A heartfelt welcome to our scheme

We had a great time at our Holdenhurst launch party on Friday last week. Celebrating the official launch of Holdenhurst, the event marked the culmination of eight years of hard work!

First off, residents and Abbeyfield staff and trustees watched a photocall for our special time capsule project (more on that coming soon).

Next, it was time for the party. Planned with input from our tenants, we were honoured to have over 75 guests attend. These included local MP for Bexhill and Battle Huw Merriman, High Sheriff of East Sussex Jane King, as well as representatives from many local organisations and groups:

• U3A Heffle
• Women’s Institute
• Heathfield & District Bonfire Society
• Heathfield Agricultural Show
• Heathfield and Waldron Churches
• Heathfield Chamber
• Wealden Council
• Parish Council
• Sussex Express

Guests enjoyed tasty canapes and hot lunches of fish and chips or chilli con carne. The Holdenhurst kitchen team also made delicious cakes and sweet treats. Plus, there was live music from jazz singer Chris Jacobs.

“It was a real pleasure to meet the staff and residents at Holdenhurst last Friday for such a lively and happy event. It’s great to see the Holdenhurst housing scheme fully open and providing such a great environment for the local community in Heathfield. It demonstrates that an affordable rental housing scheme for older people is achievable with the right support. We need more housing charities like Abbeyfield South Downs to work with Homes England and funding partners such as Charity Bank to deliver much needed older people housing.”

Huw Merriman, MP for Bexhill and Battle

David Byrne, Chair of Abbeyfield South Downs made a speech chronicling the extraordinary challenges faced by the team as they progressed with the Holdenhurst build. Nolan Taylor, CEO of Abbeyfield South Downs, also thanked the team for their hard work.

The day was a great success and we look forward to supporting our tenants as they enjoy the new building and new community, which we hope will serve the Heathfield area for many years to come.

Building a friendly community

Last few flats remain!

Holdenhurst is a supportive, vibrant and like-minded community. You can get involved as much or as little as you wish. For an informal chat to see if Holdenhurst might be right for you, call us on 01435 898380 or email us at holdenhurst@abbsd.co.uk