Jewish Care has welcomed the first tenants to its latest retirement living development.

Pears Court is part of the charity’s Sandringham campus on the Stanmore/Hertfordshire borders.

The 48 one- and two-bedroom apartments are organised around a garden courtyard connected to the Ronson Family Community Centre, which has facilities including a synagogue, café and restaurant, shop and wellbeing centre.

Toby Drage, 85, was the first to move in this week. She has strong connections to the charity, having been a weekend receptionist at its former care home on the Sandringham site, the Princess Alexandra, for ten years.

After her husband’s death two years ago, she wanted to maintain an independent life in a Jewish environment.

“By living here, I’m also alleviating worry for my children. Everyone here is so kind and helpful. The move has definitely been the right one for me and it’s gone well.”

Len and Sylvia Kingsley also moved in this week. Married for 67 years, they had been keen to become tenants since plans for Pears Court were announced.

Mrs Kingsley is pleased she will be able to get help and support with her husband’s care as he approaches his 95th birthday.