Young and Old Celebrate

Contour Homes’ residents at Newbarn Court sheltered scheme in Blackburn had plenty of reasons to celebrate at the beginning of October.

Scheme Manager Ann Whitehead was delighted to learn that the scheme has been successful in its bid to the Big Lottery Fund for a £10,000 grant to transform the residents’ garden. Contour applied for the funding with the help of Chairman of the Newbarn Residents Association, Bernard Mullen, and Treasurer Leslie Tilford.

Children from nearby Longshaw Junior School offered to help with the work – and as it was Harvest Festival at the school, youngsters took the time to assess the garden as they dropped off their annual offering to residents at Newbarn Court.

“We are really pleased that the school has offered us their assistance in making the garden a lovely retreat for our residents,” said Ann. “The children are regular visitors and send representatives not just at Harvest Festival but at key events throughout the year such as Christmas and Easter. It’s always nice to see the older and young generations having so much fun together.”

The Big Lottery grant will mean that the existing garden, which is situated to the side of the scheme on Rockliffe Street, will see a lot of new planting and seating to make it a welcoming retreat for residents who will be able to maintain the garden or just sit and enjoy it.

Ann and the residents decided to mark the good news by holding a coffee morning for themselves, family and friends on 1 October which is International Older Persons Day – a celebration of the role older people play in society.

“We felt it was quite apt that we should celebrate the grant win with children from our local school on such a special day,” said Ann. “Children will be able to learn about growing things from our experienced residents – and as well as picking up some important information, will no doubt share a few smiles and laughs along the way!