Ilkley trust’s final major gift enables opening of retirement development on Friday 10 May

30 April 2013

Ilkley trust’s final major gift enables opening of retirement development on Friday 10 May

The final major gift of a 50-year-old family charitable trust in Ilkley has enabled the development of a retirement living community which opens on Friday 10 May.

Emmandjay Court in Ben Rhydding received funds from the Emmandjay Trust, a family initiative based in Ilkley and set up to honour the memories of three members of the same family. Guest of honour will be Trust member Mrs Sylvia Clegg, who will unveil a commemorative plaque.

The Emmandjay Trust, which was intended to last for 50 years, had sought a fitting cause for its last major grant before its closure last year, finding it in Emmandjay Court. The development has 56 one and two bedroom apartments for people over 60, with individualised care and support available on site, with options for sale, rent or shared ownership. Facilities for residents include a hairdressing salon, lounge and garden.

It is part of MHA, the national charity providing accommodation, care and support for 16,000 older people.

The official opening of the Retirement Living with Care community will comprise a Thanksgiving Service led by MHA Chaplaincy Adviser Ted Britton, and Emmandjay Court’s Chaplain, Deacon Liz Day. The commemorative plaque will then be unveiled and a celebratory buffet lunch will be served.

Les Sudron, MHA’s Head of Fundraising, said, “MHA was thrilled when we were approached by the Emmandjay Charitable Trust offering to support the development of such a wonderful new facility for the benefit of older people. Having supported older people in the area since 1947 with the opening of Glen Rosa, we are delighted to be able to continue our longstanding association with the local community”.

MHA also offers residential and dementia care at Glen Rosa on Grove Road, Ilkley.