Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet, was present for the 100th anniversary celebrations of the foundation of the Thomas Watson Cottage Homes, which took place in Leecroft Road, High Barnet on Friday.
Thomas Watson was general manager of Sutton and Company, who were carriers based in the City of London during the 19th and early part of the 20th century. The original 12 cottages were built in 1914 by the daughters of Thomas Watson as a memorial to him and as a benefit for the "old and loyal" employees of the firm. The estate now comprises 30 properties occupied by older people who have a connection with the freight industry and who have been in significant need. The latest development of eight cottages is just a few years old.
The centenary celebrations were formally opened with a speech from Mrs Jenny Harrold, the Chairman of Trustees of the charity which runds the cottages.
Following the event, Theresa said "The Thomas Watson Cottages provide a great place to live and I thank everyone who has support the Thomas Watson charity over the years. It is brilliant that we are celebrating 100 years of support for retired and elderly people here is in this quiet corner of my constituency. The fact that relatives of Thomas Watson are still involved in supporting the work done here is heart-warming. This isone of many almshouse style charities in my constituency providing invaluable support to older people in need and they all do wonderful work."
"I congratulate Mrs Harrold and all the trustees on this 100th anniversary. I very much hope that this community is still thriving in a 100 years time."
At the event, a commemorative plaque was unveiled by relatives of Thomas Watson.