Forty years after foundation, the doors to eight new homes built for Spenborough Flower Fund Homes have been opened by the Mayor of Kirklees.

Councillor Andrew Palfreeman led the ceremony at the new development in Town Street, Birkenshaw on 10^th September 2010.

The eight flats are the latest in a series of homes constructed since the housing association was started in 1969 by Miss Ellen Chanter, of East Bierley, during her year as Mayor of Spenborough.

Miss Chanter started up the project to provide rented accommodation so that the over 60s could retain or regain their independence.

The charity appeal initially raised more than £10,000 and more money was raised from further donations in lieu of flowers at funerals.

At Miss Chanter's funeral in 2003, friends and relatives were also asked to make a donation as an alternative to sending flowers.

In 1986, ten flats were built at Grove Lane, Gomersal, and a further twenty flats were added in 1998 at Whitehall Grove, Birkenshaw.

To mark its 25^th Anniversary in 1994, the Flower Fund began the search for more land to build on and, in 2007, the land at Town Street was secured.

The completion of the new Chanter House development in 2010 takes the total homes built by the charity to 60.

Regrettably, the latest land was only found after Miss Chanter’s death but she was actively engaged in running the charity as Chairman from foundation until a few months before she died. Current Chairman, Mr Peter Benson, was instrumental in bringing the latest project at Town Street to fruition and he manages the charity along with eight other hard working volunteer board members.

Spenborough Flower Fund is now looking for land for the next project but needs donations to help.