Home and dry

In recent times, Bridgemead has had some near misses, with family members moved to a higher floor on one occasion when the river burst its banks, and an ingress of water to the lift shaft occurring on another. In winter especially, when the risk of flooding is highest, staff nervously monitored the measuring stick outside the home as the water level crept up and up.

When the increased risk first became apparent, Bridge Care, the charity set up by the local Widcombe Baptist Church to build and oversee Bridgemead, began exploring flood defence options. Trustees commissioned Bath-based firm SRA Architects to devise a Flood Resilience Project plan. Recognising their need for greater expertise and resources in managing the project, as well as more support generally, Bridge Care turned to us at Pilgrims’ Friend Society to take on the running of the home. Bridgemead became part of our family in October 2024, on the understanding that we would invest in the flood works as part of our Growth and Renewal Programme.

With work starting in April 2025, the £1.4million project has now been implemented. The measures have included creating a ‘cocoon’ of protection around the home in the form of a glazed balustrade and the erection of a further flood defence wall. At the same time, we have replaced ageing windows.

Hugh Lambourne, Director of Property Services for Pilgrims' Friend Society, has overseen the project. Hugh says, “It's a huge relief to know that our family members and staff are now protected from a potential flood event, and that our ability to provide much needed Christian care in Bath long into the future is secure."

On the ground at Bridgemead, that sense of relief is palpable. “It used to be that staff were on edge every time it rained,” says Claire. “Now that worry has gone.”

During the works, there was some disruption to life at the home. At the rear of the building, scaffolding went up and machinery arrived. Access to the rear garden was closed. Some of the work involved loud drilling to remove existing concrete, with family members and staff supplied with ear defenders to help block out the noise.

James, 90, has lived at Bridgemead for the past nine years. James says, “I wasn’t particularly bothered by the works taking place. As an architect by background, I quite like looking at building works anyway.”

Thankfully, Bridgemead also has a roof garden where family members could sit and enjoy some fresh air, surrounded by potted plants. Staff also helped the home stay connected to the outdoors through a nest box camera monitoring a family of blue tits.

Hazel, 92, was one of our family members attending the garden party, along with friends Carole and Teresa, visiting from the village where Hazel used to live. Hazel said, "Having lived out in the country, I'm used to being surrounded by nature. It's lovely being able to come out in the garden and enjoy the trees and flowers."

As a nice touch connecting the garden space with those who call Bridgemead home was a bush decorated with wooden birds painted by family members. On the back of the birds, family members have written a word or name that is important to them.
 

The event was also attended by local Councillor Dine Romero on behalf of the Mayor’s Office in Bath. She said, “Bridgemead is a lovely facility and it’s therefore fantastic that these flood measures are in place and that vulnerable people are protected. It’s clear that the residents get a lot of joy from being here, including spending time in the beautiful garden space.”

We’ll raise a mocktail to that!