Five Tonnes of Fun: Abbeyfield's Beach Build
Abbeyfield's marketing, fundraising, and volunteering team transformed the garden of Pratt House in Amersham into a sandy paradise.
Six volunteers spent a day shoveling and wheeling in five tonnes of sand, while the Pratt House staff, led by Michael Finch, constructed a beach complete with decorations such as bunting, beach huts and seaside head-through-the-hole boards.
Alice Dunning, the Care Home Manager, said, “Our residents are always saying how they wish they could visit the seaside again.
“With the logistical challenges of arranging a trip to the coast, we thought we would instead bring the beach to them and let them get as close to the holiday experience as possible in our garden.
“Hopefully we can also make good use of the nice weather we have been promised over the next few days and maximise the use of the beach for friends and family to enjoy as well.
"The transformation is incredible, and I am very grateful to the volunteers for giving up their time to help set it up.”
All Abbeyfield staff are permitted to undertake up to two days of volunteering during their normal paid hours per year through our Employee Supported Volunteering Scheme (ESVS).
If you would like to find out more about the ESVS, please contact Volunteering Officer, Paul Colwill, at p.colwill@abbeyfield.com.
Read more Articles & News
03/11/2025
From a village in Pakistan to leading Sandwood Care Home
Asma Haque’s journey from a remote village in Northern Pakistan to becoming the Care Home Manager at Sandwood is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of community support.
Read More
30/10/2025
A Passion for Care: New beginnings for Jenna
We sat down with our new Manager, Jenna, to learn what attracted her to Abbeyfield, the lessons she brings from her extensive care background, and her plans for the home.
Read More
17/10/2025
Abbeyfield Living Society reaccredited as Menopause Friendly organisation
We're excited to announce we have received re-accreditation as a menopause friendly organisation, continuing our longstanding tradition of supporting employees in the workplace.
Read More