elderly woman cutting cake at rockdale 75th celebration

Rockin’ At Rockdale – 75 Year Anniversary

1948 saw some key moments for Britain: the launch of the NHS, the signing of the Treaty of Brussels and even the debut of Polo mints! 75 years ago, history was being made. 75 years ago was a different lifetime. 75 years ago, the Rockdale Housing Association was established, another outstanding addition to Sevenoaks’ rich history.

A brief history

Beautrice Alice Wilson of Rockdale House

Image Credit: Rockdale

Miss Beatrice Alice Wilson was a pioneering lady of Sevenoaks who served with the Red Cross (earning several badges) as nurse in World War One and was part of the Royal Army Medical Corps in World War Two, taking her skill abroad to Palestine, Damascus and Cairo. She even treated a certain Winston Churchill at his home in Chartwell!

In 1948, Beatrice established the Sevenoaks and District Old People’s Housing Association (later to become the Rockdale Housing Association). Through her tireless fundraising, she acquired Rockdale House with the guiding concept that it would provide affordable accommodation for older residents with varying needs – from full supported independence to a more substantial degree of care.

An impressive, strong and inspirational woman ahead of her time, Beatrice’s long contribution to Sevenoaks will never be forgotten. Read more about the history here.

Celebrating Rockdale’s 75-year anniversary

Such a momentous occasion deserves an equally momentous celebration. And that’s exactly what Rockdale gave us at their garden party on Monday 4^th September.

Set up on one of their many green spaces in an idyllic cul-de-sac on the grounds, Rockdale residents and their families, Sevenoaks businesses and members of the ever-supportive local community turned out in their droves.

Against the backdrop of a sunny September afternoon, guests were treated to delightful assortment of cakes as well as some fizz (it was a party after all!) whilst bopping along to some dulcet tunes performed live by the highly revered Henry Desmond Show Band (part of the Henry Desmond Orchestra).

All of this followed by speeches from:

Ian Grattidge, Chairman
Chris Munday, CEO
Nadra Ahmed, Patron and High Sheriff of Kent
Cllr Claire Shea, Mayor of Sevenoaks

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About Rockdale Housing Association

Rockdale Housing Association is a not-for-profit charitable organisation which enables them to keep Rockdale affordable for all. Any profits are invested back into the Association. They are governed by a Board of Trustees which ensures that Rockdale adheres to its values and principles of providing the best, affordable housing to older people in Sevenoaks.

Whether you opt to rent or purchase your property, or move to our residential home, you will be part of a welcoming community nestled in the centre of Sevenoaks Town. For many of the residents the knowledge that staff are on site 24-hours a day brings peace of mind so that they can enjoy their retirement.

Rockdale is a registered social landlord and has been supporting older people in Sevenoaks for 75 years. Today it is home to over 200 residents in a range of sheltered accommodation and care home.