Customers, family members, friends and staff from Saxon House, an Orbit very sheltered housing scheme in Loddon near Norwich, held an afternoon tea party on Thursday 6 July to help celebrate Orbit’s 50th year. About 40 people came along to the event which featured entertainment from Rose and Franz, a singing guitar playing duo whose mother used to live at the scheme. There was plenty of singing and dancing, as people kicked up their heels and joined in the festivities. Afterwards, everyone took part in a 50th year quiz and reminisced about what they were up to 50 years ago. This was followed by a raffle with prizes and some special 50th year cupcakes and a small cake cutting ceremony. A great time was had by all!
Patrick Ward, one of Orbit’s customers who lives at the scheme, says; “I loved the dancing. I’m hoarse now from singing!” Francis Chambers, another customer living at Saxon House, also says: “It was really nice to have a party, just like some of the old ones I used to go to!”
Lyn Church, the scheme co-ordinator at Saxon House, says; “It was brilliant to get everyone together to celebrate Orbit’s big milestone! We had a great time singing, dancing and sharing memories. It really brought our small community together and our customers just loved it!”
Saxon house is a very sheltered housing scheme consisting of 37 self contained flats for independent living support. It also includes communal lounges, a dining room, a library, a hairdresser, a garden and a conservatory. In-house care is provided by Hales Care, while Orbit owns and manages the scheme.
Founded in 1967 as a housing co-ownership society, Orbit has been building communities for 50 years, investing in homes, services and communities to help people live independently and maximise their potential. Proud of the journey we have taken, it is our people who have helped to shape our organisation to become what it is today. We are one of the largest developing housing associations in the UK, this year celebrating our 40,000th home, while also providing support and advice services to over 100,000 customers. Our homes currently include affordable rented accommodation, sheltered and very sheltered housing schemes, supported housing schemes, independent living with care housing schemes and low cost home ownership properties.
To find out more about our fiftieth year celebrations search #Orbitat50