The St Albans Abbeyfield Society marked its Golden anniversary year with a garden party at Grace Muriel House on Saturday 24th July.
Staff, volunteers, residents and supporters of the house, which is run by a board of voluntary trustees, attended the garden party alongside the Mayoress of St Albans to commemorate this important milestone.
The guests enjoyed lovely weather on the day with a strawberry tea in the grounds and stalls selling cakes, bric-a-brac and organic produce. Fifty golden helium balloons were released by residents to mark the occasion prior to the Mayoress Cllr Maxine Crawley cutting the fabulous celebration cake.
Chairman Keith Faulkener gave a rousing speech thanking everyone for their help over the years and presented longstanding trustee Evelyn Andrews with flowers to thank her for the substantial contribution she has made in making Grace Muruiel House the success it is today.
The St. Albans Society, dedicated to making the lives of older people easier and more fulfilling, was founded in 1960. The Society built Grace Muriel House, named after generous benefactor Grace Muriel Payne in 1972 who left her estate to the society, to provide care for older people in a home like setting. It is now home to 37 residents.
Annette Gibbons, Manager of Grace Muriel House, and her devoted staff maintain that although the house has changed a lot over the course of fifty years to accommodate the changing needs of residents, the vision remains the same.
Evelyn Andrews Honorary Secretary said: “The founding principles of Abbeyfield remain strong and it’s the combination of these values and a loyal and dedicated staff that genuinely care for residents that set us apart from other homes.”