Engelberg Care Home Marks 60th Anniversary with Community Celebration

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Engelberg Care Home in Wolverhampton has celebrated its 60th anniversary on the 25th April 2026 with a special event bringing together residents, staff, families and members of the local community to mark six decades of care in the heart of the city.

Founded in 1966, Engelberg was established following a generous donation from local businessman and Methodist John Bates, who created the home in memory of his late wife, Blanche. The home takes its name from a Swiss village the couple held dear, with Engelberg translating as Angel Mountain. At its opening, John Bates set out a clear vision for what the home should be: "This is a home for old people - a perfect home - a home that is exactly the same as a home means to you and me- a place of joy and a place of hope and happiness”. Nearly sixty years on, that vision remains at the very heart of everything Engelberg does, and it is a vision the team at Ashberry Healthcare remains wholly committed to honouring.

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To mark the anniversary, those gathered outside the home recreated the original opening photograph from 1966, a moment witnessed by the Mayor of Wolverhampton, who attended the celebration and officially unveiled the recreation. The event also featured live entertainment, a spread prepared by the home's chef, raffle stalls and outdoor activities, all enjoyed against the backdrop of glorious spring sunshine.

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Engelberg Home Manager Sally Lloyd said:

"Reaching 60 years is a tremendous milestone and a real testament to the dedication of everyone who has worked here and cared for our residents over the decades. It was incredibly moving to recreate that original photograph and reflect on just how much this home has meant to so many people over the years."

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Dan Cash, Regional Director of Operations at Ashberry Healthcare and former Manager of Engelberg, added:

"Engelberg has a very special place in the history of this community and in the hearts of everyone who has been part of it. Its values have remained consistent throughout its 60 years, and it continues to embody the vision John Bates had when he founded it."

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Claire Fry, Operations Director at Ashberry Healthcare, said:

"This is a significant anniversary and one we are incredibly proud to celebrate. Engelberg has been part of the fabric of Wolverhampton for six decades, and our commitment is to ensure it continues to thrive and serve the community for many years to come."

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Engelberg joined the Ashberry Healthcare family in April 2024 and offers 34 comfortable bedrooms, providing high-quality, person-centred care in a warm and homely environment. The home's spiritual heritage remains an important part of daily life, with a dedicated chaplain supporting residents in practising their faith.

Ashberry Healthcare would like to extend its sincere thanks to the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Craig Collingswood for attending and helping mark this important occasion. And again, thank you to everyone who came and celebrated this wonderful milestone.

If you are interested in finding out more about Engelberg and the care we provide, please contact us here