Sheltered housing scheme celebrates 40 years and honours war hero

Herbert Buzzard Court, on Hankin Street, first opened on September 26, 1976.

Forty years to the day, court manager Debra Mundle hosted an event to mark the occasion, inviting local dignitaries and residents past and present.

The guests of honour were Kath Burton and June Flint, granddaughters of Charles Herbert Buzzard, a First World War hero and former branch secretary of the Hucknall Royal British Legion.

Representatives of the legion’s Hucknall and Bulwell branches joined residents in listening to Kath and June recount stories of Herbert’s life.

Nottinghamshire County Councillor John Wilmott was also in attendance and said: “This was indeed a memorable occasion, made even more so by both granddaughters of Herbert attending and the presence of the legion.”

Another significant guest was 99-year-old Hilda Hodgkinson, who was the first resident in the court and who will turn 100 on October 29.

The gathered visitors enjoyed refreshments, craft sales and a raffle with proceeds going to Macmillan Cancer Support.