Care home residents enjoy heart of the action at improved rugby club

New accessibility facilities at Chichester Rugby Club have been completed and residents from Colten Care's Wellington Grange care home joined sponsorship manager Ron Migliorini on the balcony for a great view of the pitch. Resident Josie Allman (centre) tried on some rugby headgear and is pictured with fellow residents Paul Harvey and Bunny Storrar, activities organiser Emily Hudson, Ron Migliorini and home manager Clare Gibson

Club discussions with neighbouring home Colten Care’s Wellington Grange prompted officials to install a raised wooden platform on the Oaklands Pavilion balcony overlooking the pitch.

Together with a newly installed lift and handrail, it means wheelchair users can now enjoy a far better, close-up view of one of the South East’s most picturesque rugby locations.

Clare Gibson, home manager at Wellington Grange, said: “We’re thrilled that the club has gone the extra mile to create a birds-eye view of the heart of the action for our residents and others in the community with limited mobility.

“The chance to watch and cheer on the team in more comfort, with a glass of beer or sherry in hand, will go down very well with our residents.”

“It’s not all about having a close-up view of rugby players’ strong legs, though some of our ladies have been talking about that!”

Club sponsorship manager Ron Migliorini said the accessibility improvements would benefit any disabled person keen to watch live rugby.

He added: “We are a community sports club and want to do what we can to facilitate access for all.”

The tie-up between the club and Colten Care began with the opening of Wellington Grange, by the corner of Broyle Road and Wellington Road, in April 2016.

A sponsorship agreement has seen club members coming into the home for talks while residents have been able to visit Oaklands Pavilion for matches, lunches and other events.

For more information about Colten Care’s Wellington Grange, visit the website at www.WellingtonGrange.co.uk.

With more than 30 years’ experience, Colten Care is an award-winning family-owned care home company. It has 20 quality care homes and offers a range of services spanning residential, nursing and dementia care. Colten Care is also committed to raising money for charitable causes. In 2015, Colten Care residents and team members raised nearly £32,000 for charity.

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