AN historic development of bungalows became a spectacle of red, white and blue as residents trustees and guests celebrated the coronation of the new King.
An afternoon tea fit for a king was served to 63 residents and guests, including Darlington’s mayor Anne-Marie Curry and local councillor Heather Scott, as Sir E D Walker Homes, in the West End of the town, marked the historic occasion.
Chairman of trustees Alasdair MacConachie welcomed everyone to the special event in the community hall inviting them to sing the national anthem and toast King Charles.
He said: “This is a very special occasion and one which makes you feel proud to be British. We are delighted to welcome Charles and Camilla to the throne and I am sure they will make an excellent king and queen.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the staff and trustees at Sir E D Walker Homes for the excellent work they do for the residents.”
Sir E D Walker Homes manager Jane Reed said: “I was so pleased so many people were able to join us to help residents celebrate a piece of history. We thoroughly enjoyed decorating the hall in union flags and red, white and blue, and loved the pictorial display of Charles through the ages, from being a baby to today.”
For resident Mary Cresswell, who has lived at the Coniscliffe Road site for the past 11 years, King Charles represents the fifth monarch in her lifetime.
Born in 1933 when George V was on the throne, she has lived through the reigns of Edward VIII, George VI and Queen Elizabeth II.
“I remember when Queen Elizabeth was crowned,” she recalled. “Television was in its infancy and I remember putting it on just as she was leaving the gates of Buckingham Palace.
“I really enjoyed watching the latest coronation. There was so much more detail given and it was all in colour of course. The Queen was marvellous for us but I think King Charles will be great as well.”
The Sir E D Walker Homes site was created in 1928 following a bequest from the estate of Sir Edward Daniel Walker, a former Mayor of Darlington and local businessman.
Run by a charitable trust, the development comprises 55 single-bedroom bungalows, designated as almshouses, in a village atmosphere. The original intention was to provide homes for the ‘poor and needy of Darlington’. Today, the bungalows provide safe accommodation, in a picturesque environment, for those capable of independent living.
Anyone interested in applying for a bungalow should contact Sir E D Walker Homes at enquiries@siredwtrust.co.uk or phone (01325) 463083, or 07768 045333.