The Winchester Working Men's Housing Society celebrated its centenary with a day of activities on its Fulflood estate in Greenhill Rd and Milverton Rd on Saturday 23rd June.
Local MP Steve Brine, the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Dame Mary Fagan and Deputy Mayor of Winchester Cllr Ernie Jeffs joined the Society's Chairman, Richard Steel, to welcome tenants and guests for a ceremony commemorating 100 years of social housing at affordable rents in Winchester.
Speaking of the Society's founding concept of providing cottages on a breezy hill, Dame Mary Fagan said: "It is very important to have good healthy housing for healthy living and I congratulate the Committee of Management for achieving these aims."
She then unveiled a commemorative plaque, which will be located on the exterior wall of a new office to be built at Ronald Bowker Court.
Guests enjoyed wine and refreshments at the formal ceremony before enjoying an afternoon of festivities on the Greenhill Road Car Park, which included a fancy dress, Punch and Judy, games and competitions for adults and children and a hog roast.
Chairman Richard Steel said: "Tenants and guests came together to celebrate the Society's centenary day. It was fitting that the Lord Lieutenant, our MP and representatives of the City Council, were present to recognise 100 years of independent housing provision in a pleasant part of Winchester."
Steve Brine added: "It was very fitting to mark 100 years of the society and it's lifeline affordable homes in one of the most expensive suburbs of the city in the week our council announced it will build new council homes once again.
"I was honoured to be invited to the celebration and glad that, unlike my predecessor of 100 years ago, I could attend in person with my family and not just send a telegram of good wishes!"