, and I am a Senior Carer here at Farley Gardens. I have been working in the care sector for the past 6 years, with over 5 of those as a team leader. I am passionate about delivering high-quality, person-centred care and supporting our residents and my colleagues in a positive and uplifting way. I am very much looking forward to bringing my passion to this home and our residents. I am excited to be working in such a lovely environment.

In my free time, I love to read, play chess and travel.

We are proud to share that Gunjan is our Tissue Viability Champion at Farley Gardens. Read less

Hello, my name is Ben, and I am a Senior Care Assistant at Farley Gardens. I recently moved to the area to fulfil this exciting new job role.

I am originally from Oxfordshire and have worked in the care sector for 13 years as a lead support worker looking after vulnerable adults with learning disabilities. I wanted to become a senior carer at Barchester so I could be part of this amazing team in this wonderful home, but mostly so I had the opportunity to look after our residents. I am very excited for this new chapter and to bring my skills and knowledge to Farley Gardens; however, the thing I look forward to the most is providing the best care, enriching lives, promoting independence and maintaining the best quality of life for all the residents we support.

We are proud to share that Ben is one of our Infection Control Champions at Farley Gardens. Read less

Hello, my name is Arjun, and I work at Farley Gardens as a Care Assistant. I joined Farley Gardens when we opened in June 2025. Since studying for a Chemistry degree at the University of Glasgow, I bring energy and compassion to this role, providing excellent care to our residents. I enjoy getting to know each individual and value the stories and life experiences they share. In my spare time, I like exploring web development and coding.

We are proud to share that Arjun is one of our Health and Safety Champions at Farley Gardens. Read less

Emily joined us in July 2025 and brings a warm and compassionate approach to her role here at Farley Gardens Care Home. Before joining the team, she worked with young adults with learning disabilities, gaining valuable experience in providing person-centred care and support.

With a background in hospitality, Emily thrives on the buzz of community life and loves being around people. She is passionate about creating a friendly, welcoming atmosphere where residents feel valued and supported. Emily is also eager to continue developing her skills and is currently working towards achieving her NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care.

Outside of work, Emily enjoys arts and crafts (particularly crochet) and often brings her creativity and positivity into daily life at home. She is delighted to be part of the Farley Gardens family and looks forward to supporting residents with kindness, respect and a smile.

We are proud to share that Emily is our Palliative Care Champion at Farley Gardens. Read less

Jacqui has been part of the Farley Gardens family since we first opened, bringing with her a caring nature and a wonderful attention to detail. With over four years’ experience working in care, she is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate support to all our residents.

Before beginning her career in care, Jacqui worked as a painter and decorator—a skill that has given her a keen eye for detail and a love of creating warm, welcoming spaces. She especially enjoys hearing the incredible life stories of our residents, believing that “people are our history.”

Outside of work, Jacqui enjoys swimming and spending time with her six grandchildren, who keep her busy and full of energy. Her warmth, positivity and dedication make her a valued and much-loved member of our team. Read less

I was born in Raunds, Northamptonshire. Growing up during the war, I lived in the countryside so I didn’t need to be evacuated, though having three big American bases nearby meant we still saw a fair bit of bombing. Being an only child, I was very close to my parents. I was especially close to my dad, and the moment I finished school, I went straight to work with him on our 200-acre family farm, looking after the cows.

When I was 21, I met my wife, Barbara, and we married a year later at 22. We’ve been together for 70 years now and celebrated this milestone at Farley Gardens. We farmed that land our whole lives, eventually moving from cattle to grain and horses, and were blessed with our two children, Martyn and Sally.

Cricket has always been my great passion. My regular cricket partner back in the day was David Frost, who went on to become the famous Sir David Frost. Outside of the farm and cricket, my wife and I loved travelling the world together. We've had some wonderful holidays over the years, especially going down to Antarctica to see the penguins and visiting Machu Picchu in Peru.

I keep my mind sharp and active through my favourite daily hobbies: Scrabble, Rummikub, and intricate jigsaw puzzles. Read less

I was born in Plymouth, Devon, and grew up as a child during the war. I was evacuated to the countryside in Exmouth to live with my uncle. I still hold very fond memories of that time, especially of the family dog.

My first job was at a printing factory, where I helped print books. Everything changed when one of my sisters returned home after being called up to the Air Force. I remember thinking how smart she looked in her uniform, so I asked my mum if she would mind if I signed up for the RAF.

