Cream Tea Celebration for Brookfield Residents

Residents of the new Brookfield development on Borough Road celebrated moving into their brand new apartments with a cream tea last week.  Drum Housing Association residents, met with those who played a part in building the apartments, and with local councillors, on a glorious sunny day, to eat scones with jam and cream, and to express their pleasure with their homes, built especially for the over 55's.

The two modern blocks of apartments were built where Weston House, a rather outdated sheltered scheme, was previously situated. Drum coordinated consultation with local people in order to consider their opinions whilst planning the new development.

"We recognised that older people are increasingly less inclined to move into sheltered schemes," explains Sandra Theckston, Director of Drum "and that many hope to maintain living independently in their own homes.  That is why as early as 2000, we felt we needed to start looking at homes for the over 55's."

As well as the twelve general needs apartments, there are twelve available on the shared ownership scheme, where a 50% stake of the property is purchased, whilst rent is paid for the remainder.  These shared ownership apartments, of which 8 are still available, are also aimed at those aged over 55.

Residents took the opportunity to congratulate Molly Ward, a neighbouring resident of Siward House, for coming up with the buildings' name:

"Well, it didnt take long to be honest, I just thought about the buildings' setting: Close to a brook and close to a field, it just made sense!" said Molly.

Councillor Elizabeth Cartwright, who attended the event, said:

"I would like to congratulate Drum on this excellent new scheme.  It is most important that East Hampshire District Council and Drum work together to address the needs of older people.  In the past this group has not had much choice and little opportunity or incentive to move to attractive accommodation when their family home or garden became too big to keep up. I wish all the residents well in their new flats."

If you are aged 55 or over, and are interested in finding out more about the shared ownership apartments, please contact Carrie Moore on 01730 403200

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Photographs

Residents and those who had an input into Brookfield's development celebrate

Molly Ward explains to Sandra Theckston, the Director of Drum, and residents, how she came up with the name.

Brookfield is made up of 2 attractive buildings holding rental and shared ownership apartments for those aged over 55.

Notes for the Editor

Drum Housing Association is a social landlord registered with the Housing Corporation (a Government agency responsible for the regulation of housing associations) and is a not-for-profit social organisation.

Drum is part of the Radian Group, who provides affordable housing across six counties in the South of England.

For further information please contact Maria Garside, Public Relations Manager on 01730 403080 or 07748 113364, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Drum Housing Association, Drum Court, The Spain, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3NG

rother.radian.co.uk