Bay Tree Court, which provides residential care and independent living apartments in Prestbury, has joined Lilian Faithfull Care.

Bay Tree Court on Prestbury High Street, a few miles from the centre of Cheltenham, provides a residential care home and a range of independent living apartments and bungalows. It was established in 1997 and joined Lilian Faithfull Care this week.

Suzanne Booker, interim chief executive at Lilian Faithfull Care, said: "We are delighted to welcome Bay Tree Court to the Lilian Faithfull Care family. There is a real connection between, us as we share the same ethos, so it feels a natural development.

"Bay Tree Court is already a wonderful community with independent living apartments and a purpose-built residential care home right at the heart of Prestbury.

"It is an exciting time for our charity, being able to extend the range of care and support we offer in Gloucestershire. It is fantastic to be able to increase the independent living options available. We are looking forward to this new chapter and being an active part of the Prestbury community."

Bernard Freeman, former owner of Bay Tree Court, said: "Both parties have spent considerable time working together in order to ensure that this transition will be as seamless as possible for all those who live in the home, as well as those who reside in the flats and bungalows.

"We sincerely believe that we had found a buyer for Bay Tree who shares and practises the same values and ethics as we do. We genuinely believe that the residents' care and wellbeing will be the cornerstone of Lilian Faithfull's ownership of Bay Tree Court."

Bay Tree Court has 35 staff, who are now part of Lilian Faithfull Care.

Janet Capener, manager of Bay Tree Court care home, said: "The staff team are looking forward to becoming part of a local charity, particularly the opportunities it brings to work together with local colleagues, sharing knowledge, ideas and resources.

"I know that Lilian Faithfull Care's Home for life promise is also important to many of us. We look forward to the union and the way it will support us to provide excellent care and support to residents in both the care home and the independent living apartments."

Lilian Faithfull Care has been caring for the older generations in Gloucestershire since 1946. Its turnover in 2022 was £12.7 million.

Last year, Lilian Faithfull Care opened its first ever charity shop - on the High Street in Tewkesbury - to help support its fundraising. Punchline-Gloucester editor, Mark Owen, went for a look around.