Just fifty years after its first tenants moved in, the Cherry Trees Grove sheltered housing scheme in Atherton has been officially opened by the Mayor.
And Cllr Mark Aldred unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion. The Mayor joked:
“We all need to get back together in another fifty years for another party.”
Tenants in this quiet corner of Atherton are well known for enjoying themselves with carol concerts, but with the fiftieth anniversary of the site approaching, Wigan and Leigh Housing, locals and the Mayoress all helped to fund and organise the lively party.
“It’s wonderful here at Cherry Trees,” said Doris Emmison, 84. “I even got a kiss from the Mayor! Doris is a relative newcomer, having only been living on the Grove for 3 years, but she entered into the fun of the day and enjoyed the visit from local schoolchildren, singing old songs. There were stalls, police advice sessions and a visit from the fire and rescue service, who let the children clean the fire engine with the big fire hose.
The Mayor thanked all partners for staging the celebrations and tenants’ participation leaders from Wigan and Leigh Housing promised more events like this to come.
“It brings everyone together,” said Karen McHugh, supported housing manager. “People really enjoy the sense of community and we really want to see more tenants involved in similar gatherings.”
Mayoress Cllr Karen Aldred has been a supporter of the scheme for a long time and assisted with funding for the anniversary party from her Brighter Borough funds. She adds:
“What a wonderful day. These lovely people have had a chance to celebrate in style. Their warmth and friendliness is a credit to them and to everyone who lent a hand on the day: the estate caretakers, scheme manager, and the wonderful local tenants.”
