THE 60th anniversary of a society set up to provide caring homes for elderly people in their own communities has been celebrated in Northallerton.
The anniversary of the Abbeyfield Society was marked at its Fir Lodge care home with a strawberry tea attended by Richmond MP Rishi Sunak.
Mr Sunak joined them to cut a celebratory cake with oldest resident Betty Parminter, aged 98.
He said: “Abbeyfield does excellent work to provide supported housing for elderly people who wish to retain their independence as long as possible.
“Homes like Fir Lodge are vital so that older people are not lonely and have the help and support they need in later life.”
The Abbeyfield Society was established as a charity in 1956 by Richard Carr-Gomm. He recognised that many older people were living alone and feeling isolated in their communities. He wanted to provide them with a safe and secure home where they could find friendship and support.
Today, the Abbeyfield Society has more 500 homes across the country. The home in South Parade, Northallerton, was purchased by the society in 1989 and renovated in 1999. It has accommodation for 12 residents in single en-suite rooms, as well as a guest room and respite facility.
During the celebration party, Ian Parminter, chair of the home’s trustees, thanked the staff and the volunteers who made Fir Lodge a special place. He also presented tokens of appreciation to three trustees –Julia Spittle, Eileen Breaton and Keith Wentridge – for their contribution.