THE ELDERLY residents and staff of Meresworth Residential Home, Rickmansworth, celebrated their annual charity fun-day on Friday.

Mrs Ann Giddings, deputy home manager, said the money raised this year would fund the completion of the home's new sensory garden.

She explained phase one, the actual garden, had been completed but things like lighting and hand rails for the elderly, were still waiting to be fitted.

She said: "Today was special for us because it was the first time the event was held in our new sensory garden which was officially opened during the jubilee celebrations.

"We had cake, tea and coffee stalls, raffle tickets to give away, and lots of other fun competitions. We also held a bingo night and a special concert in the evening."

She said the sensory garden, which was designed by Mr Richard Williams, had dramatically improved the life of the residents and workers at Meresworth Residential Home.

She said: "To think, a year ago our garden was a piece of circular Tarmac, today it is paved and grassed, full of fragrant flowers, bright colours and interesting sounds."

Pensioner Mrs Ella Johnson, 98, said: "It has been a most enjoyable day eating cakes and playing games. The sun is out and it feels good to be sitting in this garden sipping my tea, and getting a tan."

June 27, 2002 16:30