Pictured: Pupils and teachers from The Elms Primary School 

Pupils at a local primary school in Farringdon have named Housing 21’s new Extra Care development.

A ceremony was held for the scheme where Fern Meadows was revealed as the official name. Pupil Sophie, chose the winning name, which translates as Saxon for Faringdon, where the Extra Care scheme is being built.   

Pupils at Elms Primary School had the opportunity to choose a name for the Extra Care development through Housing 21’s naming competition. The competition was open to children in years five and year six. 

After careful consideration the final six shortlisted names were selected, and the pupils were invited to visit the development site to see where the new scheme would be built.

Regional Extra Care Manager, Darren Herbert said: “It was a great opportunity for the children to be a part of the significant decision-making process. 
“I approached The Elms Primary school, and we agreed to hold a naming competition with years five and six. The criteria was that it had to have a local connection to the area.” 

Pictured: Regional Extra Care Manager’s Nikki-Leigh Dipper and Darren Herbet from Housing 21 with winner Sophie from The Elms Primary School. 

Sophie and the final six pupils were presented with a certificate and voucher for their contribution.
Fern Meadows will offer 60 stylish apartments which will be available to rent or buy through shared ownership.  

The Extra Care scheme is being delivered by Housing 21, a leading provider of Extra Care and Retirement Living, in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council and Deeley Construction. Homes England are providing grant funding for the development.    

Andy Chequers, Oxfordshire County Council’s Deputy Director Housing, said: “Supporting the development of extra care housing is a key part of our Oxfordshire Way vision to enable people to live well and independently within their own communities. 

"It’s wonderful that local young people have been given the opportunity to name this new development, establishing Fern Meadows firmly into the community at an early stage.” 

The development for people aged 55 and over will provide independent living with on-site care available. The scheme will also have an on-site Housing and Care Manager and a range of communal facilities.  

Martin Gallagher, Managing Director of Deeley Construction, added: “This is an important new development for the community in Faringdon, which will bring significant benefits for the older generation, and it is great that the young generation have had a chance to get involved too. 

“Work is progressing well on-site and we are proud to be using our expertise to deliver another high-quality Extra Care scheme in partnership with Housing 21.” 

The development is expected to open Summer 2025, find out more on the website: https://www.housing21.org.uk/our-properties/search-our-properties/fern-meadows/