RESIDENTS of Menzies Court very sheltered housing in Cumnock are enjoying a step back in time.

Staff at the centre, managed by care provider Bield, have created a tea room for their tenants with a trip to the past provided by their surroundings.

Named for its décor, The Sweet Rose Tea Room has been given an old fashioned style inspired by a kind-hearted donation of a beautiful set of table and chairs from a tenant’s family.

Using retro and antique furniture, cake stands, floral plates, tea sets, and even an old rotary dial telephone the room offers a flash back in time.

Even the utensils for the afternoon tea service are stored in a vintage dresser ready for the monthly afternoon tea where a full service is offered including cakes, sandwiches and drinks. The room is available to be booked by tenants for special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries.

This allows families to come along and join the celebrations and tenants do not need to venture outside if they prefer to celebrate closer to home.

It is also regularly used when an entertainer visits.

Marie Reid, Manager at Menzies Court, said: “It is great to have this space for the tenants. The room offers something unique and different.

“It encourages a lot of interaction – everyone gets together for a chat around the tables and, with a little help from the décor, often start reminiscing.

“Tenants thoroughly enjoy the monthly afternoon tea and getting to make use of the space.”

The Sweet Rose Tea Room has been established as part of Bield’s Free to Be policy which enables people make their own independent choice as much as possible.