It might not quite be as old as most of the people who use its services, but 50 years is still quite a milestone for one of Kent’s largest care companies.

The Abbeyfield Kent Society marked five decades with a celebratory anniversary party at its Watling Court housing scheme in Gravesend, with the glorious early summer weather allowing guests to enjoy the day in the garden.

Among those invited were the Mayor of Gravesham Cllr Harold Craske, who gathered with other dignitaries in the communal area to listen to speeches and performances by the Rochester Choral Society and Friends.

Kitchen staff prepared a buffet and scheme manager Helen Goulding baked a spectacular cake, which was cut by founding trustees Christine Hughes and Janet Mann.

“We are very proud of the society’s accomplishments over the years and believe it is a huge achievement that we have come so far since 1967 and are looking to the future in a time which is of considerable uncertainty for the entire sector,” said Helen.

“Everyone had a great afternoon at the party, the choir were brilliant and the tenants in particular enjoyed singing along and meeting the other guests.

“It was absolutely wonderful to be a part of the day, which really does sum up what Abbeyfield Kent is all about.”

Kent got its first Abbeyfield home in 1967, when Reverend Tom Rogers noticed that older people in the area were lonely and in need of care.

From that first small house in Kingswood Road, Gillingham, the society continued to grow over the years and in 1992 Rogers House also opened in Gillingham, which was the first residential care home in the county to provide 24-hour care.

It now provides care and housing for more than 400 older people at various locations across Kent.