THE Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend Dr Rowan Williams, officially opened the Church of England Pensions Board's new showpiece retirement home, on Monday. The special ceremony at the Manormead Supported Housing, at Hindhead, was also attended by the Bishop of Guildford, Rt Revd Christopher Hill, and the Mayor and Mayoress of Waverley, Maurice and Mary Byham. The archbishop and bishop officiated at a dedication service in Manormead's own chapel, attended by 200-strong congregation of supported housing residents, neighbouring Manormead Care Home residents, pension board staff members and guests. This was followed by a short conducted tour of flats and the rest of the facilities, the unveiling of a plaque in the lounge by the archbishop, and lunch for all guests in the dining room. Before unveiling the commemorative plaque, Dr Williams said: "I'd just like to echo the thanks that have been expressed to all those involved – not least to those involved as architects in this wonderful facility." The rebuilt assisted living accommodation for retired Church of England clergy, their spouses, and clergy widows and widowers, has 28 individual flats, chapel, library, communal lounge and dining room . It combines support, including overnight emergency cover, with independent living. Lunch is provided in the dining room, but residents' flats have their own fully fitted kitchen in which to prepare other meals. The new accomodation is fully equipped for the disabled and boasts an envirnmentally friendly biomass boiler that provides a minimum of 10 per cent of energy. Before handing over to the archbishop at the opening ceremony, Allan Bridgewater CBE, chairman of the Church of England Pensions Board, said: "I believe the service and dedication of our new chapel, and the official opening of this new supported housing project bears witness to the extension and deepening of the links by the church in the wider community and has been accomplished eagerly. "I'm delighted that so many are able to be here representing various interests." For more information on the services available and to enquire about flat availability at Manormead, telephone Jos Laskey or Tracy Wood on 020 7898 1800.
