A WINCHESTER care home has said goodbye to a member of staff who worked there for almost 31 years.

Sharon Calver has stepped down after working as a wellbeing coordinator at Brendoncare Otterbourne Hill since it opened in July 2018.

Before that, Sharon started as a career at Brendoncare’s former care home, The Old Parsonage in Otterbourne, later becoming a wellbeing coordinator there.

She has retired after working at Brendoncare for 30 years and 10 months.

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During her time with Brendoncare, Sharon organised countless activities and outings for the residents at both care homes, including garden fetes and celebrations for the Queen’s Golden and Platinum Jubilees.

She said: “Brendoncare has been part of my life for nearly half of my life. It has been a pleasure and privilege to say I work for Brendoncare. I am leaving with a heavy heart. I am excited, anxious, pleased, and sad all at the same time.

“Brendoncare has always supported me professionally and personally. Everyone has always been so kind and generous.”

Sharon represented Brendoncare at the 100th birthday of HRH the Queen Mother, Brendoncare’s former patron. She also had an audience with Brendoncare’s current Patron, HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh when she officially opened Brendoncare Otterbourne Hill five years ago.

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Sharon, who lives in Eastleigh, now plans to enjoy some personal pleasures such as swimming, walking and people-watching.

Hampshire Chronicle: Sharon Calver

Charlotte Chiutare, Brendoncare Otterbourne Hill’s general manager, said: “We are all extremely sad to say goodbye to Sharon. She is much loved and respected by residents, colleagues, and people in the wider community with whom she has worked tirelessly making such a difference to everyone.

“We shall all miss her greatly, but we hope she will consider returning in the future, perhaps as a volunteer.”

Sharon received numerous gifts including flowers and cakes from relatives, colleagues, and friends. Brendoncare Otterbourne Hill gave her a bouquet, a garden centre gift card and a fingerprint family tree of the residents and staff.