The Knoll Care Partnership – Still going strong just like Kylie
The 18 March 1988….for those whose memories don’t stretch back that far (or those who weren’t born then) the Berlin Wall was standing tall, Margaret Thatcher was PM, Kylie was riding high in the charts and Manchester United were second in football’s top flight. So some things don’t change…..
It was also the day that Manchester-based care home business The Knoll Care Partnership launched, with the opening of The Knoll in the heart of Urmston. James Callaghan founded the business with his wife Madeleine managing the care home – a welcoming two floored Victorian building set in its own grounds.
And, like Kylie, 30 years on The Knoll continues to thrive. Last weekend it marked its 30th birthday with a party in the gardens of the care home with residents, their families, and staff celebrating in glorious sunshine.
In the intervening years, the business has expanded. A second site – The Fairways in Flixton – was purchased in 1989 and extended in 1991 to create a second 20 bedroom facility. James and Madeleine were soon joined in the business by eldest son Matthew and his wife Jayne in 1992.
But back to the party…..with live music from the Family Ryan, games, and dancing, the afternoon was a roaring success, attended by over 80 people of all ages.
Children enjoyed splashing in the paddling pools while many adults opted for Pimm’s or chilled wine to cool down! Families spent valuable time with their loved ones in a relaxed and welcoming environment, with party-goers tucking into a fantastic buffet, and burgers and sausages hot off the barbecue.
The air was filled with laughter as jokes and anecdotes from 30 years in the caring industry were shared. Claire Callaghan, James and Madeline’s daughter who currently manages The Knoll, said:
“It was wonderful day for all involved. Leading up to the day our residents enjoyed the preparations, making banners for display and reminiscing by looking at old photos of the homes, residents and care team.
It was particularly lovely to see so many of our wonderful team come along and bring their own families – truly embodying the family ethos we stand by. We are excited to be taking these values forward with us and look forward to our next 30 years, particularly as we welcome our new home at Bowfell House.”
Bowfell House, a brand new 40 bed care home, is set to open in autumn 2019. In March 2015 The Knoll Care Partnership purchased land at the former Flixton Branch Library on Bowfell Road and construction is currently underway.
The future, just like the day of the party, looks bright for this family business.