John Connelly - Chief Executive Officer at Abbeyfield Newcastle Society
Abbeyfield is a not-forprofit residential care home group. They provide a safe, comfortable environment with qualified friendly staff creating a home from home for those in their care. Here we find out what John gets up to on a typical weekend.
Do you ever have to work weekends?
Not usually but there are occasions when I do have to call into the homes. I have a great team here at Abbeyfield Newcastle who are very capable and it’s great to spend time with them. I think it’s also important for them to see me on a regular basis and know that I am “there” for them when needed.
My role is not a 9 to 5 and is fairly flexible so no day is the same really, for that I’m thankful as it makes my job interesting and very fulfilling.
Are most weekends the same?
Thankfully not! I spend most weekends between my home in Chester-le Street and a lodge which I purchased last year in Barnard Castle. It’s good to get away and enjoy the countryside, but you can’t get too far away from the chores that need doing at home. Weekends are usually too short so I always try and fit in as much as I can, whether it’s socialising with friends, maintaining the lodge or even getting the washing and ironing done. A single life is never dull.
Do you find it hard to switch off?
Basically yes. However, I do realise that I need to consider my own welfare as well as others. During the pandemic I was fortunate that due to the nature of our business I was able to spend the majority of lockdown actually in the business where I could be most effective, and not have to work from home. I was never keen on working from home as I really value the interaction with people. Having said that, I do work from home occasionally but I think it is vital that you have a definite cut-off time. At the moment we at Abbeyfield Newcastle are involved with a proposed merger with three other Abbeyfield societies in Northumberland, which is a great opportunity, but a very busy time. This is my real focus at the moment, so some days it can be very “full-on” and a rollercoaster ride but others can be more relaxed. I do find that I continually run things through my mind looking from all angles at any situation that requires action.
What do you do at a weekend which you can’t fit in through the week?
As I have some “me”- time I tend to get all the boring stuff, like washing and cleaning out of the way as quickly as possible. That means I can spend some quality time doing what I want to do. It doesn’t necessarily have to be wildly extravagant, but just do things that I feel are important to me. One key thing for me is to try and visit a mate who I have known for over 30 years. Unfortunately, he has cancer and the onset of mild dementia, but we try and meet for a beer or two, it is good for both of us to put the world to rights!
Morning exercise or a recovery lie in?
I’m not much of an exercise nut so a lie-in, I guess.
Big night out or a night in the house?
Bit of both – not a great answer I know. I spent several years in the hospitality business so I guess some of that is still in my DNA! I enjoy a good night out – but it’s the recovery period afterwards that gets more difficult.
Do you watch or play sport at a weekend?
I used to play a lot of sport at university and afterwards, but as I have got older, I tend to just watch these days. I particularly enjoy the Six Nations rugby, as rugby was always my preferred sport both at school and Uni.
Where do you like to eat out at a weekend?
Where I live in Chester-le Street, we are quite well blessed with restaurants and all within walking distance. This is great really as there is a lot of choice and I like to choose a different venue when I go out to eat.
How important is the weekend to you?
Very important as I can catch up with all the things that I didn’t get chance to do during the week. It also sets me up for the week ahead as it includes some downtime which is important for my personal wellbeing. I am finding though, that as I get older, weekends seem to come around quicker every week.
What’s the best thing about weekends?
Having the time to do just what I want to do whether on my own or with friends. It is good to have quality time doing what you think is important to you.
Of a weekend, you’ll usually find me most happy…?
Sitting on the decking at my lodge in Barnard Castle overlooking the river and just chilling out.
To find out more about Abbeyfield Newcastle www.abbeyfieldnewcastle.org.uk