RESIDENTS at a Basingstoke sheltered housing unit have paid tribute to lost friends with their first event since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

VIVID’s Abbey Court Extra Care Scheme in Popley was joined by the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Cllr Onnalee Cubitt, for a commemorative afternoon tea and tree planting event on July 23.

The event, which was organised by volunteer Phil Lloyd, VIVID, ApexPrimeCare and volunteers from Barclays, was held to celebrate the lives of residents who passed away recently, mark last year's VE Day anniversary in May and VJ Day anniversary in August.

It was the first event held at Abbey Court since the start of the pandemic and all residents rejoiced at being able to get together again.

The afternoon started with a service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving conducted by John Hayward, chairman of Basingstoke Chaplaincy and was followed by a commemorative olive tree planting by the Mayor.

The olive tree was donated by housing association VIVID, to remember those lost and to thank the ApexPrimeCare team, caterers and cleaners for their fantastic support and work during the pandemic.

The event was finished off with an afternoon tea and an array of uplifting music and singing from the War era delivered by Ian Harrison.

Of the many people commemorated at the event, the residents specifically remembered their friends who sadly passed away recently, in particular Albie Gibson and Reg Bryant who fought in World War II.

Derek Streek, head of neighbourhoods at VIVID, said: “We’re delighted residents at Abbey Court were able to join together again to remember and celebrate the lives of those lost recently and also mark our important historical anniversaries.

“It’s been a very difficult year for everyone but especially for those living in care homes, so we were pleased to support Phil and the ApexPrimeCare team put together an event that the residents would enjoy.

“We want to say a big thank you to everyone involved for making this a special day for the residents and in particular to the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Cllr Onnalee Cubitt for attending and helping plant our tree of remembrance.”