Following stiff competition, McCarthy and Stone, the UK’s leading retirement housebuilder, has crowned the winner of its’ ‘What’s In A Name’ competition, which saw people from across York send in their suggestions to name its latest Retirement Living development in Bishophill.
Fiona McCallion, 53, had the winning entry – Cardinal Court, which saw her awarded with a cheque for £250. Fiona will also be invited to be the guest of honour at the development’s official opening in summer 2018.
Fiona said: “Although originally from Northern Ireland I have lived in York for over 22 years so I know the neighbourhood well. I was flicking through the newspapers one Sunday afternoon when I came across the competition and thought that it might be worth having a go. After all you’ve got to be in it to win it, as they say.
“I spent the next ten minutes or so pondering what the name ought to be. Of course, ‘Bishophill’ has a certain religious connotation to it – the Bishop is high up in the church ranks and demands importance so I thought it might be quite appropriate to carry on this ecclesiastical tradition. I chose Cardinal Court as cardinal on its own means ‘fundamental’ and of the ‘greatest importance’, which when you apply it to people’s retirement years, actually carries a rather nice resonance.”
Fiona who lives on Leeman Road in York, plans to spend her £250 prize on a holiday having recently picked up the travel bug on a trip to Tennessee where she visited Dollywood – the Dolly Parton themed family amusement park.
“It was amazing”, says Fiona. “I’m a big fan of Dolly’s and the park really had everything – thrill rides, crafts, music, the Dollywood Express steam train – I would go back in a heartbeat!”
Liz Green, Regional Sales and Marketing Director for McCarthy and Stone North East, commented: “We were delighted by the response to our competition, and after a tough afternoon of judging, were pleased to award Fiona as our winner. Cardinal Court is a reference to York’s rich history and Roman Catholic heritage, and we’re pleased to have chosen something which we think will really capture people’s imaginations within the local community.”
She continues: “Our fundamental aim when creating a development is to support and integrate McCarthy and Stone and our future homeowners into the local area. Our developments are created with community in mind, and part of this is in allowing us to form positive legacies in the areas in which we build; and which we hope to do here.”
Cardinal Court, located in the popular city centre location, will comprise a stylish collection of 34 one and two bedroom apartments, designed exclusively for those aged 60 and over and who wish to stay central to all York has to offer.
The development is one of the most prestigious addresses within the city walls of York and boasts a panoramic rooftop terrace with views over the city. Local amenities are within a 5-10 minute walk including a Sainsbury’s Local and Post Office. There are north and south bound bus stops located on nearby Micklegate with routes in and around York. York train station is also less than half a mile away.
Once complete, facilities will include a stunning homeowner’s lounge and convenient guest suite for when friends and family come to stay. A dedicated House Manager will ensure the day-to-day running of the development; and a security entrance system and 24 emergency call points will provide added peace of mind.
Those interested in Retirement Living at McCarthy and Stone’s Bishophill development are invited to call 0800 201 4739 or visit www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk