More than 100 seniors were treated to an afternoon of tasty treats and entertainment to mark the 50th anniversary of the Bermuda Housing Trust.

Students from Delwood Middle School, Prospect Primary and Saltus Grammar School provided musical and dance performances, while pupils from CedarBridge Academy, Sandys Secondary School and The Berkeley Institute helped serve the food and drink.

During the event a major donation was also made to the BHT by the children of Rod Ferguson, who together with founder, William Purvis was instrumental is establishing the trust.

“We are very touched by the generosity of Mr Ferguson’s son, Rod, and daughter, Diane Wilkie, who have joined us here today to honour the work of their father with a significant donation of $25,000,” said John Barritt, the BHT chairman.

“The Trust does not receive nor does it rely on any funding from Government. It has over the years sought to be self-funding and to meet its expenses through rents and, where possible, through donations as well.

“This is no easy task either when seeking to maintain our ageing housing stock and not raise rents on sitting tenants. We therefore extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors.”

The tea party took place at St John’s Church Hall in Pembroke yesterday. It was opened by the Bermuda Highland Dancers and attended by Jeanne Atherden, the Minister of Health and Seniors.

The Bermuda Housing Trust was established by the Bermuda Housing Trust Act on August 3, 1965.

Today it provides homes for 194 seniors at five different properties in Somerset, Southampton, Pembroke, Paget and St David’s.