Court Profile: Minster Court - Retirement Security

Court Circular
THE MAGAZINE OF
RETIREMENT SECURITY LTD - WINTER 2011
Royal
Wedding
Special
Gardening Competition Results
Court Profile:
Minster Court
Charity Begins... A Spotlight
on Fundraising Work at the Courts

MESSAGE - from the Chairman
It is now nearly two years since Margaret, my wife
and I moved to Margaret Court, the latest Retirement
Security development, in Tiddington, Stratford on Avon,
which is only about a quarter of a mile from our very
first development, Tiddington Court.
This inevitably leads to comparisons between the two
and it is gratifying that all of the essential features have
stood the test of time, designing to mobility standards,
having a daily meal available, adequate staffing and
above all, the Owners’ Company, which is intended
to guarantee that the interests of the Owners comes
first, while still recognising that the staff need proper
conditions of service.
In terms of design, the major change which was
introduced almost as soon as Tiddington Court was
built is that most of the apartments should have two
bedrooms and that a meeting room on the ground
floor is essential. The one issue which has eluded us
so far is the optimum design for the office(s), to give
the Manager privacy when needed, but still ensure that
he or she is in close proximity to the Duty Managers.
Electric buggies were rare in 1985, but we are now
fully aware of their storage and charging needs.
Without underestimating the importance of design and
all of the physical features of the Courts, it took only
a few days residence for me to understand that these
are nothing more than the foundations of what makes,
or mars a happy life in Margaret Court.
The first intangible is the quality of management, which
like the buildings is most successful when it is least
noticeable, but if the finances don’t work or the staff is
restless then it is almost impossible to ensure that the
quality of life is optimised for the Owners.
Fortunately, the evidence seems to be, that with some
unfortunate exceptions, which are inevitable when
human beings are involved, the administrative model
which was first introduced at Tiddington Court, has
stood the test of time.
I think that everyone would agree that administration
needs constant review and understandably this has
largely pre-occupied both the RSL staff and the
Managers in the Courts, but it has become more and
more obvious to me that while this is an essential
foundation, much more is needed if Owners are to
enjoy their lives to the full and this is where I believe
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that we need to concentrate in the future, while
ensuring that other standards do not slip.
So much more is possible. One thing in which
everyone has an interest is food but I grieve that
Courts which have a catering facility use their kitchen
for no more that 3-4 hours a day, when the link
between food and drink and social life is so
well understood.
As a rule of thumb, the best Courts are those
which have the most parties. I have been to some
memorable parties at the Courts over the years and
look forward to many more, but so much more can
be done.
At Margaret Court, it is difficult to get through the
door without being offered coffee or tea and delicious
home-made biscuits, about which my only complaint
is that they have spoiled my taste for shop biscuits.
The sense of welcome which it conveys is one of the
features of which is most appreciated by the Owners
and their families. Long may it continue.
My own main recreational interest is in music and
after two years we are still only scratching the surface
of what is possible. So far this year we have had the
Stratford Gilbert and Sullivan Society, two piano
recitals and later this week we have the Italian-theme
dinner to be followed by a concert, all for £10 a head.
In October, as part of the Stratford music festival, we
had a recital by Craig Ogden, a world-class guitarist,
but even this does not equal the wonderful concerts
which Greyfriars Court, in Lewes, arranges each year
by the Glyndebourne Opera Chorus.
These are no more than my personal experiences
in what I know is a bewildering array of activity
throughout the Courts, but I still believe that there
is so much more that is possible, in painting, playing
games, gardening, which is so far a sad disappointment
at Margaret Court, but we are working on it and hope
to emulate the success of Tiddington Court which last
year won the Stratford in Bloom competition.
We can only fulfil our potential if we can engage the
imagination of all Owners in ensuring that everyone
can live their life to the full. That is what I have learned
from my two years’ residence.
Bob Bessell - Chairman
RSL - Annual
General Meeting
Make a note in your diary. Retirement Security’s
Annual General Meeting has been set for 2pm January
25th 2012 at the Lansdowne Club, Fitzmaurice Place,
London. As usual there will be a buffet lunch before
the meeting.
Our Chairman gives shares to every RSL Court to
ensure that our Owners can be kept informed about
the Company’s progress and send representatives
to the AGM. Every Court can send their Chairman,
or another director, and the Court Manager at RSL’s
expense.
