A select group of residents at one of Coastal Housing’s sheltered housing schemes is celebrating after reaching a unique milestone.
For the past 25 years Ken and Helena Cratchley, along with fellow tenants Carl and Vera Christensen, Margaret Charles and Kay Payne have all called Orchard Court their home.
They originally moved into the scheme when it first opened on 1st April 1990 and between them have enjoyed over 100 years as Coastal tenants.
Married nearly 65 years, Ken and Helena Cratchley have lived in Swansea all their lives and moved to Orchard Court from their previous home on Fern Street.
Talking about her experience, Helena Cratchley said, “It has been truly wonderful. The people are lovely; I have never had a cross word or row with anyone since I’ve been here. Orchard Court is like a little village with someone always around to talk to.”
They have loved living at Orchard Court over the years and always recommend it to friends and family, so much so, they were later joined by John, Helena’s brother, and Jonny, who was bestman at their wedding.
Speaking of living with his friends John and Jonny, Ken said, ‘We’ve all grown up together. That is why it works, because we’ve known each other all our lives. We were even best men at each other’s weddings.”
“Even if I won the lottery I wouldn’t leave this place,” Helena added.
Mrs Margaret Charles has also lived at Orchard Court since it opened. She regards it as home from home after growing up just around the corner in Graig Street.
Margaret said, “I have had a really good life at Orchard Court. Community is a big part of living here and I get along with all my neighbours. I settled in and made friends straight away.
“I was very lucky when I first moved in as I could pick which flat I wanted to live in. I noticed that from one I could see my grandmother’s house, the house where I was born and lived in for many years. This is the flat I chose and live in to this day.”
Tracey John, housing manager at Coastal Housing, said, “It is a wonderful occasion to be celebrating. It is fantastic that Ken, Helena, Carl, Vera, Margaret and Kay have enjoyed living here for the past 25 years and truly made it their home.
“A lot has changed over the years, but the one thing that has remained is the sense of community Orchard Court provides.
“This is down to all the residents and the staff and is something that makes Orchard Court a very special place to live.”
To mark the occasion Coastal Housing organised a special buffet lunch with many of the residents turning out to celebrate with a glass of bucks fizz.
