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North East Care Home Staff Surprised With Award Recognition
Colleagues from two sister North East care home operators were surprised with the news that they have been nominated for prestigious national awards.
Seventeen people from Popular Care and Solehawk care homes* in Newcastle, Gateshead, Peterlee, Darlington and Middlesbrough will go forward for a variety of categories at the Great British Care Awards 2025 .
The purpose of the Great British Care Awards is to pay tribute to those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work. It includes individuals who represent all areas of the social care sector, including older people or specialist services, residential or home care.
They are open to frontline staff such as care workers and care managers through to people who have made an impact in other ways including training and innovation.
Katie Broderick from Astune Rise gained a highly commended in the Carer category and will go forward to the regional finals to be held in Newcastle upon Tyne in November 2025.
Steve Massey, operations manager said: “We are so proud of all our colleagues who have been nominated for the Great British Care Awards, and we value and are thankful for all their hard work. A big congratulations to all who were nominated.”
* Astune Rise Care Home in Middlesborough, Wilton House in Darlington Peterlee in Peterlee, Kenton Hall and Kenton Manor in Newcastle and Craigielea in Gateshead all have nominees
Saltburn Trip - July 2025
Residents of Astune Rise Care House, part of Popular Care were all smiles last week as they enjoyed a nostalgic and sun-soaked day out to the charming seaside town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea.
In what has become a beloved annual tradition, 15 residents, along with friends and family enjoyed a classic British day at the seaside. With beach huts hired right on the seafront, the group basked in the blistering summer sun, taking in the sights and sounds of the sprawling seafront at this iconic gem on the North East coastline.
The day included hearty helpings of traditional fish and chips, much laughter, and a stroll along the Victorian pier, where many relived fond memories of childhood holidays. A highlight of the visit was the famous Saltburn Tramway lift, one of the world’s oldest water-powered funicular railways, still in operation since its opening in 1884. The lift remains a beloved symbol of Saltburn’s Victorian charm and rich coastal heritage and recently reopened after being closed for most of 2024.
Astune Rise manager Caroline Bowstead said: “Our residents look forward to this trip every year, it brings back such happy memories and really lifts everyone’s spirits. We’re so lucky to have such a beautiful coastline so close by.”
Princess Cruise - May 2025
Nearly 40 residents, their families and staff from Astune Rise Care Home in Eston enjoyed a spectacular river cruise on the Teesside Princess – made possible thanks to the incredible fundraising efforts of home manager, Caroline Bowstead.
The three-hour return trip from Stockton to Yarm saw residents treated to a delicious afternoon tea and breathtaking views along the River Tees. With plenty of singing, laughter, and even photos with the ship’s First Officer, the day proved one to remember.
Caroline raised £1,500 for the home’s Residents’ Fund by taking on the Middlesbrough Half Marathon. The fund helps to cover the cost of extra activities, trips and treats that bring joy and enrichment to residents’ lives.
Caroline, who has been part of Astune Rise for more than a decade, said: “We took some residents on the Teesside Princess last year and it was great fun. Everyone dressed to the nines in gowns, fascinators and tuxedos and had an amazing time with friends and family.
“We knew we wanted to do it again, but because of various travel requirements it can be expensive to get everyone there, so we needed to raise some extra money. I laced up my running shoes and hit the streets of Eston to train for the Middlesbrough Half Marathon!
“I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the community who have helped me to raise this money, which has given the residents and their families another unforgettable day making memories on the Teesside Princess.
“I had amazing encouragement and support from the company, family, friends and colleagues during my training, which was really needed – especially at the start when I was thinking to myself, ‘what on earth am I doing?!’”
Steve Massey, operations manager for Popular Care, praised Caroline’s efforts: “Caroline’s dedication to her residents is truly inspiring. She lives to make their lives
Mr Smith Awarded Medal - March 2025
Dennis Smith, aged 98, a resident at Astune Rise care home in Eston, Middlesbrough has been appointed to the rank of Chevalier in the Order national de la Légion d’Honneur.
