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Happy 10th Birthday Bellrock Close!

Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR) celebrated a significant milestone in its history with the 10th birthday of the charity’s Glasgow residence, Bellrock Close.

On 15 October 2014, SVR’s patron-in-chief HRH The Duke of Gloucester officially opened the purpose-built facility, comprising 30 supported one-bedroom flats for Veterans, with a further 21 two-bedroom flats for tenants. Exactly 10 years on, the Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton led tributes as Bellrock Close celebrated its first decade.

Susie could not be better qualified to reflect on the importance of Bellrock, having been a leading figure in the creation of the facility in her previous role as Head of External Relations with SVR. Another driving force behind realising the project, SVR’s Deputy Chief Executive and Property Services Manager George Corbett, was also present at the 10th birthday celebrations along with current staff, residents, partners, friends and supporters.

Speaking at the anniversary gathering at Bellrock, Susie said: “I am just so thrilled to be here in this fabulous facility today. The 10^th anniversary is a tribute to the vision of the Board members at the time, and staff members, some of who are still with SVR today, including George Corbett – who as Property Manager – played such an important part in building this magnificent facility.

“The project took off in about 2008, just after the financial crash. Many organisations were retracting and reducing what they were doing, and very few developers were building and expanding, so it’s a real tribute to the perseverance of all involved and the confidence and foresight of the organisation and also the funders to ensure this project went ahead at the time. Of course, constructing the building was just the starting point: it’s the fantastic staff team at Bellrock Close – both past and present – who have delivered such valuable support, and its wonderful that some of the original team are still here, 10 years on.

“I would like to mention the many support organisations that have been been involved from the start. The idea was always that this wasn’t just for SVR on its own, it was about involving as many partners as possible. It’s also really important to note the crucial part the residents play in Bellrock Close because, after all, without Veterans there would be no Bellrock Close or SVR. Those men and women who have served our country and made sacrifices, such as time away from family and friends, sometimes putting their bodies and minds on the line, bring values and skills they have learnt during service and provide such support to each other, working together, being able to live together, and taking an active role in the life of Bellrock Close.”

Martin Nadin, SVR Chief Executive, said: “I joined Scottish Veterans Residences in 2018 and I visited Bellrock Close in my first week in office. I was struck by the quality and evident thought that had been given to design and provision of facilities. Ten years on from the opening, I marvel at the perceptiveness and forethought of those responsible for this design.

“The Scottish Government’s Homeless Prevention Task and Finish Group have  looked into supported accommodation and presented and published its report quite recently. It describes a model that it recommends for supported accommodation, and blow me down, if it isn’t recommending something extremely similar to Bellrock Close in terms of facilities, space and service provision. We’ve known that this model works for at least 10 years and I hope, as part of that resurgence in housing, that the Scottish Government takes that on board and makes similar facilities and services available for subsequent people who might need them.”

Videos were played from residents who have successfully moved on to independent living following periods of supported housing at Bellrock Close. And we were also able to sprinkle a bit of celebrity stardust on proceedings by showing video messages from TV legends Lorraine Kelly and Carol Smillie, both who were ambassadors for the project as it geared up to opening in 2014. Huge thanks to both ladies for their warm words and enduring support.

The 10th anniversary celebration also coincided with the official opening of the newly refurbished gym at Bellrock Close, made possible due to grant funding from the Addison Smith/Ewart and Dr and Mrs JD Olav Kerr Charitable Trusts, and a number of community fundraising efforts, including a bake sale organised by pupils from The Glasgow Academy. Susie kindly unveiled a plaque and cut a ribbon to open the gym, which was co-designed by residents, and built and installed by Clydebuilt Fitness.

One of the guests of honour on the day was young SVR supporter Andrew Scott Crosbie, who was accompanied by his mum Sharon. Andrew has formed friendships with many of the residents and team at Bellrock thanks to his kindness, saving his pocket money to buy Christmas presents for Veterans. He got his usual warm welcome and enjoyed meeting the Army personnel present.

At the end of the programme, SVR’s catering team played a blinder by providing  lunch for the guests, while singer Sarah Laing provided entertainment with songs from past and present, and then proceedings drew to a close with the cutting of a 10th birthday cake - resplendent with a model of the lighthouse, from which Bellrock takes its name.

Thank you to all who played a part in a memorable day for SVR and special thanks all the staff (including Bellrock Close manager Ken Nisbet and deputy manager Suzanne Duffy), residents, funders, partners and supporters who have contributed to the success and spirit of Bellrock in it’s first 10 years. Here’s to the next 10!