22 August 2024
Residents and FirstPort colleagues at Knights Court in Perth have celebrated 25 years since their retirement development first opened its doors with a summer party.
Knights Court, an independent living retirement development run by FirstPort, was first officially opened on the 25th of February 1999 by Provost John Culliven.
To celebrate the anniversary, residents opted for a summer party where they gathered in their communal lounge, grabbed a glass of bubbly and enjoyed afternoon tea and music – all whilst reminiscing about their own memories of life at the retirement development.
It was a particularly poignant moment for one member of the Knights Court team. Yvonne Stewart first started working as a cleaner at the development just months after it opened in October 1999.
Yvonne explained: “It’s a great family environment here and a wonderful community. Having worked here for almost 25 years, you definitely get to know everyone living at the development and their families, and you pick up when someone is not themselves.
“Whilst I’ve never really reflected on it, it’s been a wonderful journey working here and it’s certainly not finished yet.”
Speaking about Yvonne’s positive impact at the development, FirstPort Development Manager Frank McEwan said: “Yvonne is a huge part of our community here. She is always there to support me and the residents, and we definitely don’t want her to ever leave!”
The party was also particularly special for three residents – Cathy and Jack McIntyre and Irene Butchart – who have all lived at the development for over two decades.
To celebrate their time at Knights Court, they were each presented with a bouquet of flowers.
Frank added: “The party made for a lovely afternoon. But we don’t always need a special occasion to get the residents together. We have lots of afternoon activities, and get-togethers.
“You know, some people can be involved in events that happen here and other people just do their own thing. And there’s no pressure and everybody can be themselves, which is great.”
