A charity that provides care for elderly people in north Norfolk is celebrating its 50th birthday.

Glaven Caring, which is based in Blakeney, will celebrates its 50th anniversary this month with a week of 1970s themed celebrations and fundraising.

The charity was founded by a local GP, Dr Tony Allibone, in 1974, to help improve the well-being of local elderly people, often isolated by the loss of a partner, as well as those with limited mobility with little or no opportunity to mix in the community.  

In 1978, the Duchess of Kent opened the purpose-built centre in Blakeney which was then run with the help of a team of 150 plus volunteers serving 200 clients.  

Glaven Caring in Blakeney is preparing to celebrate its 50th birthday. Glaven Caring in Blakeney is preparing to celebrate its 50th birthday. (Image: Glaven Caring)

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Fifty years on, the centre is open five days a week. Clients play cards and games and are entertained by visits from local school children, choirs, therapy dogs and trips on the water in Wheelie Boats and visits down to the Quay for a Mr Whippy. 

In the past 12 months, Glaven Caring has served up nearly 1,500 freshly cooked hot meals, accessed over 3,000 hours in time given by volunteers, provided 360 supervised baths and its minibus has travelled more than 8,000 miles.

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The Glaven minibus travelled more than 8,000 miles in the past 12 months. The Glaven minibus travelled more than 8,000 miles in the past 12 months. (Image: Glaven Caring)

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In recent weeks, clients have been busy crafting 70s inspired artwork to decorate the centre for its birthday celebrations which take place from June 17 to 21.

Among the highlights will be a silent auction of prizes including a Bridget Jones ‘Mad About Boy’ copy of the final book in the trilogy, signed by the author and film stars including ‘Bridget Jones’ herself.

Also up for grabs are a flight over the Norfolk coastline, tickets to the Thursford Christmas Spectacular and a four-hour Norfolk coastal sail for four with a picnic lunch on the Lorna May.