Dogs, classic cars, heritage buses, ballroom dancing, garden tours, sports and medieval knights have all featured in a busy summer of events at Middleton Hall Retirement Village.
The varied programme has brought together residents from the independent properties, supported apartments and care services, as well as families, visitors and members of the wider community. The village’s National Garden Scheme Open Day attracted more than 100 people and raised money for nursing and health charities.
The summer programme reflects a distinctive feature of life at Middleton Hall, where independently owned retirement properties sit alongside supported apartments and residential care services, with residents taking part in activities and social occasions across the village.
Events started with Middleton Hall’s annual Dog Show, bringing residents, families and visitors together with their four-legged friends for a series of fun competitions.
July’s National Garden Scheme Open Day, now in its seventh year, gave visitors the rare chance to explore the 45-acre estate, including its gardens and grounds.
Classic vehicles were another highlight, with members of the Teesside Yesteryear Motor Club bringing a collection of historic cars to the annual Car Show. Later, the Aycliffe & District Bus Preservation Society brought several heritage buses to Middleton Hall, prompting memories of journeys from years gone by.
Residents from the care services and supported apartments also represented Middleton Hall at the Darlington Care Home Olympics, joining teams from eight local care homes in adapted challenges including skittles, bean bag toss and rocket throw.
The summer culminated in a week of events in September, held in a marquee on the bowling green. Ballroom and Latin dancing got things underway, with Middleton Hall Hospitality Manager Clare Robson and her dance teacher, Dianne Howe, performing for residents from the supported apartments and care services.
A Grand Luncheon in the marquee for residents living in the independent retirement properties raised £570 for Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice in Middlesbrough.
The Middleton Hall Village Show then brought the summer programme to a close, with residents, families and visitors enjoying medieval re-enactments, Morris dancing, music, garden tours, classic cars, craft and produce stalls, food and refreshments. The medieval re-enactors also visited the care services, giving residents the chance to meet the performers and see their costumes and equipment at close quarters.
Local MP Matt Vickers, Member of Parliament for Stockton West, was among the visitors, chatting to residents and local exhibitors.
Adam Wardale, Middleton Hall Retirement Village’s Managing Director Designate, said: “It has been lovely to see so many residents, families and visitors enjoying the events over the summer. One highlight was seeing the reactions of residents in our care services when the medieval re-enactors visited.
“It is great to bring different experiences directly to residents and give everyone the opportunity to take part in village life.”