A special celebration took place at Ivy House in Wellington on Friday evening.
Residents, family members and friends gathered to celebrate the future of the independent living flats in Corams Lane being secured.
Abbeyfield Living Society, which runs Ivy House – and the Old Vicarage in High Street – originally told the tenants in April last year that it had “made the difficult decision to close the homes.”
A campaign was launched to keep them open, involving the residents, Wellington Town Council and local MP, Gideon Amos.
Abbeyfield then announced a U-turn earlier this year, stating that “positive changes have put us in a better position to apply to access funding to carry out the essential investment needed to secure the long-term viability of both properties.”
Friday’s event was held as a thank-you from the Ivy House tenants to everyone who had supported them during the period of uncertainty.
A packed lounge was entertained with music from members of local band Monopole and singer Rod Thomas.
They also enjoyed a buffet tea along with a celebratory cake featured the residents’ motto: ‘The future looks bright’.
During the evening, resident Brian Standring welcomed everyone and thanked them for all their support.
He paid particular tribute to House Manager, Alisha Cordy, saying: “She is always there for us.”
Alisha was presented with flowers by 99-year-old Olga Whale, the oldest resident of Ivy House.
Among those present was Wellington town councillor Steve Mercer while Gideon Amos was unable to attend but was represented at the event.
