Mayor: Upcoming MHA retirement community ‘important for Pickering’

Jane Barker, Managing Director of MHA’s development partner Rangeford Care, and Joanne Ashworth, Services Manager for MHA, were among those who greeted guests on the day

10th August 2015

Mickle Hill, MHA’s flagship retirement community in Pickering, has been deemed “an important service” for the town by the Mayor.

Joan Lovejoy said, “The age of the population in Pickering and Ryedale is above average, with lots of people over 60, so it’s an important service for the community.

“It’s a place offering company and community, and people can still stay if their care needs change.”

The Mayor was speaking at a gathering of prospective and confirmed Mickle Hill residents, who were meeting soon-to-be neighbours and viewing an elegant show home.  Mickle Hill is part of MHA, the national charity providing accommodation, care and support services to 16,000 older people nationwide.

Aimed at promoting independence, Mickle Hill comprises 168 apartments and bungalows, including 24 properties which will be allocated by the local Council for social rent. It will also have several communal  facilities such as a café bistro, gym and library.  The 24 hour on-site care team at Mickle Hill will provide discreet, personal care and assistance.

The first Mickle Hill residents are due to move in at the end of this year.

Joy Parry, who dug the first turf at Mickle Hill’s sod cut event last year, said, “I have a disability and Mickle Hill will be good for me. There’ll be help on hand and the future is provided for.”

Also moving in are Geoff and Sheila Wright. “We’ve cared for three family members,” Sheila said, “so we know it can be difficult to get care in the community at short notice. So we’re coming primarily for the care, so we know we have help if we need it. Everyone I’ve spoken to has been very friendly and caring.”  Geoff added, “We’ll have peace of mind.”

Gillian Crawley, who is moving in with her husband Brian, noted, “The show property fills us with confidence. The people we’ve met are all very nice and it will be very good when the bistro and everything else is open.”

Audrey Ewens is another resident-to-be who feels “very reassured” for the future by living at Mickle Hill. A supporter of MHA for 30 years, she said, “I believe in making my own decisions, and I can do that by living at Mickle Hill.  If I need help in the future, it will be here. I feel very reassured.”

Other facilities at Mickle Hill will include an activity room, Jacuzzi, cinema, landscaped gardens, hair salon, lounge and shop.

For more information about Mickle Hill, please call  01751 245000 email enquiries@micklehill.org.uk or visit http://micklehill.org.uk/.