Ceremony marks transfer of ownership of St Serf’s Care Home

Posted Wednesday 9 June 2010

The Transfer of ownership of St Serf’s Care home (at Newport-on-Tay)
from the Scottish Episcopal Church to new owners Fergus and Jenny Thain
was marked in a ceremony on Friday 4 June. The transfer of St Serf’s
Care Home to St Serf’s Care Home Limited, a subsidiary company of Acre
Care Homes Limited (a family business owned by Fergus and Jenny Thain)
was finalised at the end of May 2010 following the Care Commission
granting approval for registration of the new St Serf’s company.

St Serf’s has been part of the life and ministry of the Scottish
Episcopal Church since it opened in 1946 and was gifted for this purpose
by John Low.  The additional wing was added in 1985 and further extended
in 1998.  Major refurbishment was completed in 2005.

In welcoming Fergus and Jenny Thain as the new owners, The Most Rev
David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane and Primus
of the Scottish Episcopal Church said “The story of St Serf’s hasn’t
just been about buildings – it’s been the quality of loving care in
body, mind and spirit for residents who deserved dignity and peace and
has expressed the best of what the Scottish Episcopal Church does in
ministry.  We are glad that, even though this transfer has become
necessary, we are handing it over as a going concern with a dedicated,
committed and experienced staff.  I have been glad to hear Fergus Thain
say over and over again that this place is ‘home’ for the residents, and
their wishes are his paramount concern.  We look forward, along with
other local churches, to offering a continuing pastoral and spiritual
care for residents and staff alike”

Bishop David Chillingworth paid tribute all those involved in the
running of St Serf’s Care home, including the Chair of the House
Committee Sir Michael Bonallack and other members of this committee,
thanking them for their “loving service and commitment” and the manager
and staff of St Serf’s for their “unwavering commitment to the residents
and to the life of St Serf’s”