The meeting will include a presentation of the
statutory accounts by our Auditor, presentations by
the Company’s management team and an opportunity
to ask questions and debate the Company’s progress.
The Mayor Visits
Oaktree Court
Debbie Brock the Mayor
of Milton Keynes visited
Oaktree Court on
Wednesday 27th April
2011 at the invitation of
Court Chairman Luing
Cowley who was himself
the Mayor in 1985. Debbie
spoke to 20 or so Owners
at the coffee morning answering questions and telling
us various stories about her time in office. She read
out a delightful poem for the Royal Wedding that had
won the local under 12 school competition and had
been sent to Will & Kate as part of the official Milton
Keynes Council wishes of goodwill.
Picture is of the mayor
(Debbie Brock) and Luing Cowley
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Contents
1 Message - From The Chariman
2 RSL-Annual General Meeting
- The Mayor Visits Oaktree Court
3 Chief Executive’s Report
- National Art Competition
4 Court Spotlight
5 Charity Work
6 Blake Court’s Charity Champions
- 5 Star Performances
7/8 Gardening Competion 2011 Winners
9 Ashby Court Poker Nights:
- Strictly Come Dancing
- “Knit And Natter” At Deerhurst Court
10 Birthday Parties
11 Priory Court’s Very English Events
- Eileen’s Retirement
12 If Only He Had Known……….
13 The Royal Wedding
- Priory Court Royal Wedding Itinerary
- Thoughts From Bushmead
14 - Tannery Court
- Plymouth Court
- Elizabeth Court
15 - Blake Court
16 - Gorselands Court - Greyfriars Court - Blundellsands
17 - Wedding Bells At King Richard Court
18 - King Richard Wedding (Continued)
19 Back Page Break - Crossword
Call 01789 292 952
Web www.retirementsecurity.co.uk
Email courtcircular@retirementsecurity.co.uk
Write CC Editor
18 Wood St, Stratford-upon-Avon
Warwickshire CV37 6JF.
Court Circular is published by Retirement Security
Ltd with close involvement and contributions from
Owners and Court staff across the country.
This publication is available as an audio tape.
One copy is normally available at each Court.
If your Court does not have a copy please contact
us to request one.

Chief Executive’s report
Times are tough. Retirement Security relies on
property re-sales for a substantial part of our income
and we have been hit by the weak property market
and the economic slow down just like every other
company.
The income we get from re-sales is spent on
providing services to Owners and our philosophy
is to maintain the quality of these services even
when our income drops. And, of course, we have to
continue to spend on advertising and marketing even
when sales are slow otherwise we’ll never sell empty
properties.
At some Courts re-sales are as buoyant as ever and
properties are sold almost as soon as they become
vacant. At other Courts re-sales are slow and the
market is completely flat with some apartments
remaining unsold for long periods. At every Court
our Services Managers are working closely with the
local management team on sales and marketing and
on organising events that can encourage potential
new Owners to visit.
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There is no doubt that one of the most effective
ways to sell apartments is by word of mouth.
Our Owners can be our most effective sales tool.
If Owners are happy and tell their friends then word
gets around and sales often follow. Also, if Owners
are members of local groups, such as church groups,
arts organisations or organisations like U3A, Probus
or the Soroptomists and get these groups to visit the
Court then that helps greatly to boost the Court’s
reputation in the local community.
So if you are a member of a group or society that
might be interested in visiting your Court, perhaps
to hold a meeting or for a meal, why not let us know?
Have a word with your Manager or Services Manager
or drop me a line or an email and we’ll help you
organise it.
And, of course, if you have any ideas about how to
promote the Court or improve the services RSL
provides to our Owners then I want to hear about
them. You can call me on 01789 292952 or email me
at stephenladyman@retirementsecurity.co.uk
Stephen Ladyman - Chief Executive
National Art Competition
Every year the Elderly Accommodation Counsel
(EAC) holds a national art competition that aims
to encourage and celebrate the talents of older
people. Amateur artists over the age of 60 are invited
to enter work created using different media in 9
different judged categories. Each year approximately
100 works are displayed in a national exhibition with
prizes being awarded to the winner of each category.
In this year’s awards, Reg Norfolk of The Blundellsands
Classic had one of his works – Clogs (Once Worn
In the Potteries), shortlisted as a finalist in the still
life category. Reg decided to drive all the way from
Blundellsands to Birmingham and personally deliver
his work to the exhibition, despite having been
offered the opportunity of having it collected.
