First Minister Surprises Tenants at Donovan Fold

Tenants at Fold Housing Associations’  Donovan scheme in East Belfast got a big surprise this week when First Minister, Arlene Foster popped in to help them celebrate Fold’s 40th Anniversary.  Other guests included Speaker of the NI Assembly, Robin Newton MLA and Sammy Douglas MLA and Diana Fitzsimons, Fold Chair. 

Eileen Patterson, Director of Housing said, “We were thrilled to welcome the First Minister to Donovan Fold. The celebration was one of many being held across Northern Ireland to recognise Fold’s 40th anniversary.  
She added, “Donovan Fold, which opened 24 years ago, has 44 tenants in the main building and 12 tenants in the bungalows at Donovan Court.   Scheme Coordinator, Karen Lyons, has worked at the scheme for the past 17 years.  As you can imagine it is a very sociable scheme. We are delighted that so many tenants, family and friends and Fold’s Chair, Diana Fitzsimons, could join in today’s celebration.” 
The First Minister enjoyed a cup of tea and some cake with the tenants, taking time to speak to them all including Mr Henry Simpson, the oldest tenant and Mr Roy Robinson the longest tenant at Donovan. The First Minister was presented a bouquet of flowers by tenant, Anne Dowds, The First Minister commended the work of Fold over the past 40 years. Eileen Patterson concluded the event by briefly outlining the work of Fold Housing Association since it opened back in 1976. 
Pictured above: First Minister Arlene Foster helps celebrate Folds 40th anniversary at Donovan Fold, East Belfast.  From left to right:  Karen Lyons, First Minister, Roy Robinson, Diana Fitzsimons, Eileen Patterson and Robin Newton MLA.To view more pictures please visit our facebook page: www.facebook.com/foldni