Ann Gray
Owned Coombe House since 1984, Proprietor
Trained at St Bartholomew’s and qualified in 1970 as a registered general nurse. Ann bought Coombe House in 1984 and the first resident arrived in March 1985.
“I still enjoy what I do every day.”
Dawn Champion
At Coombe since 1997, Senior Carer
“I like that it’s REALLY person centred”
- NVQ Level 4 Health and Social Care
- Level 4 Leadership and Management
David Woolley
At Coombe since April 2013
“You couldn’t live with Ann and not care passionately about the work we do at Coombe House”
- Dementia Care Matters, I year course in Person Centred Dementia Care “an emotional journey” 2017-201
Jenny Hill
At Coombe since November 2007
“I’ve worked in loads and loads of care homes and this is by far the best I’ve ever worked in”
Sharon Santillo
At Coombe since April 2009
“I love the way that, when I’m cooking, I’m still in the middle of the family with people coming in and out of the kitchen to help with anything they choose.”
- NVQ 3 in Health and Social Care
- Food Hygiene Level 2
Joy Hawes
At Coombe since 2011
“I like the Home from Home”
Sandra Hawes
“We are delighted that Sandra has returned to Coombe “
- NVQ 3 Health and Social Care
Sara Hawes
At Coombe since November 2014
“I find Coombe a really calm nurturing environment even though a lot of hard work is being done”
- University of Surrey – One year course at diploma level Person Centred dementia care “an emotional journey”
Donna Sibley
At Coombe since December 2014
“It’s not like coming to work, I can be myself”
- NVQ 3 in Health and Social Care
Angie Masters
At Coombe since March 2017
Penny Wheeler
I have always been some part of Coombe House, returning to work here with Joshua when he was two, in 2015.
- Foundation Course in Falmouth School of Art and Design
- BA Hons Visual Communications/Media, Maidstone School of Art and Design
- Foundation course in Art Therapy October 2019
Alli Symons
At Coombe since Feb 2018
Jane Stewart
At Coombe House since 2015 – Gardener
- BA Hons Landscape Architecture, Leeds Metropolitan University
- NVQ Horticulture, Camborne
- Postgraduate Certificate in Landscape Architecture, Cheltenham
Nicola Allen
At Coombe since July 2018
- NVQ 2 and 3 in Care
Pratikshya Silwal
Housekeeper, At Coombe since April 2019
Others at Coombe
Sally Pestell
At Coombe since October 2014
After many years of teaching in Primary schools in Cornwall decided to embark on a career change and in 2015 graduated from Bristol UWE with an MA in Music Therapy. I have worked at Coombe since October 2014 where hold a weekly open music therapy group and also work with some individual residents (upon request). . In the group session we work with memorable music and songs as this is a powerful way to unlock precious memories from the past and bring them into the present moment. Music therapy can support psychological and emotional needs within a safe environment thereby enhancing the quality of life. I have noticed how there is always a positive mood shift by the end of the session. We sing, play, dance, laugh and cry together interacting in a way that is meaningful and usually full of fun! . I love my Work at Coombe because it gives residents an opportunity to be heard and valued for who they are. I consider it a privilege to be able to witness that. Every week is different but the ‘golden moments’ are always there! The hardworking and dedicated staff together with the nurturing ethos of Coombe make it a very special and unique place.
- MA Music Therapy
Phil Wright
Due to Covid restrictions, I haven’t been able to come to Coombe as regularly over the last year, but hope to again soon.
Normally, I come to Coombe once a week to hold an hour’s seated Tai Chi session with residents, staff and sometimes family members. I find it has a really calming influence on the people who sit with me and I am told this often lasts for the whole day. I really enjoy the sessions, they are different every week and full of surprises. Coombe House has a very creative air and the atmosphere is a pleasure to work in. Most sessions end in a wonderful meditative state and as a group we try to send this out throughout the lovely house and gardens.
My name is Phil Wright, an Advanced Instructor of Tai Chi Chuan and QiGong with the Tai Chi Union of Great Britain. I think Tai Chi (or similar practices) are vital to good health. I have been practising Tai Chi and QiGong for nearly thirty years and I am married with two wonderful children who inspire me every day with their vitality. Living in Cornwall, I have a love of the sea and practice my Tai Chi on the beach and cliffs as well as surf, walk and birdwatch.
“It is a special place with the people’s needs at its heart and I am delighted to be able to contribute to their well being.”
All photos by Penelope Wheeler