Some of the longest serving members of staff past and present at Seymour House. US4608-138A0	Former managers of Seymour House Geraldine Howe, Dougie Dobbin and Mrs Helen Johnston. US4608-139A0

AS Seymour House prepares to close its doors for the final time, staff and friends past and present came together this week to reminisce about times gone by. Day Care Worker, Jennie McClearn, looks back over the past 47 years and bids a fond farewell to the Seymour Hill home.

'OLD People's Home Like a Luxury Hotel' was the Star headline on June 24, 1961 when a brand new Seymour House first opened its doors to residents.

But after 47 years of providing a home from-home to many hundreds of people it will, in the near future, close its doors forever.

On Tuesday November 11, a reunion of staff and friends, both past and present, was held at Seymour House where there was ample opportunity to indulge in more than a little nostalgia by viewing an exhibition and flicking through albums of photos charting the life of this large institution and the larger-than-life characters who both lived and worked there.

Among those present were several members of the very important part of Seymour House life that was the Gospel Meeting. Beginning over 25 years ago, many people have been involved in this much valued service of whom there is only space to mention a few: Ann McKelvey, Bob Turner, Billy Armstrong, Cecil Buchanan, Ella Williamson, Tommy Heasley and Albert Allen. They brought music, joy and comfort to many and are owed a huge debt of gratitude for a service so freely given.

Seymour House was the second purpose-built home commissioned by the Antrim Welfare Committee and the first to be constructed by the Northern Ireland Housing Trust (forerunner to the present day Housing Executive). Those who commissioned the building were keen to provide local care for local people as, at that time, the nearest residential home was in Carrickfergus .

They also wanted this new home to be of the highest standard with hot and cold running water and built-in wardrobes in every room. An added benefit was the employment provided for the local population. Hundreds of people have worked there over the years some coming to use the services as they themselves grew older. Generations have passed through Seymour House. Mothers then daughters have worked there. Parents have lived there then years later their children have grown old and come to live there too. But times change and services must change with the times. Such large residential institutions are being phased out as older people choose to remain in their own homes.

Living or working in Seymour House was like an alternative family life with all the usual ups and downs. On Tuesday November 11, it was the 'ups' that were remembered the most clearly while the 'downs' could only evoke a fond smile.

Ulster Star
14/11/2008