Bailiff has a tour of renovated Le Platon

BAILIFF Sir Richard McMahon has paid a Christmas visit to see the newly-opened extension to Le Platon Residential Home and meet some of its residents.

Bailiff Sir Richard McMahon talks to Shelia Baker, left, and Joan Gill. (Picture by Peter Franklan, 32822152)

Welcoming Sir Richard in the home’s new reception area were members of the trustees, acting-chairman of the board of governors, Drew Pollock, and home manager Gill Kelly.

He was shown around by Paul Robilliard, secretary to the board, and his tour included a look at the new chapel, dining room and kitchen and an opportunity to see inside one of the new rooms.

The number of residents in the home has risen to almost 50 recently and the final vacant rooms in the new extension are set to be occupied in the coming months.

Many of the extension’s residents were in the new lounge where Mr McMahon had the opportunity to chat to them.

Among those he met was the home’s oldest resident, Margaret ‘Peggy’ Robinson, who had celebrated her 103rd birthday on 11 December.

Bailiff Sir Richard McMahon meets Margaret 'Peggy' Robinson, who is Le Platon's oldest resident at 103. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 32822154)

She is also one of the home’s newest residents, having moved in only a couple of months ago.

‘I’m really well looked after,’ she said. ‘I think they do a really good job.’

Sheila Baker, 86, was another newcomer. ‘It’s very good here,’ she said.

Her friend Joan Gill, 76 also liked her new home. ‘I’ve only been here a couple of months,’ she said. ‘It’s very pleasant.’

There are three married couples living at Le Platon, including Ron and Sylvia Gallienne. ‘We’ve been living here six weeks,’ said Mr Gallienne.

‘I think it’s fantastic for all these people, and for me.’

Bailiff Sir Richard McMahon talks to resident Ron Gallienne. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 32822156)

Sir Richard’s last visit to Le Platon was about three years ago during the building work.

‘It’s hugely impressive,’ he said. ‘A lot of thought has gone into it. It’s quite clear from watching the residents with the people looking after them how much care is offered.’

This was his only visit to a care home this Christmas and he believed this might be due to there still being some nervousness about Covid.

‘This was the only visit I’ve been asked to do in the run-up to Christmas this year,’ he said, although he would have been happy to have visited other homes if asked.