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14.
May
2018.
Royal appointment for Stafford couple

 

                     Press Release

               

Ref:PRSH229
Date: 14thMay 2018 

Royal appointment for Stafford couple


High resolution image for download 

A Stafford couple have received a very special invitation in recognition of their efforts to raise money for charity whilst helping to build a strong sense of community at the Independent Living scheme where they've lived for the past decade.

 

Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) customersAldwelland Margaret Bosanquet are planning a trip to Buckingham Palace for a royal garden party, hosted by Her Majesty the Queen, having helped to raise more than £4,000 for worthy causes.

 

They were nominated for the honour by SARH Independent Living Co-ordinator Bernadette Rhoden, who says the kind-hearted couple are always helping to organise fun events for their neighbours to enjoy.

 

"From summer barbeques and Christmas parties to themed music nights and table top sales, there's always something going on at our Independent Living Scheme and they are usually at the heart of it," Bernadette explained.

 

"Over Christmas, a packed programme of events, including a performance by an Elvis impersonator, raised around £1,000 fornearby Greenhall Nursery and there are plenty more events in the pipeline."

 

According to Margaret and Aldwell, known as Bos to his friends, the royal invitation came as a huge surprise and they're now planning for the big day later this month.

 

"We're both really excited and I've already been out and bought a new hat," said 66-year-old Margaret, a retired hospital domestic and supermarket cleaner. "We plan to make a weekend of it, staying in a hotel in London overnight and doing some sightseeing while we are there, including taking a cruise on the Thames."

 

Bos, who met the Queen 50 years ago whilst serving in the Army, says he's not sure what he'd say if spoken to by Her Majesty. "We don't like being in the spotlight so we'll probably find a quiet spot and stay out of her way!" joked the 70-year-old retired machine operator.

 

"However, the invitation really reflects the efforts and hard work of everyone who has supported the events at the scheme, which is a great place to live where we all help each other out," he added.

Caption:Bos and Margaret with their royal invitation

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About Stafford and Rural Homes

Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) is the largest social landlord in Stafford with around 6,000 homes across Stafford, Stone and the rural villages across the Borough. Established in 2006 to own and manage the former Stafford Borough Council housing stock, SARHset up a trading subsidiary company Housing Worx, to deliver planned maintenance works to its properties and fulfil commercial contracts in 2012. SARHalso offers 18 Independent Living schemes for people aged over 55 andan award winning Telecare home safety and personal security system for the elderly and vulnerable.SARH has invested more than £100 million on improvement and regeneration programmes and building over 500 high quality new homes for rent and shared ownership which have benefited SARH customers by improving neighbourhoods and creating job opportunities for local people. The housing association works in partnership with local authorities, health trusts, statutory bodies and a range of voluntary organisations to create safe, sustainable communities where residents can ‘Live, Work and Grow'.

Follow SARH on Twitter@SARHomes

Media contact:

Martin Farrow

CHANGEWORKS Communications
t: + 44 (0) 1785 247588

m: +44 (0)7771 970025

e: mfarrow@changeworkscom.co.uk
 

Stafford and Rural Homes contact:

Mara Hargreaves
Marketing Manager

t:01785 216793 (Direct) 

m:07800 619 863 (Mobile)  

e:mara.hargreaves@sarh.co.uk