A picture of Reg’s painting can be seen below.
Are you a budding artist? Perhaps you would like to
enter next year’s competition. Entrance details and a
promotional poster will be
available nearer the time.
The editor of Court
Circular is also keen to
publish images of artwork,
so if you have taken any
pictures of your work,
feel free to send them
in to Retirement Security
Ltd at our Wood
Street address.
Court Spotlight
Mr John Greenwood of Minster Court hit upon the
idea of a feature for Court Circular, where Owners
submit a short article about their Court and the area
local to it. Here in his own words, is his contribution
for Minster Court.
“ Minster Court is situated in Bracebridge Heath,
close to Lincoln in Lincolnshire. What do you know
about it? Probably very little, so let us begin.
The Court sits in some 2.5 acres of land that is
surrounded by railings that have three pedestrian
gates and one vehicle gate that are kept locked at
night to prevent the inmates escaping!
Unlike most Courts, the apartments exit onto a
balcony, except on the ground floor of course. This
means that each apartment has its own “front door”,
which is a valued and a desirable feature.
The Court has many unusual features, for example,
there is only one television cable to each apartment,
so should you wish to decide to watch, say, Virgin
television as opposed to regular television, then you
have to give the office a day or so advance notice
to change the cable termination in the cable room!
We have a green house and vegetable garden, also a
shed – the Handyman has his own, but ours is better
because we do not “do” health and safety, so have a
full range of power tools etc.
Let us explore the neighbourhood – it is close to
the Lincoln city boundary where the cathedral when
built in 1311 was the tallest structure in the world at
160m, a record which had previously been held by
the Great Pyramid at Giza at 146m since 2570BC.
Adjacent is the castle which contains one of the
four remaining copies of the original 1215 Magna
Carta. Within a mile or so is the boundary of RAF
Waddington which was opened in 1916 and is now
the UK air defence headquarters, hosts the prime
UK air show and is home to the AWACS (Sentry)
reconnaissance aircraft – the one with the rotating
radar aerial on – amongst others. A little known fact
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is that Waddington can remotely control unmanned
aerial vehicles anywhere in the world!.
Nearby, we also have RAF Conningsby which is
home to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (a great
visitor attraction) and together with RAF Leuchars
is also responsible for the air defence of the UK,
employing Tornados and Typhoons. Also nearby is RAF
Scampton of Dambusters fame, which is now home
to the Red Arrows.
This is just brief comment on our local history and
attractions; we could mention many others: from the
manufacture of tanks in WWI, repairing Lancaster
aircraft in WWII at Bracebridge Heath (a hangar still
exists on site), and even discuss the Romans building
a local canal… and the beauty of The Wolds, etc.
However, we will not bore you with detail… come
and see for yourself.”
John Greenwood – Minster Court, Bracebridge Heath

Charity Work
The Courts regularly act as social hubs
and help raise money for charitable
organisations and good causes.
On the morning of 24th June, Tiddington Court
Social Committee prepared for its charity coffee
morning (including a raffle, homemade biscuits and
cakes) in aid of “Hearing Dogs for the Deaf”.
An enjoyable morning was had by all and the Owners
raised £200 in aid of the charity and have committed
to supporting two puppies through their basic
training during the forthcoming year.
Marie Curie - Priory Court
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Several of the Courts participated in and have had
success in raising funds for this years “Blooming Great
Tea Party” in aid of Marie Curie. Cathedral Green
Court in Peterborough managed to raise £171 and
Priory Court gave the following report from their
event:
“What a blooming great time we all had! Apart from
raising funds for this most worthy charity, we invited
the local community to join us and made it into a
resales event too. The staff team volunteered their
time and the raffle donations came in from both
Owners and staff, generating a grand figure of £200
for Marie Curie.”
Melton Court also participated and managed to
raise £138. Well done to everyone who took part.
Pictures shown were taken at the Priory Court and
Melton Court Blooming Great Tea Parties.
Melton Court
BLAKE COURT’S
Charity Champions
3 members of staff at Blake Court have excelled
themselves in raising money for their favourite
charities.
Duty Manager Brian Smith completed a bike ride
taking him from London Bridge to Hampton Court,
crossing 13 London bridges on the way. He cycled
33 miles for the Stroke Association, all on the hottest
day of the year and he is a pensioner too, he
raised £600.
