Residents and staff recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of the opening of Queen Elizabeth Court, a Sanctuary North sheltered housing scheme in Thorne near Doncaster.

The scheme, which accommodates 30 residents, first opened its doors on 13th April 1987.

Five residents who moved in on that very first day 20 years ago still live at Queen Elizabeth Court. They met Director of Sanctuary North Bob Wilson and Chair of Sanctuary North David Jackson. Two of those residents, Bridget Devine and Lois Parsonage, cut a celebration cake kindly donated by the scheme’s newest resident, Delia Archdale, whose son Stephen is a master baker.

Bob presented a cheque for £200 to Joyce Woods, Chair of the residents’ association, which will help the group with their work.

Bob said: “The day was a resounding success and it is a marvellous achievement that Queen Elizabeth Court has reached this milestone anniversary.”

Scheme manager Janice Bewley was presented with Queen Elizabeth rose bushes by Lindsay Barber from property developers Hamlin Homes, which is building houses at the neighbouring Old Dairy Close. These were then planted in the gardens by Bill Troops, one of the original residents.

Janice said: “I am delighted that so many people came to join our residents on this special day. We all had a wonderful time.”

Representatives from Age Concern and local older people’s groups such as Darby and Joan, Thorne Over 60s and the Smileawhile Group all visited Queen Elizabeth Court.

Shivani Pounj, Age Concern’s ‘Active in Later Life’ Coordinator, set up a light exercise session for residents and gave a short fitness demonstration in the morning.

Jenny Barlow from Age Concern will soon be working with residents and staff at the scheme on a living history project about mining communities in the area. She will also be helping to set up a reminiscence group to produce a commemorative book to mark the first 20 years of Queen Elizabeth Court.

May 3rd 2007