THE chance discovery of a Whitehaven News clipping has led to successful community anniversary celebration.

Lynn Singleton and Joe Beach, residents of The Gardens, in Whitehaven, stumbled across the newspaper cutting when clearing out some old boxes earlier this year, and were surprised to see the coverage of the housing estate’s grand opening back in May 1921.

It made the news as it was the first council estate to be completed in Whitehaven.

Lynn and Joe, joined by neighbours Tony and Karen Quinn, decided to mark the 100-year anniversary with a community celebration held in St Begh’s Social Centre on Saturday.

Joined by Copeland MP Trudy Harrison and surrounded by photos from over the decades, residents enjoyed a get-together with food, music and a raffle, which raised £396 for the club.

Lynn said: “We have a fabulous community here and it’s wonderful to see everyone being able to get together again to mark this special occasion.

“The Gardens is a real close-knit estate, and generation after generation have loved living here.

"Bernard Coyles, for example, is 94 and was born on The Gardens, and there have been five generations of his family who lived at number 35.

"And for those who have moved and lived all over the UK and the world, The Gardens has always been home for us.

“Everyone in the room is connected to that old Whitehaven News photograph from 1921 in some way.”

The Gardens, off Coach Road, was originally part of the Lord Lonsdale estate linked to the neighbouring castle, and were gifted to the local council in the early 20th century. There were originally 60 houses built and 50 of those remain.

Mrs Harrison said: “It was a pleasure to meet everyone and hear wonderful stories from the families, many of whom have lived on this much-loved estate for generations.

“The sense of community pride and can-do spirit in the room was there for all to see, and I’d like to thank the organisers so much for the invitation.”

On behalf the organisers, Lynn extended thanks to the venue and those who had donated raffle prizes.

She also thanked Michael Moon, Gerard Richardson and The Beacon Museum for assisting with the photos.