Cook Lisa Lodge ran twice, first for Crohn’s Disease
of which her son is a sufferer. She completed the
course of 6 miles and raised £1,100. Her second
attempt was in the Race for Life Breast Cancer
Charity and was a distance of 3 miles, where she
raised a further £335.
5 Star
Performances
Congratulations to the staff team of Priory Court
for achieving and maintaining the highest standard in
“Food Safety & Hygiene” for the past twelve years.
The local authority has issued this most prestigious
5 star award (pictured) to the Court after a random
inspection of all businesses in Knowsley, Merseyside.
Many businesses display their award when achieving
only three stars, thus showing the importance placed
on it and how coveted it is.
The photograph shows Jeanette Wilson (cook) and
Gill Challis (HKA) with the award. They are part of the
catering team whose efforts secured this recognition.
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Housekeeping Assistant Pennie Bongomin made
a tremendous effort by running in the London
Marathon completing the course in 7hrs and is also
a pensioner. Pennie supports the Lyn Berwick Trust
who build bespoke holiday homes around Great
Britain for disabled people and their carers. She
raised a of total £2,450.
We are very proud of all three of them
WELL DONE.

GARDENING
COMPETION
2011 Winners
Congratulations to
Burcot Court, winners
of this year’s Gardening
Competition for the best grounds.
Honourable mentions go to
Plymouth Court and
Tannery Court
Tannery Court
Plymouth Court
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Burcot Court
Congratulations also to
St. George’s Court for the
best display of containers with
honourable mentions going to
Osborne Court and
Burcot Court
St George’s Court
Burcot Court
Osborne Court
Gardening Competion - 2011
For those Courts who didn’t
win, or didn’t enter, why not
start planning for next year’s
competition. Photographs
can be taken at any time of
the year and will need to be
submitted by mid-September
2012. It could be a Spring
display, an Autumn foliage
display or Summer roses.
Patio containers, walkway
floral displays or even balcony
displays can all enter the
container category.
Get planting!
Oaktree Court
Gorselands Court
Emmbrook Court
Deerhurst Court
Thanks to all the Courts
who entered. Here is a
selection of the photos
that were submitted.
Priory Court
Fullerton Court
Melton Court
Elizabeth Court
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Blake Court
Tiddington Court
Greyfriars Court
Cathedral Green
Court
Bowling Green Court
Bushmead Court

Ashby Court
Poker Nights:
“Who needs Las Vegas?” So say some of the
Owners at Ashby Court who meet
together to play poker
regularly. They also
say they will use
real money when
they grow up.
Ashby Court.
Strictly Come
Dancing
In June, Carrs Court arranged a visit to the Tower
Ballroom in Blackpool, nostalgia setting in as many
remembered dancing there in their younger days.
We listened to sessions on the Wurlitzer organ (Yes!
It still rises up and disappears), admired some expert
dancers and enjoyed sandwiches, scones, jam and
cream, tea and coffee. The experts didn’t have the
floor to themselves, as a few Owners also took to
the floor.
Most of us also enjoyed time along the front as it was
a beautiful day weather-wise.
We arrived back safely at about 6:30pm when some
enjoyed fish and chips from the local chippie, a fitting
end to a very enjoyable day.
Edith M. Lundy
Carrs Court
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“Knit and
Natter” at
Deerhurst
Court
Three years ago, when Mrs Berry arrived at
Deerhurst Court, she was already knitting
blankets for a children’s clinic in Rwanda, since
then she has not only remarried, but gained eight
knitting helpers, who all busily knit and chat during
the daily tea-time “happy hour”.
New Owners have joined the group and
approximately thirty beautiful crafted blankets are
completed and sent off each year. The blankets
keep the sick children warm during the cold
nights and also serve as shawls for the visiting
parents.
Finding sufficient wool is becoming a problem, but
non-knitting Owners very kindly give money from
time to time to buy new wool, thus also helping
in this worthy cause.
Deerhurst Court.
100th
Birthday
Owner Bill Lewis (pictured above with daughter
Pat) celebrated his 100th birthday at Burcot Court
on 18th June. A party was much enjoyed by the
Owners, family and friends and included music
being played by a string quartet at pre lunch drinks
and again after lunch when the cake was cut. His
granddaughter Helen is a professional cellist who
has played in the London symphony Orchestra
and the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
On behalf of the Owners, the Court Chairman
– Barry Walker presented Bill with a voucher for
a book shelf to accommodate his growing book
collection as he is an avid reader and 3 bottles
of his favourite whisky.
