AN AWARD winning retirement village celebrated its 10th birthday and completion of its latest outstanding independent living development with a lavish lunch for residents.
Ten years ago the first residents moved into Middleton Woods, marking the beginning of what would become Middleton Hall Retirement Village, near Darlington, County Durham, from an historical care home, first established in 1900.
Since the independent living apartments opened, the village has added to its award-winning repertoire with the completion of the eco-friendly Waterside development. The 39 dormer bungalows are believed to be the first carbon neutral retirement properties in the UK.
It has won numerous awards, including a Northumbria in Bloom Award last week, and was assessed recently as outstanding in every area by the Care Quality Commission.
The village marked its 10th birthday with a celebration lunch in a marquee for more than 80 residents.
Jeremy Walford, managing director of the retirement village, said over the last ten years, the business had more than doubled in size, housing 184 residents in six different facilities and employing 175 people.
Said Jeremy: “It took some courage from customers ten years ago when we first opened Middleton Woods as we were asking people to buy into a vision of Middleton Hall as one of the foremost retirement villages in the country, offering an aspirational lifestyle.
“It’s been wonderful to see how so many have enjoyed living well in their own homes here but without the risk of social isolation.”
Marion Pickersgill, who was one of the first residents to move into the Waterside development in 2013, said: “I’ve made many friends since I moved to the village and lunch has been a lovely occasion. One of the good things about living here has been the community feel but I’ve got my own space too.”
During its development, a range of additional facilities has been added including Middleton Court, which provides nursing care, Middleton Oaks, a new care facility offering small group living, Middleton Spa with a swimming pool, gym, exercise studio, hairdressing and therapy services, the Orangery cafe and an all-weather bowling green, pitch and put course, boules, putting and sports pavilion.