This prestigious award, France’s highest distinction, recognises Dennis’s ‘military engagement and steadfast involvement’ in the Liberation of France during the Second World War.
Dennis receives his insignia at a special ceremony attended by his family. The presentation was made by Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Mrs Jo Ropner and Brigadier General Armel Dirou, Deputy Commander of the 1st (UK) Division Allied Reaction Force Land Component Command.
Dennis’s journey in the armed forces began at just 16 when he joined the Home Guard, despite the official age requirement being 18. He admits, “It was a little fib to get into the forces, and I don’t regret it!”
In 1944, Dennis joined the Green Howards and was sent to France, where he later became part of the Black Watch Regiment. His service took him through Belgium and the Netherlands before Germany, where he was based when the war ended. He later served with the Lincoln Regiment and the Worcester Regiment, where he took part in peacekeeping operations in Italy before completing his military service in Germany.
After leaving the armed forces, Dennis trained as a sheet metal worker, but work in the industry became scarce. He then found employment as a bus driver with United Buses, where he met Rose, a bus conductor known as a ‘clippy’. The couple married in 1952 and welcomed their son, Paul, in 1953. Today, Dennis is a proud grandfather of two and great-grandfather to four.
Dennis later worked for ICI as a shift inspector for 17 years before finishing his career at Air Products, retiring in 1989.
Speaking about receiving the Légion d’Honneur, Dennis said: “It is a great honour to receive this medal. At the time, we just did what we had to do. I never expected anything like this, but I am very grateful. It brings back many memories, and I am proud to have played my part.”
Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Jo Ropner said: “Dennis’s dedication and bravery during the war are truly commendable. This award is a fitting tribute to his role in the liberation of France. It is a privilege to be part of this special occasion, recognising his remarkable service.”
Brigadier General Armel Dirou added: “The people of France will always be grateful to veterans like Dennis, who risked everything for freedom. The Légion d’Honneur is the highest honour France can bestow, and Dennis’s courage and sacrifice more than deserve this recognition.”
Caroline Bowstead, Home Manager at Astune Rise, said: “Dennis is a much-loved resident here at Astune Rise, and we are all incredibly proud of him. His stories of service and resilience inspire us all. It is wonderful to see him receive this recognition.”
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Dreamboys Visit - February 2025
Residents at Astune Rise care home in Eston, Middlesbrough enjoyed an unforgettable day when Dreamboy dancer Max Hunter paid a special visit.
Max, who was a manager at a retirement village in St. Helens before becoming a male stripper, jumped at the chance to make the residents’ day.
Amid much hilarity and raucous laughter Max strutted his stuff, to the delight of both residents and staff.
Caroline Bowstead, home manager at Astune Rise said: “We were offered a Dreamboy to come and visit. I spoke to the gang here and the ladies said a resounding ‘yes please’.
“I’ve never seen a reaction like it at any event we’ve done, and there’s been a lot of them at Astune Rise. The laughter, the giggles, the tears – they’ve loved every minute of it.
“I’m just not sure how we’re going to top that, they’ve already asked him to come back next week for knit and natter!”
Max said: “This morning has been fantastic. It’s been a pleasure to join the residents here today. I used to run entertainment at retirement villages so it’s an absolute privilege to be back in a care home again putting a smile on residents’ faces.”
Resident 87-year-old Anne Hodgson said: “He has a nice body, nice and athletic and everything he did was lovely. Everybody was smiling and that’s beautiful.”
Betty Hughes spoke for many residents: “I loved his backside!”
Founded in 1987, Dreamboys are undeniably the most famous and successful male strip show in the UK history. Dreamboys is proud to be the world’s most inclusive male strip company welcoming everyone to the shows. Dreamboys has been created for all audiences age 18 – 100 from every walk of life. The shows welcome everyone from all communities, whether a girls night out, gay stag do, hen night, birthday, date night or just because, they offer the very best of the male strip show experience