Bill had a very long and varied career and only
retired from the World Health Organisation when
he was aged 77. He travelled extensively and was
an expert in water quality.
Burcot Court
Birthday Parties:
Minster Court has thrown two birthday parties
recently. Ray Altoft turned 90 and was once a
prisoner of war of the Japanese. He has been an
invaluable Owner/Board member for many years.
Also pictured is Audrey who celebrated her birthday
at Minster Court too and is
originally from Australia.
Minster Court
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GREYFRIARS
COURT 21ST
Birthday Celebrations
On October 1st 2011 Greyfriars Court celebrated
its 21st Birthday. Preliminary festivities included
a wonderful Celebration Tea when Owners from
Marlborough Court and Saxon Court joined us. The
festivities culminated in a week of major events. We
enjoyed an Owners’ Buffet Lunch; Bob Bessell cut the
cake as he had done at the Court’s 10th anniversary
party. We had an evening of memories arranged by
our Manager, Bronwen Lander, when Owners tried
to guess, from photographs, who was who at 21 and
finally the Mayor of Lewes, Norman Baker MP and
Stephen Ladyman, CEO of RSL joined Owners and
many friends of Greyfriars for a Formal Reception.
An evening of celebration we will never forget.
To pay tribute to Greyfriars Owners past and
present and to remember the staff who supported
the Owners we produced a Celebration Booklet,
“Greyfriars Comes of Age.” This has been a great
success.
Cecily Payne,
Chairman of Greyfriars Social Committee

Priory Court’s
Very English
Events
Red and white were the colours of the day for a very
special St. George’s Day event. The dining room was
decorated to mark the special occasion, as Owners
and staff gathered to enjoy an evening meal with
entertainment. The function was like “The Last Night
of the Proms” as voices were raised and flags waved.
The sun certainly shone in Wimbledon as it did in
Knowsley as Priory Court became Centre Court
during both the Ladies’ and Men’s 2011 finals. The
Owners gathered in the lounge and cheered on the
action and indulged in fresh strawberries and cream
or choc ices.
EILEEN’S RETIREMENT
At the end of September we bid a fond farewell to
Eileen Shaw as Services Manager. Eileen decided to
retire this year and spend less of her time travelling
on the motorways. She worked as a Services
Manager at RSL for almost seven years and will be
sorely missed by all. She always worked tirelessly
for her Courts and impressed everyone with her
shorthand skills. She has no firm plans for her
retirement and as yet is not following Bob’s lead
by moving into one of the Courts! However her
husband has recently bought a Great Dane puppy
and so I would imagine that it will involve many long
walks. Our newest recruit Richard Perry is now
looking after her Courts and we wish Eileen all the
very best for a long and happy retirement.
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If Only He Had
Known……….
How was he to know that the queue at the Tesco
Pumps would be so long, that the car would have run
out of petrol just as he got on to the car park to fill
up at the only working pump. His wife had never
been so embarrassed, she said. Having to use a can
in the petrol queue, four cars from the actual pump,
with cars tooting their horns. He knew he could have
filled up two miles down the road, but Tesco`s fuel
was 2p a litre cheaper. The dilemma of taking the
family out on the Bank Holiday or staying at home
again even though cash was a bit tight was too much.
We were here.
Can we stop at a café, the kids asked? We were
passing “ The Savoy Café”, well known on the A34 for
good value. “That`s for lorry drivers,” he said.
“No it is not!” said his son adamantly. “Michael Finely,
stopped there with his dad and they had sausage, egg
& chips. It was only 2/9!”.
“It is still going to be too expensive for four of us.
Besides we have to be careful with the cash. The car
cost enough to run. That and the price of petrol at
over 55p a gallon. We`re not made of money. We
have to save where we can. That`s right isn`t it
mum?”
“I don`t know, it would be nice to have a meal out for
a change, Albert. We can always have the sandwiches
when we get home, save me cooking anything
tonight”.
“Too late we have gone passed now”. He grunted.
“I am not trying to turn round now; look there is
a car coming the other way”. It had to be a picnic,
much healthier than a Transport Cafe. “The food is
too greasy and besides the cash could be used for
something else the kids are sure to want”.
