Good news stories
Branksome Hall - Mr Wetherill
Branksome Hall resident Mr Wetherill has lived at the scheme for the last 4 and a half years returning to the town after spending his retirement years near Barnard Castle.
After residing in the Branksome area for a large proportion of his life and watching his family grow up there the scheme was a natural fit.
‘What I love about my home is how sociable it is. I have met many friends since living at Branksome Hall Drive. We all get involved in the bingo and coffee mornings as well as garden fete’s, celebrations and watching entertainers perform. I join in with everything and try to be as sociable as possible’
With it being a self-contained flat you can have your privacy, but I try and leave my flat as much as possible’
As well as the tenants Mr Wetherill has an extremely good relationship with the scheme managers Penny and Lorraine.
‘Both scheme managers help me immensely and I am extremely grateful to them. I probably shouldn’t say this but I often buy them flowers to show my appreciation’
Away from his accommodation Mr Wetherill still has a very active life with regular walks in the South Park, ventures out in his car and participating in his true passion Fishing.
‘I caught 147 trout last season and gave them all away to family and friends. It’s a pleasure being in the open air and I see lots of old friends fishing which helps keep me going.'
If you, like Mr Wetherill are looking at the option of living in one of our sheltered housing, good neighbour or extra care schemes visit our 50 plus housing website.
Branksome Hall Drive – Jill and Veronica
It is a real family affair at our Branksome Hall Site
Sisters Jill and Veronica have been at Branksome Hall Drive for 7 years and 3 years respectively with Veronica moving to the site following a recommendation from her older sister.
‘I should start getting commission as I have recommended Branksome Hall Drive to a few of our residents. I love it here, there is a strong community spirit and most people socialise in the communal lounge’.
Jill and Veronica are not only pillars of the community at Branksome Hall Drive, but they also cook for fellow residents, organise games afternoons at the scheme and get involved with the community funding application to ensure Branksome Hall Drive tenants continue to get together.
Jill also helped start the ‘Knit and Natter’ group offering guidance to ‘novice knitters’
‘It all started when I used to knit for our old scheme manager Lynne and we realised between us that there might be a need for a knitting club, some come to knit and others just like to natter, but it’s always a good afternoon’.
Last year the sisters were instrumental in the Jubliee celebrations with Veronica helping out with the cake stall and both are looking forward to Kings Coronation as well as more plans in 2023.
For more information about Branksome Hall Drive and our other fantastic schemes visit Darlington BC - Branksome Hall Drive