Brothers Richard and David Parkins say it is “amazing” working alongside Dad Gary at Avocet Court Care Home.
The trio make up the maintenance team at the Ipswich care home, proving that family really is at the heart of Athena Care Homes.
The brothers shared their pride at working with their Dad – who set them out on their path to their future careers – ahead of Father’s Day on Sunday, 18th June.
Maintenance Manager Richard runs the team, with older brother David working alongside him as Maintenance Assistant while Gary looks after the gardens.
“Dad is the gardener, then in the winter he works with us inside, painting and decorating,” explained Richard. “I am in charge but he still likes to tell me what to do!”
Despite him being the boss these days, Richard credits his Dad with giving him the foundations upon which to build his career.
“When I started out as a lad I used to work with Dad doing gardening, and he was the one who taught me to paint,” said Richard.
He said despite the usual family rivalry, working together is a dream.
“It is easy working with my Dad and brother, it just feels natural and I know we can rely on one another, he said.
David said the three have a tight bond and added: “We all have similar personalities, which means there is always lots of banter but we always get the job done.”
The brothers agree working with their Dad is a privilege and Richard said: “We can’t think of anything better, we get to see him everyday and most people don’t get that luxury.
“Being close to Dad is a big thing for us.”
Richard was the first to join Avocet Court, taking on part-time work with the maintenance team 21 years ago and working his way up to lead the team.
Dad Gary joined a decade ago while older brother David made it a real family affair when he successfully applied for the job seven years ago.
Proud Dad Gary said: “It’s good working together, we are all very close. We even live side by side, we are together 24/7.”
Richard explained the trio live just a few doors away from one another and enjoy spending time together whether they are working or relaxing together.
“We always get everything done when we are working together,” he said.
Keen to show their Dad just how much he means to them, Richard and David are planning a Father’s Day treat of a day spent together – but this time they will be swapping their rakes, lawnmowers and rollers for fishing rods.
“We are all keen fishermen so we are thinking we will take Dad fishing for the day,” they said.
At Avocet Court we will be celebrating the grandfathers, fathers, uncles and step-dads among us on Father’s Day. We are inviting relatives and loved ones to join us for this special event.
We will be offering Ploughman’s and a Pint in our central Cafe area for residents and their guests to enjoy together between 2pm and 4pm on Sunday, 18th June.
