RESIDENTS stepped back in time to mark a charity’s platinum anniversary.
Hampton House in Solihull celebrated Abbeyfield Living Society’s (ALS) 70th anniversary with a day of music, memories and a special lunch.
Hampton House, an independent living complex on Hampton Lane, began its celebrations at 11am with a reminiscence session over tea and biscuits.
Residents shared memories while looking through old photographs and thank-you cards from years gone by, fondly recalling friends who had moved on.
In the afternoon, singer Martin Leonard entertained residents with well-loved classics, with many joining in and turning the event into a street-party-style singalong.
Pauline Hunt, who moved into Hampton House in 2014, said that the day brought back fond memories of the 60th anniversary celebrations in 2016.
The 69-year-old said: “I can’t believe 10 years have gone by already.
“I remember the 60th anniversary well, when we had Don Maclean from Crackerjack and the Lord Mayor attending.
“Hampton House has changed a lot since then, with a more open communal space and new furniture. We have many new residents, volunteers and staff, and it’s been lovely to welcome people in since the difficult times during the pandemic.”
Abbeyfield was founded in 1956 by Richard Carr-Gomm, who left the Coldstream Guards to volunteer as a home help.
Recognising the loneliness experienced by many older people, he used his army gratuity to open the first Abbeyfield house in Bermondsey, East London.
The movement quickly expanded across the UK and internationally.
Today, Abbeyfield has around 500 care homes, sheltered housing schemes and independent living complexes in the UK.
