Cherwell Court celebrates 25 years

Mayor Godson and Carol Matthews presenting Edith Duckworth with a bouquet of flowers

Residents, staff and neighbours from Cherwell Court sheltered housing scheme, Heywood, came together this week to celebrate the silver anniversary of their scheme being built.

The Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Alan Godson, joined residents and their families to mark the occasion, along with Carol Matthews, Chief Executive of Guinness Northern Counties, the housing association that owns the scheme.

A bouquet of flowers was presented to 99-year-old Edith Duckworth, who moved in the month the scheme was built in October 1985. Vera Gallagher, Enid Miller and Joan Thomas who have all resided at the scheme for over 20 years were also presented with bouquets.

Edith Duckworth, said: “I’ve always been very happy here at Cherwell Court and today has been a lovely day.”

A buffet lunch was provided for guests, organised by Scheme Manager Sam Rowles and the residents, along with entertainment from singer Carl Gordon.

The Mayor was given a tour of the gardens that have recently been improved by the residents group ‘Friends of Cherwell Court’, in preparation for the upcoming Heywood in Bloom competition.

The scheme is home to 37 residents and managed by Guinness Northern Counties with day to day care services provided by Guinness Care and Support.

Carol Matthews, said: “We are very proud of Cherwell Court and its positive impact on Heywood and the residents who have lived here. It‘s tremendous to see so many people prepared to join us for the silver celebration – here’s to the next 25 years and Cherwell continuing to be an asset to us and the community.”