Home’s double celebration joy

Swallow Court’s longest resident Florrie Parkin led the celebrations as A1 Housing and Bassetlaw District Council officially opened the completely refurbished Sheltered Scheme in Misterton - on a very special birthday.

Florrie has lived in Swallow Court for 25 years and has seen first-hand the transformation that has taken place over the last few months, but what made the day extra special was that Florrie also celebrated her 95th birthday.

To mark the occasion, Florrie unveiled a commemorative plaque in front of her family, fellow residents, local dignitaries and staff from A1 Housing, Bassetlaw District Council and Bullock Construction.

Swallow Court has been completely refurbished and is now the flagship of A1 Housing’s Sheltered Schemes having created nine two-bedroom and four one-bedroom flats, as well as renovating all communal areas.

“I feel quite honoured to have been asked to officially open Swallow Court, it was a complete surprise,” said Florrie.

“It was also nice that everyone was here to celebrate my birthday.”

She added: “We had to grin and bear it while all the work was going on but it’s more than worth it now. It’s absolutely marvellous.”

Fellow resident George Walker who has lived in Swallow Court for 16 years added: “The old facilities were all shared and I lived in a bedsit and the renovations they have made have really changed my life. Things are very comfortable and we get some more privacy.”

“Misterton is a lovely village to live in, I can’t get about as much as I used to but I used to fish as a hobby and like living next to the canal.”

Director of Strategy and Change for A1 Housing Joice Richards said: “Having your home demolished and watching your new home come to life is a challenging time for anyone, but especially for our senior residents.”

“We would like to thank all the residents of Swallow Court for their patience.”