It was during this chapter of my life that I met my husband while he was doing his National Service. Soon after, I was posted to Germany to work in the signals. For two years, we kept our relationship alive through telephone calls and letters. When my husband came home on leave, he would stay with my mum. Our long-distance bond grew into a beautiful marriage that lasted for 64 years, and we were blessed with two sons, Neil and Paul.

Outside of family life, I always loved staying active and socialising. I was an avid dancer and a very skilled table tennis player—even winning five trophies for my skills on the table! Read less

My name is Bill Copland, and I am the Residents' Food Ambassador at Farley Gardens. Here’s a bit about me.

Born in Glasgow before moving to Clapham Junction around the age of five, I went on to spend eight to ten unforgettable years at sea, shipping Tate & Lyle sugar and other cargo all around the world, even travelling as far as Australia and New Zealand.

Back on land, I married my wife, Christine—she was an absolute 'cracker,' an amazing mum to our three children, and I loved her with all my heart; we were simply always together. I later worked as a truck driver to support our family, and some of our absolute best times were spent holidaying with the kids down by the coast in Southampton, staying in a caravan or holiday home.

We also loved taking our own boat, the Cynric, for runs up and down the Thames together, heading up to London and even further during the summer. Today, I am a proud family man who still loves a good laugh, and you can usually find me socialising with my great friends at Farley Gardens. Read less

Looking after people has always come naturally to me, and I think my career has taught me how important kindness, patience and simply being there for someone can be.

When I retired, Tony and I enjoyed making the most of our time together. We loved going on cruises, spending precious time with our grandchildren and regularly travelling into London to enjoy the theatre. We have seen almost every show! We were also very fortunate to have a wonderful social life with friends and neighbours in our small village.

I wanted to continue doing something meaningful after retirement, so 13 years ago I joined a charity called The Link. I helped complete assessments and connect volunteers with people who needed support. It was incredibly rewarding and gave me a real sense of purpose.

As Tony’s dementia progressed, I gradually reduced my time with The Link so that I could be there for him. Life has changed for both of us, and although there have been difficult and emotional times, I feel very fortunate that I can continue to be part of Tony’s life and spend time with him at Farley Gardens.

Since Tony moved to Farley Gardens, I have become much more than just a visitor. I have got to know so many of the residents, their families and the wonderful staff, and I genuinely enjoy being part of the community. I love sitting with people, having a chat, sharing a laugh and getting to know everyone. Sometimes, it is the smallest things — a smile, a kind word or simply having someone to talk to — that can make such a difference.

Farley Gardens has become a very important part of our lives. While I am there to visit and support Tony, I also feel that I have found a lovely community of people who have welcomed me warmly.

I hope that my positive outlook, warmth and sense of humour bring a little happiness to the people I meet. If I can make someone smile, brighten their day or simply make them feel that someone cares, then that means a great deal to me. Read less

Lyn – Family Ambassador, Farley Gardens.

I feel very privileged to be one of the Family Ambassadors at Farley Gardens, and I’m delighted to share a little about our family’s journey and what being part of this wonderful community means to us.

I have three children, Lewis, Emily and Charlotte, who between them have given me six wonderful grandchildren: Maicie, Rocco, Elsie, Frankie, Ronnie and Rico.

They all enjoy visiting their Great Nan at Farley Gardens. Of course, eating cake is always a favourite part of the visit! But just as importantly, they love chatting with the residents about school, sports, toys and whatever else they’ve brought along to share. It’s lovely to see the conversations and smiles these visits bring.

My niece Claire also visits with her boys, Henry and George. They bring their own stories to share, and, naturally, they enjoy a bit of cake too! These family visits bring so much warmth and laughter, and it’s wonderful to see different generations spending time together.

Like many families, we had some difficult decisions to make about Mum’s future. After a month of respite care, which coincided with our individual holidays, Mum made the wise decision to stay at Farley Gardens permanently. We were relieved and happy that she had found somewhere she felt comfortable enough to call home.

As a family, we feel very fortunate that Mum is part of such a caring community. The staff are friendly, kind, supportive and approachable. They take the time to listen to our concerns and do their very best to resolve any issues. Knowing that Mum is cared for by people who genuinely want the best for her gives us great reassurance.

One of the things I value most about Farley Gardens is the sense of community that has grown between the residents and their families.

Every resident has their own individual needs, personality and story, but they all seem to muddle along together, forming friendships and supporting one another. Their families have gradually got to know each other too, and those connections have become just as meaningful.

For me, that is what makes Farley Gardens special. It’s not just about caring for our loved ones; it’s about creating a place where residents and families feel welcome, listened to and included. It’s about knowing that we are not on this journey alone, and that there are people around us who understand.

Lynda Read less