VALLEY Lodge Sheltered Housing, situated off Valley Drive at Greendown Close celebrated the 40th anniversary of its opening on November 10.

The complex was originally opened by Joyce Grenfell (a Christian Scientist) on November 121977 and has since offered Christian Scientists and likeminded people of other Christian denominations, the opportunity to live independently while having security, companionship and the benefits of having a sheltered housing scheme manager on site daily.

The history of Greendown goes back to October 1972 when a group of Christian Scientists recognised the need to provide sheltered accommodation for the senior members of the church organisation, and has since then developed into the Charitable Trust it is today, having a further sheltered housing complex in Knaresborough and Dyneley House Care Home in Chapel Allerton Leeds which was opened in November 1986. The non-profit making Charitable Trust is governed by a board of trustees.

There are 27 self-contained flats in all on the complex, with a variety of one and two bedrooms. Tenants enjoy the peaceful setting, community atmosphere and activities in the communal facilities. Scheme manager Cathy Greener said the longest tenants were Mr and Mrs Mirfin who have been at Valley Lodge 19 years. She added it had been a privilege to manage the site for the past four years.

If you would like further information about the application process, please contact Mrs Greener on 01943 607659 , email her at catherine.greener@greendowntrust.co.uk or take a look at the Trusts website, www.greendowntrust.com.