They stopped a mile up the road. The lay-by was
wide. It was a regular picnic spot, tables and benches
and an overflowing sweet and sticky waste bin. O.K.
there was a few wasps hovering around. “They won’t
hurt you”. Dad said.
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That was until Emily decided she wanted to have
her food on the grass in the shelter of the bushes.
Emily was ten years old. This would have been fine
had it not been for a nearby wasps nest. The wasps
were more desperate for her piece of cake than she.
Such an angry humming of wasps and so fearful a
cry from a young girl still haunts the family today.
Frantic waving of arms and waving of tea cloths were
to no avail. Dad threw his jacket over her head. This
of course only trapped the wasps. David, thirteen,
emptied his glass of coke over her head. The wasps
loved this and came back for more.
“Get in the car”, mum screamed. “We are going to
get help! That transport café back down the road.
Come on hurry up. What are you waiting
for Albert? Start the engine and get a move on.
I can see Emily`s face swelling already.”
“Poor kid”, mum gabbled on. “You and your saving
money. Will you never spend a bit on the family?
Open those bloody windows”.
Mum rarely swore or even railed against dad but
she was in charge now right enough.
The draught from the window had cleared most
of the wasps from around her head but they were
still climbing through her hair. Emily was scratching
franticly and her screams, once in the café, parted
regular customers at the counter.
A young girl left pouring tea into pint size mugs
grabbed Emily and dragged her, still screaming into
the kitchen where a trough full of cold water, half full
of used utensils stood. She plunged Emily`s head, into
the water, down to her shoulders. Gasping for breath
Emily surfaced amongst floating debris of grease and
wasps. In the meantime her partner had phoned for
an ambulance.
The car was left on the car park that night. The family
had all piled into the ambulance and been taken
to the cottage hospital fifteen miles a way. Within
walking distance of the families home. Dad picked up
the car the next day. The Bank Holiday treat had cost
very little – less than 55p (240p = £1). But if only
they had Known ……..
Mrs Maskrey,
Tannery Court.

TheROYAL
WEDDING
Priory Court
Royal Wedding Itinerary
10:30 am Morning Coffee served with Prince
William’s favourite biscuits, whilst watching the
wedding service.
2:30 pm Light Lunch, lots of chat
and anticipation for the balcony scene.
5.45 pm Evening Wedding
Celebration, lots of bubbly, a three
course meal and entertainment.
Thoughts from Bushmead Plymouth Court
When suddenly three large Union Jacks appeared
in the grounds of Bushmead Court, one sensed that
there was “something in the air”.
Hence on Friday 29th April, our little Bushmead
family gathered in the communal lounge to watch the
proceedings in Westminster Abbey, on television.
The beautiful setting, the guests’ colourful outfits
formed a rainbow of colour. In a memorable service,
the young couple seemed so loving and at ease with
each other; it was a joy to see.
The feeling around the country appeared to be one
of togetherness, which to me seemed akin to the
united spirit found in the War years and showed just
what Britain can do!
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Here at Bushmead Court,
our manager, Jane - and her
staff, gave us a great day. In the
dining room the small tables
were all laid and patriotically
decorated. A very long table
was set with an amazing buffet
that was both eye-catching and
mouth-watering.
We could not have had more
care and attention, and do
thank Jane and her gang for all
the effort and hard work in
giving us all a grand day.
J.J.
Towards the end of April, Plymouth Court’s catering
operation had one of its busiest weeks since our 25th
anniversary celebrations last summer, with themed
lunches taking place for St. George’s Day, Easter
Sunday and then the royal wedding… all in the space
of six days!
Staff worked extra hard to produce appropriate
meals and decorations for these events and the
directors on behalf of all the Owners, wish to publicly
place on record, their gratitude, appreciation and
thanks to the cooks, Housekeepers and all other staff
for the additional time, imagination and effort that
they invest throughout the year into making special
occasions even more special for Owners.
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Tannery Court
Celebrations for the Royal Wedding
Amongst the busy activities at Tannery Court, a party
was held starting in the late afternoon to celebrate
the Royal Wedding on April 29th. The restaurant area
was decorated with flags and bunting and the tables
were decorated in a festive and colourful manner.
