Residents mark home's silver jubilee

EXACTLY a quarter of a century after Princess Anne opened a sheltered housing complex in Aylsham, residents and guests gathered again to celebrate its silver jubilee.

EXACTLY a quarter of a century after Princess Anne opened a sheltered housing complex in Aylsham, residents and guests gathered again to celebrate its silver jubilee.

The royal visitor unveiled a plaque during an hour-long visit on July 18 1983 to Maingay House, named in memory of a well-loved Aylsham GP.

And Dr Cecil Lemprière Maingay's three daughters were VIP guests at Friday's 25th anniversary tea party.

The complex of 20 bungalows and 20 flats, on Abbot's Close, provides homes for about 46 elderly people, including three original residents: Hazel Davy, Rose Myhill and Faith Marsh.

Mrs Davy, 87, moved into her flat from Oulton after the death of her husband and son.

“I was very isolated there but here you know you have always got company and someone to call on,” she said.

Mrs Marsh, 89, said she enjoyed the regular lunches provided by the Aylsham Care Trust (ACT) in Maingay House's communal dining room, and the trips and outings organised by ACT and Maingay staff.

“We're one big happy family here. I've got lots of friends and it always seems to be a peaceful place,” she added.

Rosemary Clarke, one of Dr Maingay's daughters, remembered the official opening.

Sadly her mother Marion, who had also been due to meet the princess, died 10 days before the event.

Mrs Clarke and her sisters Shelagh Crafer and Annabel Maingay travelled from their homes elsewhere in Norfolk for the anniversary party. Dr Maingay served Aylsham as a GP for 30 years from 1933.

Maingay House was built by Broadland District Council at a cost of £760,000. Today it is owned by the Wherry Housing Association. Steve Terry took over as the complex's manager last month.