THE Abbeyfield Society celebrated its 60th anniversary at the weekend and Warminster joined in the fun with an afternoon tea party at its home in Boreham Road.

The home’s residents were joined by staff, deputy mayor of Warminster Pip Ridout and MP Andrew Murrison as they enjoyed tea, cake and a series of speeches.

It was cause for triple celebration on the day as Abbeyfield celebrated its 60th anniversary, the Queen turned 90 and the Warminster home was awarded with a Core Standard award, marking its high standard of care.

Dee Butcher, secretary of the Warminster home, said: “It was a great occasion and everyone had a lovely time.

“We were celebrating three things; the 60th anniversary of the Abbeyfield Society, the 90th birthday of the Queen and our award.

“We managed to get everything in before the weather took a turn for the worse which was pleasing.

“There were over 40 people in attendance including residents, their relatives and some special visitors, including the vicar of Mells.

“Andrew Murrison came along to wish the Queen a happy birthday and Sue Perry, regional chairperson for the Abbeyfield Society, was there to present the award to us."

The Abbeyfield Society was founded by Richard Carr-Gomm with the aim of providing sheltered housing and care homes to the elderly.

The society owns and manages around 200 houses and 20 care homes and is affiliated with independent local Abbeyfield charities, who together run a further 250 Abbeyfield Society Houses and 60 care homes across the UK.

Deputy mayor Pip Ridout said: “It was a delightful afternoon with the residents, especially the 101-year-old who is still incredibly spritely for her age.

“There was an absolutely lovely spread of cakes on display and we were lucky with the weather.”

The Warminster home currently has eight residents and has one empty room.

To contact the Warminster home, call 01985 212043.