Mad Hatters

FirstPort colleagues and residents across the country continue to embrace the power of community – whether it’s marking special occasions, sharing experiences, or simply coming together to make a difference. These moments reflect the community spirit at the heart of our developments.

Here are some of the activities that have taken place recently.

Allandale Court Residents Celebrate Summer with a Mad Hatters Tea Party

Residents at Allandale Court embraced the sunshine with a whimsical Mad Hatters Tea Party held in the development’s communal garden. Guests enjoyed a delightful spread including sandwiches and scones with jam and clotted cream, as well as a host of sweet treats. Attendees also enjoyed a Bring & Buy Sale as well as a fun competition, awarding a prize for the maddest hat or best summer bonnet.

Mad Hatters
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Local Fundraisers Go the Extra Mile!

Colleagues and residents at Chapters, a later living development in Wiltshire, recently carried out a fantastic fundraiser in aid of Alzheimer’s Support Wiltshire. The charity is based just a mile from the development, and the initiative was launched to raise funds by creating a ‘mile of coins’, with visitors also being invited to bring loose change to contribute.

This was also supported by a auction, raising a superb grand total of £2,300 for a much-loved local cause.

Andy’s Million-Step Mission for Diabetes UK

Andy, a resident at Mumbles Bay Court, is taking on the One Million Step Challenge in support of Diabetes UK. His goal is to reach one million steps by the end of September, raising awareness and funds for a cause close to his heart.

Sharing his motivation for taking on the challenge, Andy said: “My reason for taking this challenge is to improve my physical and mental health, connecting with the community and raising money for Diabetes UK, as I have Type 2 Diabetes.”

Best of luck, Andy!

Andrew Graham
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Barbara Hellicar celebrates her 100th Birthday in style at Gheluvelt Court

Residents of Gheluvelt Court, gathered to celebrate the 100th birthday of their friend and neighbour, Barbara Hellicar. Fellow residents gathered to mark the landmark occasion with a party in the development’s communal lounge, complete with a pianist, a singer, and song sheets for everyone to join in with the music.

Barbara and her guests also celebrated with a 100th Birthday cake, while her fellow residents also gifted her an afternoon tea to enjoy with her daughter, Jackie, who was seated beside her during the celebration.

105-Year-Old resident credits longevity to fitness and daily sudoku

Nona Donner, a spirited 105-year-old great-grandmother from Gravesend, recently celebrated her milestone birthday surrounded by loved ones at Nelson Court, where she’s lived for the past 11 years. Known for her sharp mind and active lifestyle, Nona still attends keep-fit classes, completes Sudoku puzzles and crosswords daily, and knits blankets for the homeless. When asked about the secret to her long life, she simply said: “Mental exercise and physical exercise. It gets me up and out.”



Nona Donner
Torvill And Dean Costumes

A touching tribute to Torvill & Dean sparks cherished memories

Catton Court resident, June Langford, a talented needlecraft enthusiast, was recently treated to a heartwarming experience when her daughter took her to Nottingham for the final performance of the legendary ice dancers Torvill & Dean. As a special surprise, they were granted a private viewing of the original Bolero costumes – an iconic piece of skating history. The moment was deeply moving for June, who fondly recalled taking her daughter to see Torvill & Dean perform during her younger years. The visit not only celebrated a shared passion but also brought back special memories, beautifully captured in a touching photograph from the day.