Residents at a sheltered housing ‘oasis’ have celebrated its 40th anniversary after being built on the site of a former army barracks.
Fusilier Court in Bury is a Muir Group Housing Association sheltered housing scheme which occupies the former site of the Wellington Barracks. It provides a home for elderly residents, aiming to promote independent living and provide support to vulnerable residents. Although the scheme has a central communal lounge where activities regularly take place, this activity was particularly special as it celebrated four decades since the scheme first opened its doors.
Sian Kilcoyne, Muir’s Scheme Manager at Fusilier Court, said: “It was lovely to see all the residents celebrating. They worked hard to make the event happen and it is brilliant for everyone to come together and have a good time.”
“Muir is proud that this scheme provides such a valuable facility to people in the area.”
77-year-old former Scheme Manager, Wendy Bogue was one of the residents who joined in with the celebrations. Having loved working at Fusilier Court, Wendy decided to become a resident herself when she retired.
Wendy said: “Fusilier Court is a good asset to the Bury community and I have lived here since retiring because it’s such a lovely place to be.”
Residents had also adorned the scheme with giant poppies in honour of Remembrance — the Lancashire Fusiliers who formerly occupied the site were recognised by Muir Group Housing Association in 2014 when a memorial stone was unveiled within its grounds.
Fusilier Court provides 66 one-bedroom, two-person properties. Each flat has a kitchen, bathroom, lounge and bedroom, and offers services such as communal laundry facilities, external window cleaning, and CCTV. It is one of six sheltered housing schemes provided by Muir which offer independent living with the support and reassurance of onsite support during the day Monday to Friday and an emergency alarm 24 hours a day. The schemes consist of either bungalows or flats. Each is completely self-contained and have their own bathrooms and kitchens. The sheltered properties are situated within a group of similar properties and residents are encouraged to take part in regular social activities.
