CERES Court in Bude has recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, holding an official party on Friday, September 30 with money raised by the residents.

Ceres Court is a retirement scheme, housing people of the age of 60 and over in welcoming flats, with over 600 properties throughout the country.

Although it was officially opened in September 1991, the first resident was found to be living there since 1989, and during the 25th anniversary celebration, the resident came along with the original key and was presented with a bunch of flowers.

Residents began their fundraising to throw a celebration for Ceres Court’s 25th anniversary.

They held a ‘Bring and Buy’ stall in the reception recently, where people could come along to donate and buy items, as well as give voluntary donations to the cause.

Additionally, they held an afternoon tea, where residents enjoyed delicious cakes, scones with jam and cream, and a raffle, whilst raising money for the party.

Around £300 to £400 was raised to provide a delicious buffet lunch, as well as cakes and other party treats.

The Ceres Court residents often fundraise for events and charitable causes, including Children’s Hospice South West, who shared their 25th anniversary with the scheme this year, as well as Christmas parties and different celebrations.

Ceres Court estate manager of four years, Rose Sellars, is pleased with Ceres Court’s progress over the 25 years.

She told the Post: “Even in the four years I’ve been here, I’ve seen a lot of improvements, like the scooter sheds — meaning residents can use them to get to and from the cars. We’re also really trying to encourage gardening, because we’ve got a nice garden space, so it really is all about independent living here.

“Newly retired people require different things now, such as wifi, because it’s completely different to how it used to be and what residents used to want a few years ago, so we’re always looking at ways of moving forward.

“It’s a really nice little community here, and they all look out for each other and help each other with their fundraising.”

The residents are now looking forward to their next fundraising events. Every year, they hold a strawberry tea for different cancer charities, with cakes, strawberries and drinks, raising between £300 and £400 each time.

They are now considering looking at donating items to the refugee collection, organised by Bude Refugee Support Group.

Rose added: “The residents here really are quite active, and I think the fundraising encourages them to do more within the community, to add to all the different things they do already.”