RESIDENTS living in a retirement village in Orford have been celebrating the complex’s 20 years in existence.

Ryfields Retirement Village enjoyed an afternoon of food, music, and celebrations this month to mark the milestone anniversary of the extra care living scheme for those aged 55 and over.

In a beautifully gold, sage, and cream decorated room, all chosen by the residents, much chatter and laughter ensued as everyone enjoyed a fun-filled party afternoon.

Lunch was provided and there was also entertainment from a singer, with residents joining in with their favourite songs.

Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Jean Flaherty was in attendance, and the CEO of Your Housing Group Jacque Allen joined the party.

Paula Marshall, director of housing and customer service, also spent some time chatting to the residents at their tables.

She said: “What a fabulous party, and well done to everyone involved.

“A big thank you must go to all the residents at Ryfields, who have been amazing, and to Casey for all the work it has carried out here and all the support it has shown our residents.”

Renovation specialists Casey’s, whose workers have been onsite delivering refurb work, joined in with the celebrations and kindly donated much of the funding to put on the party for the residents.

Over the past 20 years, more than 1,000 residents have lived at Ryfields Retirement Village, with 10 residents having lived here since it opened.

More recently, Your Housing Group has carried out major renovations and upgrades to Ryfields, which are now complete.

The party has been months in planning and was organised by a resident planning group.

Tracey Lawson, chair of the resident committee, commented: “This has been the finale of a hard three years, but it has been an amazing journey and I think what we have got here now is exceptional.

“The party today is the icing on the cake. It shows how much we care about the residents, and it is a big thank you to them from Casey’s and Your Housing Group.”

A wonderful afternoon was had by all, according to resident Margaret Ellis, who said: “It is lovely living here. I am really enjoying it, it is great.”

Danielle McCann, Your Housing Group’s operations manager, who looks after Ryfields, added: “What a wonderful afternoon for our community of residents.

“All of residents really matter to us, so a big thank you to the planning group who worked so hard in bringing together everyone’s suggestions for the party, and thank you to the Ryfields staff and the bistro team.”