And the winners are…Happy Living Awards 2016

We received nearly 300 entries in the first ever Happy Living Awards in 2014, and over 500 entries this year. 

We're blown away by the number of amazing people living with Anchor, and are happy to announce this year's deserving winners.

The winners are:

Creative Champion Award (new category for 2016) 

Winifred Simpson from Ashcroft in Lancashire was nominated by Team Manager, Suzie Ross, Estate Manager, Shirley Ketley, for her creative flare that has also had a big impact on others. Suzie said: “Win asked me several months ago if she could set up a knitting club. Since then, the group have knitted twiddle muffs for Dementia patients for local nursing homes, blankets for the elderly in care homes, pet blankets for the local pet homes and items for the local baby unit." 

June Scott from Castlegate Mews in Warwick received a special commendation for knitting teddy bears every year to send to children in Africa who have no possessions.  

Community Champion

Kath Findlay from Alderwood in Middlesbrough was nominated by friend Agnes Dungey. Agnes said: “Thanks to Kathy, Alderwood has raised over a thousand pounds for Cancer Research and nearly six hundred pounds for a local hospice. She is an asset to the Alderwood community and she is passionate about what she does.” 

Elizabeth Knipe from Eden Court in Penrith received a special commendation for being instrumental in encouraging the community coffee mornings and collecting medication from the local surgery for those who can't make the trip themselves.

Best Neighbour 

Grace Williamson from Bold Manor in Merseyside was nominated for always going the extra mile to help her neighbours. Karon Claeys, Team Manager, said: "Nothing is too much trouble for Grace when helping others. She has a large family of her own but chooses to provide a Christmas dinner to all the residents at Bold Manor who don't have plants." 

Christopher Isbell from St Clements Court in Essex received a special commendation for the effort he goes to make others feels special and being a reliable neighbour that everyone can turn to. 

Best Pet 

A budgie named Archie from Pembroke Court in Northumberland was nominated by Scheme Manager, Lindsey Tate, for being a faithful feathered friend. Lindsey, who says everybody who meets Archie adores him, said: "Sylvia's husband passed away several years go. She decided on Archie who has given her so much pleasure." Archie the English Springer Spaniel from The Grange in Hertfordshire and Blue an adopted dog from Parkside Court in Stockton-on-Tees both receive special commendation for the impact they have on others around them. 

Grandparent(s) of the Year

Dulcie Davies from Anchor Court in Oxford was nominated by Ness Pryor, Scheme Manager, for always putting her grandchildren first. She said: "Every day she is with them - caring for them, guiding them. She is so proud of each and every one of them." 

The Pip White Award 

The Pip White Award (Green-fingered Customer) was awarded to Michael Plant from Inglewood Court in Wolverhampton. Neighbour Audrey Orson said: “Michael lights up everyone's life. He has created a beautiful garden with flowers and plants which he installs and pays for.”

Iris Dean from Tudor Court in Kent and Donald Grant of Beresford Court in Northumberland received a joint special commendation for the incredible difference they've made to their locations gardens.

Congratulations to our winners who each receive £100 of gift vouchers - and a big thank you to everyone who either sent in nominations or was nominated for an award!