Residents and colleagues at Astley View Care Home welcomed the Rt Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for Chorley, for a special visit to the home.
Sir Lindsay spent time meeting residents and colleagues, hearing about life at Astley View and the role the home plays in supporting older people and families across Chorley.
Residents spoke about the friendships they have made since moving to Astley View, the activities and outings they enjoy, and the reassurance of having experienced colleagues available around the clock.
From Chorley to the House of Common
During his visit, Sir Lindsay spoke to residents about his own life and his long connection with Chorley.
Growing up locally in Adlington, he described himself as a local lad and reflected on a political career that began when he became Chorley’s youngest-ever councillor at the age of 22.
He went on to serve as Mayor of Chorley before being elected to Parliament. After serving on a number of parliamentary committees and in senior roles in the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay was elected Speaker in 2019.
He spoke about the history of the Speaker’s role, which stretches back more than 650 years, and how remarkable it feels to have reached one of the most senior positions in Parliament from his beginnings in Chorley.
Residents were keen to find out more about life in the House of Commons. Asked how he manages to remember the names of all the MPs in Parliament, Sir Lindsay joked that he knows everyone – just not all at the same time.
Residents also spoke warmly about his time as Speaker, with one commenting on the dignity he has brought to the role.
Throughout his talk, Sir Lindsay returned to his connection with Chorley and his determination to put the town on the map and continue wanting the best for the local community.
Sharing life at Astley View
Christina Durnan, Home Manager at Astley View Care Home, said:
“We were delighted to welcome Sir Lindsay to Astley View. We had kept his visit as a surprise for our residents, so it was lovely to see their reactions when he arrived.
“We were delighted to welcome Sir Lindsay to Astley View. We had kept his visit as a surprise for our residents, so it was lovely to see their reactions when he arrived.
“Sir Lindsay took the time to chat with residents and colleagues and was very generous in sharing stories about his own life and his role as Speaker. Our residents had lots of questions for him and really enjoyed hearing about his journey from growing up locally to the House of Commons.
“It was also an opportunity for us to show him around Astley View and share what life here is really like for our residents and colleagues.”
The visit comes as social care has returned to the national conversation, highlighting the important role care homes play in supporting older people, their families and local communities.
Astley View Care Home, Berry Way, Chorley PR7 6RA, provides residential, dementia, respite and end of life care for older people in Chorley and the surrounding area.
If you are considering care for yourself or someone close to you, we would be happy to show you around Astley View, introduce you to our team and give you the opportunity to see what it is like to live here.
