Cambridge retirement community Girton Green has celebrated its 10th anniversary.
Managed by The Abbeyfield Society, Girton Green comprises over 70 en-suite apartments for over 55s. The retirement complex boasts a cinema, restaurant, hair salon, swimming pool, jacuzzi, and gym. At celebrations to mark its first decade, residents were treated to a barbeque, live music, and a slice of the anniversary cake.
Following four years of construction, Girton Green opened in 2012. One of the community’s first residents, and current chair of the residents’ committee, Mrs Nicky Daneshyar, said of the anniversary: “Coming here in the first few weeks that Girton Green was open was a bit like moving from junior to secondary school – new buildings, new people, new systems, and wondering if you were going to enjoy it, fit in, and make new friends. Girton Green has lovely facilities, but they count for little if people can’t enjoy them in a welcoming and sociable society.
“Inevitably, the older age profile of residents has meant that, over ten years, we have lost friends and some of us have lost life partners, but the support we have been able to give to and draw from each other during these times, and the joint memories that we all have of those who shared our lives, has been really important.
“Living here allows you to understand that Girton Green is more easily recognised than described.”
Operations manager Richard Simpson said: “After a long period of not being able to celebrate together, we are overjoyed to be able to do so now, and to confirm our continued commitment to alleviating loneliness and working hand in hand with our local communities.”
