Cheshire Home Summerstrand is proudly celebrating a remarkable 50-year milestone, having provided exceptional care and support to physically disabled adults since opening its doors in October 1975.
The facility currently supports 56 physically disabled adults and 15 children with varying abilities, with adult residents ranging in age from 26 to 74 years.
The home’s history began when it was officially opened by the renowned Professor Christiaan Barnard, with Alice Calitz becoming the facility’s first resident.
Home Manager, Deirdre Burger, reflected on these historic foundations: “Cheshire Home in Summerstrand was opened in October 1975, and our first resident was Alice Calitz. The erf was allocated to the Cheshire Branch, on condition it is used for the care of persons with disabilities exclusively.”
The facility’s reputation was further validated when Leonard Cheshire himself visited during the 1980s, expressing his approval of the outstanding legacy that had been established.
Today’s residents enjoy a rich programme of activities and opportunities that showcase the home’s commitment to holistic care. “The residents participate in art lessons, arts and crafts, golf lessons, a band, bible study and visits from Top Dogs,” explained Burger enthusiastically.
Particularly noteworthy is the home’s flourishing 35-member Toastmasters’ Gavel Club, which convenes monthly, demonstrating the residents’ commitment to personal development and communication skills.
The facility’s integration with the community includes participating as passionate sports supporters, attending Springbok matches and Sunrisers games, whilst others contribute professionally – working at Nelson Mandela University or, like Peter Wise, broadcasting on LM Radio. Burger described a typical day at Cheshire Home as a well-structured routine designed to balance care with independence.
“Getting assisted up and washed, off to breakfast, tea at 10:00, lunch at 12:00, tea at 15:00, dinner at 16:30 and tea at 20:00,” she said. “In between those times are the scheduled and ad hoc activities mentioned earlier.”
Residents regularly enjoy excursions to local beaches and shopping centres, family outings and community engagement through charitable activities such as selling raffle tickets at local shopping malls.
The facility’s impact, meanwhile, extends beyond its residential services through its Outreach Centre, affectionately known as Khaya Cheshire. Originally established in Walmer in 2001, this vital service relocated to the main campus in 2024, enabling the facility to provide daily support to 15 children from the Walmer community alongside its residential care programme.
As Cheshire Home Summerstrand embarks upon its next chapter, Burger remains optimistic about the future: “This 50th birthday proves we are a strong home, with vibrant personalities, a great team of residents and staff. Due to the optimism of our people, the good governance and the support of the community, we will be around for many years.”
The facility’s sustainability relies heavily on community partnerships, which Burger acknowledges with gratitude: “We so rely on our Gqeberha community for support and hope that we can continue our fantastic partnerships and friendships for the next 50 years.”
Cheshire Home Summerstrand continues to welcome community support and partnerships as it embarks upon its next 50 years of service.
For more information about the facility or ways to support their mission, interested parties are encouraged to contact the home directly.
