A SEASONAL celebration was held to mark a milestone anniversary at a Basingstoke sheltered housing scheme.

Sentinel Housing Association celebrated the 25th anniversary of Abbey Court, in Popley Way, Popley, with a festive-themed day.

Residents at Abbey Court enjoyed a Christmas carol concert by children from Cornerstone Nursery, in Priestley Road, before tucking into a festive lunch.

Lianne Burton, older persons services manager at Sentinel, said: “It’s been great to celebrate Abbey Court’s 25th anniversary with the residents, their families and the team who work here. A big thank you goes to everyone who helped to make the day so special.”

Abbey Court resident Bert Jobling, who is 93, cut a cake made by Pride Catering, which supplies meals for Abbey Court.

Bert, who moved into Abbey Court on December 26, 1988, said: “I like living here – there’s always someone nice to talk to. Living here makes you feel younger.”

Abbey Court is a sheltered scheme for single people and couples over the age of 55, and it welcomed its first residents in 1988.

It has 51 self-contained apartments and a range of communal facilities such as a hair salon and guest accommodation for relatives to come and stay.

Residents also benefit from having a care and support team 24 hours a day, seven days a week on site enabling residents to carry on living independently, as part of the local community.

The scheme will get a facelift next year, as part of an ongoing refurbishment programme. The first phase will begin in early 2014, with the upgrading of all communal lights at the apartments.