The Mayor of Abergele arrived, complete with chain
of office and accompanied by his wife; this added to
the sense of occasion. One of the activities that took
place was a “Best Wedding Hat Competition”, which
a number of ladies entered. The hats were judged
and the winners were chosen by the Mayor and
his wife.
A gifted photographer (who is also the husband of
a member of staff), also attended and took official
photographs, whilst the cameras of Owners were
clicking continuously away.
Following the laughter and chatter, a wonderful buffet
prepared, arranged and served by the staff, delighted
us all. Savouries of all sorts, followed by scrumptious
desserts, helped us later to return to our apartments
contented, well fed and thankful to our staff and
fellow residents for another wonderful day at
Tannery Court.
Elizabeth Court
On the afternoon of the Royal Wedding, the Owners
of Elizabeth Court in Salisbury and our neighbours
from Cathedral Views celebrated in great style, the
wonderful, special day with 800 yards of Union Flag
bunting adjoining the two properties.
Guests were greeted with a glass of wine and canapés
throughout the early evening followed by champagne
and wedding cake which was ceremoniously cut by
Mrs Muriel Gee, Elizabeth Court’s oldest resident.
Derek Hart, the Chairman gave a toast to the
royal bride and groom and much jollity was had by
everyone.

The
ROYAL
WEDDING
Continued
BLAKE COURT
Much planning was put into the preparation for the
big day, everyone was sent an official invitation and
Doreen Keast one of our owners who is an expert
flower arranger made buttonholes for everyone
to wear on the day, she also arranged for 2 of her
friends to make a wonderful pedestal arrangement
in our reception area to greet everyone.
We started the day at 10am in the lounge watching
the proceedings on our big screen making sure that
everyone had refreshments through the course of
the morning.
Lunch was presented in a street party atmosphere
with long tables joined together and plenty of bunting
around. Timing for lunch was a bit tricky as nobody
wanted to miss anything; it took place while the
wedding party and guests were being transported
from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace. It
was like a military manoeuvre everyone worked so
hard, we had a delicious cold buffet and everything
was ready on the tables but we knew that most
people didn’t want to miss the balcony kiss or the
fly past.
It went like clockwork, everyone was back in the
lounge some with their portable desserts clutched
in their hands for the anticipated moment.
Later in the afternoon we celebrated further with
“wedding” cake and a glass of champagne to toast the
happy couple, a perfect end to a very happy day.
15
Blundellsands
Gorselands
Court
After all the talk and publicity about the wedding,
Friday finally arrived. The CASS summoned us all
to the lounge, where we took our seats and Paul
O’Brien our manager took control of the TV.
We all watched with interest all the procession and
the service as we drank our tea or coffee, provided
by the housekeeping assistant. Quite an interest from
the ladies in their dresses and the wonderful way the
abbey was fitted out.
At last the service was over, we could relax and
discuss among ourselves the wonderful pageant,
before the best item of the day was announced –
FREE buffet lunch to go and help yourselves. It was
an excellent buffet provided by the Court and this
was followed by the cutting of the cake, everyone had
a piece both of the sponge cake and the fruit cake.
Duty Manager Pam Melgaard had made the cake,
which comprised two tiers… both very beautifully
iced.
After all this we all wandered back to our homes –
some I think to sleep off the lovely day.
Gorselands Court
16
Greyfriars
Court
The Royal Wedding Day was a special day for
Greyfriars Court. In the morning about thirty Owners
watched as the excitement grew. We drank coffee
and enjoyed lemon drizzle cake made by Lucy, our
chef. Encouraged by Bronwen, our manager, the men
wore their best suits and the ladies wore hats, some
made especially for the occasion. Bronwen presented
each of us with a beautiful carnation. From our
comfortable seats in the lounge we had an excellent
view of the marriage ceremony. We were absorbed
by the splendour and pageantry of the occasion.
After lunch and wine, we rushed back to join the
bride and groom on the palace balcony. Later we
gathered again for our celebration toast with sparkling
wine and Bronwen’s delicious chocolate roulade –
Managers are talented and versatile individuals.
Now we are looking forward to our 21st birthday
celebrations. We are arranging a number of social
activities including a mini garden party in the build
up to the main events. These will take place during
the first week of October. Owners will be able to
enjoy a lunch time buffet, an evening of memories,
a talk about the history of the area, concluding with
a formal reception to mark this special occasion.
