RESIDENTS of the historic Quinnettes sheltered housing in Churt have celebrated the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Eddystone Housing Association.

To mark this important milestone, the residents held an open afternoon on September 3 and provided free tea and cakes for anyone who might like to visit Quinnettes and see the lovely old Elizabethan house, beautiful gardens and Jacobean barn where the association is based.

They were supported by members of the committee and three stands provided by organisations which have supported Quinnettes since its founding – the Church of St John’s, Churt WI, and the Churt Horticultural and Produce Society.

There was also a demonstration of yoga on the lawn by one of the organisations which uses the barn every week.

There was a steady flow of visitors, many of whom had never seen the grounds, let alone the inside of the barn.

The latter is used as a community centre for the residents and also by the community for functions and activities such as a flourishing bridge club, two yoga groups and two singing groups, who use it for practice and concerts.

The barn can also be used for weddings and other special occasions.