Woman of Steel helps Sheffield care home celebrate 10th anniversary

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Kathleen Roberts joined more than 100 residents, family, staff, neighbours and builders to celebrate 10 years of White Willows.

Kathleen, now aged 97, was one of the hundreds of women who worked in Sheffield’s many steel works during the Second World War, while the men were away fighting – she spent the War rolling steel at Brown Bayleys.

She now lives at White Willows, Dyche Road, Jordanthorpe, which marked its birthday with the showing of a special 10th anniversary film featuring many of the residents, alongside speeches, cakes, a 1970s’ disco and meal.

Ninety-year-olds Edna and Derrick Whitaker get funky at White Willows' 1970s party to mark its 10th anniversary

She said: “Moving here is the best thing I've ever done.

“When I come through the doors at the end of the day I think, 'ahhh, it's good to be home’."

White Willows was designed and built by South Yorkshire Housing Association in 2010 and provides supported accommodation for people aged 50 and over.

Residents live in their own personalised flats and everyone has access to several communal spaces where there are regular events, activities and opportunities to relax together.

Jean Rollitt, aged 89, has fun at the 10th anniversary celebrations

Jean Rollitt, who has lived at White Willows for nine years, said: “On my first day, I came down to the lounge and had a cup of tea and a biscuit and I've been happy ever since.”

Tony Stacey, SYHA chief executive officer, who attended the celebration, said: “It was great to spend time with the residents in their wonderful home.

“As we are an ageing population, it is more important than ever that we keep providing homes like White Willows, places that empower people to continue to live independent, joyful and fulfilling lives.”

A White Willows spokeswoman said: “Over the last 10 years, residents have enjoyed organising day trips, taking holidays, developing new friendships, discovering exciting hobbies and taking part in many charitable actives.

Pat Kirk, aged 86, was all smiles at the anniversary celebration

“White Willows has allowed couples aged 50-plus to stay living together and, most importantly, continues to show how living in shared accommodation is important to allow people to thrive as we grow older.