Hanover Court celebrates grand opening of communal hub with ribbon cutting ceremony

Celebration was in the air as a Milton Keynes retirement housing scheme officially opened their communal hub. 

A project over five years in the making, the grand opening of the communal hub at Hanover Court in Stantonbury took place on Thursday 12 August.  It was a joyous occasion, bringing together residents and colleagues for this long-awaited event.  

To commemorate the occasion, a ribbon cutting ceremony took place and, in light of the past 18 months, NHS heroes from the local hospital did the honours. Emma Codrington, Divisional Chief Nurse, Surgical Division from Milton Keynes University Hospital, cut the ribbon alongside colleagues who were presented with bouquets of flowers from residents as a token of their appreciation.

The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Milton Keynes Councillor Mohammed Khan, Police Community Support Officers, members of the local parish council and a representative from Age UK. Anchor Hanover colleagues who were key in helping to make this unique project come to life were also there to join the celebration.  

The hub has been named after Ernie Gifford, 93, resident of Anchor Hanover’s Hanover Court housing scheme. Ernie, who has lived at the scheme for over eight years, is a force of nature much loved by everyone on the estate.  He loves nothing better than making his fellow residents smile by organising social events and trips. To honour him, the hub has been named Ernie’s Lodge. 

Ernie said: “I’ve lived for this moment! I enjoy living here and have made lots of great friends.” 

This project has been ongoing since residents came up with the idea over five years ago and the COVID-19 pandemic delayed building work further. Residents raised over £30,000 towards the cost of the hub and received grants from the National Lottery and Stantonbury Parish Council. Speeches during the ceremony acknowledged the hard work of everyone involved, as well as the generous contributions.  

Mellissa Williams, Manager of Anchor Hanover’s Hanover Court housing scheme said: “I want to thank the residents and everyone involved in this project. The support from Anchor Hanover and also from the local community have helped make this dream a reality.”  

During the ceremony residents also took the time to thank Mellissa for her dedication to the project, for always taking the time to help them and for making Anchor Hanover’s Hanover Court housing scheme a wonderful place to live. To show their appreciation for all that she does, they surprised her with thoughtful gifts. 

Kim Knight, 64, resident of Anchor Hanover’s Hanover Court housing scheme said: “We’re all very fond of Mellissa. She is very helpful, caring and shows real empathy. She’s a fantastic Estate Manager.”

Residents are looking forward to enjoying Ernie’s Lodge and already have many plans for the space including coffee mornings, IT classes, darts, crafting, exercise classes and film afternoons. 

Shelly Collins, 78, resident of Anchor Hanover’s Hanover Court housing scheme said: “After waiting so long for Ernie’s Lodge we are very, very pleased with it. All the hard work that Mellissa has put in for us as well. It looks lovely, very nice. I can’t wait for the social activities and parties!”

For more information on Anchor Hanover’s Hanover Court housing scheme call 01908 314152