The Roddens marks 55 years at heart of Ballymoney community with return of first care assistant

Pictured at the anniversary party for the Roddens

A care home that has supported generations of families in Ballymoney has marked a major milestone, celebrating 55 years of service with a poignant reunion that brought its history full circle.

The Roddens, which opened in 1971, commemorated its anniversary last month by welcoming back its very first care assistant, in a celebration that highlighted both its legacy and its continuing role in healthcare across Northern Ireland.

The anniversary event gathered residents, families, current staff and former employees, offering a rare opportunity to reflect on more than five decades of care, change, and community connection.

Originally opened by Mrs HB Holmes, then vice chairman of the Antrim county welfare committee, the Roddens has grown and evolved significantly since its early days.

Marion Coyles, Beth Willis, Jean Sheils, Mavis Anderson and Joy Dunlop prepare to cut the anniversary cake.

What began as a local care facility has since adapted to meet changing health demands and now operates as the Northern Trust’s sole specialist delirium unit, placing it at the centre of a highly specialised area of care within the region.

The transformation reflects wider changes across the healthcare system, with increasing focus on complex needs and specialist treatment for vulnerable patients.

A defining moment of the anniversary celebrations came with the return of Beth Willis, who began working at the Roddens in 1971 as its first care assistant.

Now aged 93, Beth’s presence brought a powerful sense of continuity to the event, as she shared her memories of the home’s earliest days and reflected on the significant changes that have taken place over the decades.

Danielle McCaw and Eleanor Coulter pictured at the anniversary celebrations.

Emma Chen, Linda Millar, Angela Lamont and Rachel McCurdy pictured at the anniversary party.

Her return underscored the enduring human connections that have shaped the Roddens since its foundation, linking past and present through shared experience and commitment to care.

The event also provided an opportunity for past and present staff to reconnect, sharing stories and experiences from across the years, reinforcing the sense of community that has remained central to the home’s identity.

Philip Dawson, Manager at the Roddens, said:

“Reaching 55 years is a remarkable achievement, and we are incredibly proud of our history. Welcoming back our very first care assistant made this celebration even more special. It’s a powerful reminder of the dedication and compassion that continue to define our home today.

“We were also delighted to welcome many of community partners to our celebrations, including Anne Paul and Georgie Blair (Friends of The Roddens group) and Harry Frizzel from the vintage club in Ballymoney.”

Emma Chen, Paige Montgomery, Nicola McCooke and Michelle Dempster pictured at the anniversary celebrations.

Joeanne Tweed, Emma McKnight, Donna Gray, Donna Henry, Donna Millen Robinson.

The presence of community partners at the event reflected the wider support network surrounding the home, highlighting its role not only as a healthcare facility but as a longstanding part of Ballymoney’s social fabric.

As it moves beyond its 55th year, the Roddens continues to balance its deep-rooted history with a forward-looking approach to care, maintaining its focus on innovation while preserving the warmth and community spirit that have defined it for more than half a century.

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At a glance

• The Roddens care home in Ballymoney has celebrated its 55th anniversary

• The home first opened in 1971 under Mrs HB Holmes

• It now operates as the Northern Trust’s only specialist delirium unit

• Former staff, residents, families and community partners attended the event

• The first-ever care assistant, Beth Willis, returned aged 93 for the celebration

• Manager Philip Dawson described the milestone as a “remarkable achievement”

• Community groups including Friends of The Roddens and Ballymoney Vintage Club took part

• The home reaffirmed its commitment to innovation and community-focused care