People living at Gloonan House in Ahoghill near Ballymena held a tea party recently to celebrate the completion of a £100,000 upgrade by Clanmil.   

The independent living scheme has been transformed with new flooring and paintwork, while in the lounge, there is new furniture, window blinds and soft furnishings, along with a modern fireplace and TV unit. The scheme’s guest room has also had a makeover and is now cosy and welcoming.   

Residents’ apartment doors have been refreshed with new paint and updated handles and there is new energy efficient LED lighting in the corridors, lounge and around the exterior.  

The work was carried out by Michael Donaghy Painting and Decorating.   

Gloonan House residents enjoy a busy calendar of activities and social gatherings in the lounge and are delighted with the new look.  

Chair of the Tenants’ Committee, June Beverland who has lived at Gloonan House for eight years, commented:  “It’s well improved and I think it’s lovely, nice and bright. It makes us feel young again! I like the colour scheme, and we are all very happy with it.” 

 Athene Van Rensburg has lived at Gloonan House for seven years. She is Treasurer of the Tenants’ Committee and a keen artist. She donated some of her artwork which was reframed and is displayed along with photographs of local scenes in the lounge.   

She shared her views on the refurbishments: “I’m very impressed, it’s made a big difference. We spend a lot of time in the lounge as it’s our social place. I like the colours and I’m looking forward to us getting some plants in there which will really bring it all together.” 

Clanmil’s Director of Assets and Building Safety, Tony Giffen, added:  “We are delighted that the people living in Gloonan House can enjoy their new-look surroundings. This £100,000 upgrade is part of a wider investment of £500,000 that we have delivered during 2022/23 to maintain and improve properties like Gloonan House. The opinions of residents were very important to us during the planning stages, and we are pleased that they can enjoy a home that is up to date, energy efficient and comfortable.” 

While the interior of Gloonan House is first class, the gardens around the scheme are equally as inviting and are maintained to a very high standard by Domestic Assistant and talented gardener Linda Blair, with help from some of the residents. The scheme was recently the runner-up in the Best Independent Living scheme category at Clanmil’s annual gardening competition, Clanmil In Bloom.  

Interested in living in Gloonan House?

If you or someone you know is interested in living in Gloonan House, please contact the Scheme Co-ordinator Yvonne Rock to arrange a visit. Tel 028 2587 8560 or email: housing@clanmil.org.uk