2011, a year to remember at Greyfriars Court. Thank
you to Bronwen and the marvellous team of Duty
Managers, who somehow manage to keep 50 balls
in the air at the same time and to all our staff for their
kind attention and cheerfulness.
If you would like to know more about us, we are
preparing a celebration booklet with contributions
from Owners, staff and friends of Greyfriars.
Cecily Payne
Greyfriars Court Social Committee

The
ROYAL WEDDING
Continued
WEDDING
BELLS
at
KING RICHARD
COURT
The date was January 11th 2010. The venue was
King Richard Court, Northampton. The event
was the blessing and reception of King Richard
Court’s Manager Judith Duckett to
Peter Gammage.
After receiving a proposal of marriage from
her long standing partner Peter, Judith whom
has been the Manager for 5 years and a Duty
Manager for 3 years prior to that thought
it only fitting that following the Wedding at
The Guildhall, Northampton, the blessing and
reception be held at the Court and celebrated
with all the Owners and staff!
And what a fantastic celebration
it was!
Judith and Peter arrived at the Court (in the
snow!) at around 1pm after their ceremony
at the Guildhall, which was attended by her
immediate family. Keen for her extended family
(Staff, Owners and other guests) to share her
special day Judith, her family, friends and her
staff had organised the wedding blessing and
reception over many months prior.
17
King Richard
Wedding
The marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton
was not the only wedding with a royal connection
to be celebrated at the Courts. King Richard Court
hosted a blessing and reception for the wedding of
their very own Manager:
THE ARRIVAL OF THE NEWLYWEDS
Around 60 guests waited at the Court in anticipation
for the newly weds and her family to arrive. The
Owners were seated in the lounge and dining room,
which had been opened up and beautifully decorated.
Her staff were in waiting in the reception with
champagne and confetti at the ready to toast the
happy couple as they entered the building.
THE LOUNGE
Judith then 49 and her new husband looked stunning
in gold along with bridesmaids Jennifer (Judith’s
daughter), 4 year old Isabella (Judith’s niece) and
Isabella’s mum (Judith’s sister-in-law) along with
Judith’s matron of honour Julie, who was delighted
to be attending as she was unfortunately unable to
attend Judith’s first marriage.
With proud mum and dad looking on Rev Ted
Hale, whom has known Judith most of her life and
performed with her in a local Choir, conducted the
blessing on a stage between the two rooms so all
could view.
JUDITH AND HER DUTY
MANAGEMENT TEAM
After a few tears were shed – the reception began
with some delicious dishes prepared by the cooks at
King Richard Court and served by the staff along with
plenty of wine!
18
CUTTING OF THE CAKE
Speeches were made and the cake was cut, Owners
and staff danced to the disco and the celebration
went on late into the night whilst Judith and Peter
jetted off to America for a fantastic honeymoon.
SOME OF JUDITH’S HOUSEKEEPING
ASSISTANTS
Written by Laura White - Duty Manager,
King Richard Court

Prize Crossword
8
5
Back Page Break
6 7
11 12
15
16
1
9 10
2
© Brainwarp
ACROSS
5 Stone that withstands great heat (9)
8 Traditionally, a boy’s hobby (5,8)
9 Inhabitants of one of the Scandinavian countries (5)
10 Part of a billiard table (5)
11 Somerset town (5)
12 Transparent material made largely from sand (5)
15 Football team known as the Hammers (4,3,6)
16 Bright light made by hot quicklime (9)
DOWN
1 Title of a book by Ian Fleming (4,3,3,3)
2 Drink made from pears (5)
3 Indelible colouring (5)
4 Winter play-battle (8,5)
6 Uniformed people established by Peel (9)
7 Stiff facial hair (9)
13 Leader of a pop group named the Comets (5)
14 Roman name for the Greek god Eros (5)
3
13 14
4
19
Last Issue’s
Answers
ACROSS
5 Worcester
8 Circumference
9 Henna
10 Robot
11 Dijon
12 Idiot
15 Championships
16 Asymmetry
DOWN
1 Nonconformist
2 Scamp
3 Aster
4 Herefordshire
6 Limelight
7 Ectomorph
13 Miami
14 Knees
THIS ISSUE’S PRIZE
For your chance to win this issue’s prize of £25
in Waterstones book vouchers, don’t forget to
post your completed crossword to the address
at the front of Court Circular.
Last issue’s prize Crossword Winner:
Mrs C M Ward of Ashby Court.