COTSWOLD MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown visited a Cirencester nursing home on Thursday - and he was very impressed with what he saw.

Mr Clifton-Brown enjoyed chatting to the residents of Abbeyfield House Residential Home and heard how they are still cherishing their independence, and are very appreciative of the Government’s efforts to encourage workplace volunteering.

The MP was told by staff that like many of the Independent Abbeyfield Society houses, the home offers active retired people the opportunity to live as part of a small community. Residents have two meals a day, sat around one dining table to give them the chance to talk to each other and share their experiences and views.

Mr Clifton–Brown said: “I am pleased to see there is choice available between the large care homes and living alone. Abbeyfield House provides its residents with the opportunity to tackle loneliness by staying in conversation, keeping them young and active.

“The environment was wonderful and incredibly friendly and I would be happy to retire there myself when the time comes. I was also delighted to be presented with a wonderful painting by Mr Reeves, one of the residents.”

Mr Peter Reeves, a resident presented the MP with one of his own original art works, called ‘The Church at Lechlade’.

Peter said: “I am delighted to present Mr Clifton-Brown with a memento of his visit to us today.”