Thirteen Group has transformed the life of a Thirsk resident who is one of the first residents at the brand-new Herriot Gardens development, which is aimed at people aged 55+ who might need support to live independently.
86-year-old Judy Dinwiddie, who previously lived in Borrowby near Thirsk, has moved into a brand new apartment, with a balcony to enable her to continue to indulge her love of gardening.
Judy moved to Thirsk, from India where she was born into an Army family, when she was seven years old. She spent part of her life teaching cookery in London before returning to live in Borrowby.
Judy, who has had a hip replacement, has recently been diagnosed with early stage dementia so had to give up driving, and found herself becoming socially isolated in her increasingly unmanageable property in Borrowby.
She now has a new lease of life in her modern apartment, and has embraced the activities at Herriot Gardens, already enjoying a carol concert, cinema afternoon, Christmas tree decorating and enjoys walking into Thirsk.
Judy said: “Moving to Herriot Gardens is the best decision I have ever made. I love my new home and I feel so happy and settled.
“Being part of a community, with any support I need on hand, is very reassuring. I know that I will be able to maintain my independence for longer living here and I’m enjoying life much more. Everyone at Thirteen has been so helpful, right from the very beginning of looking at the properties, through to moving in and now in helping me to live life to the full again.”
The new extra care housing scheme at Herriot Gardens, Sowerby is known as Orchid House. It offers 64 one and two bedroom apartments for rent, shared ownership or sale in a supportive community that is staffed 24 hours a day. 26 two-bedroom bungalows surrounding Orchid House will be on Acacia Drive.
Orchid House is set across three floors and has a communal area on each floor and an attractive garden room for residents to enjoy. Opening onto the main piazza called Campion Square, the extra care apartments are part of a new community hub with retail units and a café/bistro.
David Pickard, Director of Operations at Thirteen Group, said: “We were delighted that Mrs Dinwiddie has settled it to her new life at Herriot Gardens.
“What we have done here is provide a range of excellent new homes with options to rent or buy alongside a real community feel that we are really proud of. We invite anyone interested in living here to come and have a look around. We are sure they will be impressed.”
Thirteen Group has a wide range of affordable properties available across the region.
More details can be found at https://www.thirteengroup.co.uk/page/find-a-home-for-you or contact the Thirteen customer service team on tel: 0300 111 1000