Six residents have called Whitgift Care, part of the John Whitgift Foundation, their home for more than 20 years.
To celebrate in true Whitgift Care style, a ‘Sunday Get Together Party’ was thrown with guests all congregating in the Whitgift House community room on 27th August to enjoy live entertainment from Italian tenor Yuri Sabatini, a fantastic assortment of cakes, a glass of Pimms or a cuppa, and a quiz.
The residents celebrating their milestone have all lived in the different settings of Whitgift Care – independent living at the Whitgift Almshouses and Whitgift House and the care homes, Wilhelmina House and Whitgift House.
Head of Care, Melody Akena, presented each of the residents with a voucher and beautiful orchid. She said: “We are thrilled that six of our residents have resided at Whitgift Care for more than 20 years. Each of them have played a crucial role in making our community such a friendly and inclusive place to live. Over the years they have all been involved in garden parties, coffee mornings, the annual Founder’s Day service, the myriad of activities on offer and have attended events at John Whitgift Foundation Schools.”
Congratulations to Vivien for celebrating 23 years, Audrey for 21 years and Sharon, Harold, Doreen and Patricias for celebrating 20 years within the community.
Sharon, Whitgift Almshouses resident, said: “I came to live at the Almshouses in January 2004. I have always liked historic places and thought how wonderful it would be to live there. I would not want to live anywhere else. I like the idea of community and I enjoy the company of other residents. We are blessed with having a Chapel as part of our premises and regular services on a weekly basis when most of the people here attend. I enjoy a little gardening and have a number of pots to add a little colour outside my door. We are also invited to activities and events at Whitgift House and Wilhelmina House, care homes that are all part of Whitgift Care. The highlight for me is Founder’s Day in March where we remember Archbishop John Whitgift and celebrate his legacy.”
Audrey, Whitgift House nursing resident, said: “The first time I visited one of the Whitgift Care homes was when I retired at the age of 60. I spent 15 years volunteering at Whitgift House where I helped with the popular lunch club, events and parties and I also helped the residents visit Whitgift School for performances. I became a resident at 75 moving into one of the sheltered flats at Whitgift House. Over the years I have been part of some very special events and occasions involving Royalty that I have treasured. I met Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II in 1996 for the Foundation’s 400 Centenary celebrations and HRH The Princess Royal for the Foundation’s 400th Anniversary of the Founder’s Day Service in 2013.
It’s super to be part of the John Whitgift Foundation with its wider network of schools and care homes. A few years ago I moved to Wilhelmina House and enjoyed my time there before moving to nursing care at Whitgift House.”