Party time for home residents

Residents and staff at a Boughton care home saved from closure celebrated with a party on Monday.

Several praised the Advertiser for its role in highlighting the campaign to keep Bishops Court, which was one of eight homes earmarked for closure by Nottinghamshire County Council in a shake-up of services.

After months of campaigning by residents, the council announced this month that the home, on Tuxford Road, would remain, because of the lack of any suitable alternative and a lack of public transport in a rural location.

About 50 residents, along with relatives and friends, spent the afternoon celebrating with sherry and a buffet.

Mrs Doris Crofts (81) who has been in Bishops Court for four years, thanked the Advertiser for its coverage.

“We got brilliant support from the Advertiser,” she said.

“You followed the story from day one right through to now.”

Staff put up balloons and banners and residents sang along to musical entertainment.

The Ollerton county councillor, Mrs Stella Smedley, was presented with a bouquet as a thank you for her efforts in saving the home.

Members of Bishops Court Action Group, who collected a 10,000-name petition against the plans, were presented with wine.

Mr Maurice Houghton (92) has lived at Bishops Court for four years.

He said: “We are delighted. We hoped all the time we would keep it open.

“I like the way it is run, the way it is organised.

“I get on all right with the people here. We get on together.”

Another resident, Mrs Bertha Cooper (91) said: “I like living here. It’s really lovely.

“I like being with people I know. I’ve made lots of friends.”

Her daughter, Mrs June Barnsley, of Pearlthorpe Close, Edwinstowe, said her mother moved into the home only six months ago and she was pleased it was not closing.

“It’s only ten minutes away from where I live so it’s convenient,” Mrs Barnsley said.

“All the staff are very friendly and it’s a lovely atmosphere.”

Mrs Joyce Kartinis (81) said she was very grateful to all the people who had fought hard on behalf of the residents to keep the home open.

“I’m so pleased. It’s a lovely place to live. I like everything about it,” she said.

Woods Court, Newark, was also spared closure, but five homes in the county will close.

These are in Bassetlaw, Mansfield and Broxtowe.