Battle care home celebrates Sussex Housing & Care's 80th anniversary with community celebration and time capsule

Residents, families, colleagues, and members of the local community came together at Saxonwood care home in Battle on Friday 16 October to celebrate a remarkable milestone as Sussex Housing & Care marked its 80th anniversary.

The special event formed part of a programme of celebrations taking place across Sussex to honour eight decades of providing housing, care and support to older people.

A highlight of the celebration was putting together a commemorative time capsule ready to be planted in the garden at Saxonwood. Filled with photographs, messages and mementoes it captures a snapshot of life at Sussex Housing & Care in 2026 for future generations to discover.

Kieran Mullan MP presented an award to 91 year old resident Georgie Farrow for the poem she entered in Sussex Housing & Care’s 80th anniversary poetry competition. Georgie reacted to the news: “I’m amazed! I enjoyed writing my poem all about Saxonwood and creative writing is something I love, I write for a local magazine. I was just 11 years old when Sussex Housing & Care formed, and I’m jolly glad they did, I wouldn’t be here without them!”

Kieran Mullan MP met residents and families, he said: “I was delighted to join residents, families and staff at Saxonwood to celebrate 80 years of Sussex Housing & Care. It was a lovely occasion and a chance to recognise the fantastic work they do supporting older people in our community. It was particularly special to present Georgie with her poetry award. I was also very amused to see a little knitted doll of myself! A huge congratulations to everyone at Sussex Housing & Care on this wonderful milestone, and thank you to all the staff for the care and dedication they show every day.”

Vikki Cook, Deputy Mayor of Battle joined the celebrations: “It’s been a fabulous morning and I’m blown away that Sussex Housing & Care is 80. It’s a warm and friendly community, I know many of the residents, and the organisation has support and backing from everyone involved. I’m already looking forward to celebrating the centenary!”

Guests enjoyed a morning of memories, reflection and celebration including the "80 Years, 80 Voices" project, which brought together residents and staff to share words that capture the spirit and values of Sussex Housing & Care.

Speaking at the event, Tracy Evans Chief Executive of Sussex Housing & Care, said: "Celebrating 80 years is a fantastic milestone. It’s a chance to celebrate the difference Sussex Housing & Care has made to older people across Sussex, thank residents, colleagues and supporters who have been part of that journey and look ahead to the future. The time capsule is a lovely way of capturing this moment and preserving the stories, memories and experiences that make Sussex Housing & Care such a special organisation.”