Over 50 residents, staff and neighbours came together for a joint celebration yesterday to mark the 25th anniversary of Vicarage Court and neighbouring Lonsdale Court sheltered housing scheme, both on Studley Road in Hartlepool.
The celebrations opened with a presentation of flowers to Mrs Jean Walton (86) of Lonsdale Court and Mrs Gwen Best (96), one of the first residents to move into Vicarage Court when it opened in 1986.
Janet Turnbull from Guinness Care & Support manages both schemes and organised the celebration, which included entertainment from local singer John Smith & Friends and a fish ‘n’ chip lunch for everyone who attended.
The party ended on a high note with an abundance of raffle prizes on offer, including food hampers, gift vouchers and a voucher for Sunday lunch at the York Hotel, in Hartlepool.
Speaking at the celebrations, Janet said: It has been a lovely. All the residents said they really enjoyed themselves and it was nice to see so many residents come together to celebrate the 25 years.
The event was organised entirely by Janet and funded by local housing provider Guinness Northern Counties, which owns both schemes.
Overall the two schemes are home to 55 residents over the age of 50.