One of the UK’s first sheltered housing schemes with facilities to promote good health and fitness was opened by the Countess of Wessex in Maidenhead today. (21st March 2006)
Lady Elizabeth House, built by Housing Solutions, includes a spa pool for hydrotherapy and relaxation and a gym for fitness.
The scheme is one of the first of its kind in Britain. It comprises 29 one and two bedroom fully self-contained flats, where tenants are able to live independently. As well as the fitness centre, the scheme boasts an impressive range of care and communal facilities designed to meet the needs and expectations of elderly people over the next 30 years.
The Countess, spent an hour touring the building and meeting residents before performing the official opening.
She was clearly impressed by what she saw. "This is a fine example of a sheltered home," she said. "I have spoken to a number of residents today, and everyone has said how happy they are here. I congratulate all of you for having the forethought and determination to build it, and hope that Lady Elizabeth House continues to go from strength to strength."
The chairman of the Residents’ Committee, former Guardsman John Cooke, presented the Countess with a bouquet. The Countess joked: "I normally receive bouquets from ladies, so it's actually rather nice to have one from a man!"
Among the residents she chatted to on her tour was Mr Cooke's wife Patricia, who was having her hair done at the scheme’s hair salon. In the gym at the scheme she met Alan Hill, who was taking a dip in the Jacuzzi, retired bus driver Tony Nolan, who was pounding the treadmill, and Clive Wainwright, 72, who was hard at work on an exercise bike.
There are residents of all ages at Lady Elizabeth House, and the Countess visited 92-year old Mrs Mary Duffin in her flat before having a cup of tea with residents in the dining room. She then visited the youngest resident, 25-year old paraplegic Emma Scrivens.
Clifford Joseph, Chairman of Housing Solutions, said: “This building is designed to respond directly to the changing needs of elderly people and people with illnesses or disabilities, with the facilities to help them stay fitter and healthier for longer.
“We believe it will set a new standard for affordable sheltered housing in the UK. We are extremely proud of it and we are greatly honoured that the Countess agreed to perform the opening ceremony.”
For further information please contact Diane Kane, Housing Solutions on 01628 543156 or 0787 9430380.