AN all-night party is planned to celebrate the retirement of a very sheltered housing manager after more than 20 years in the job.

Catherine Hill, known as Cath, joined Himbleton House in Himbleton Road, St John’s, when it first opened two decades ago but has worked in very sheltered housing for 22 years.

She runs the scheme which offers extra care housing for older people. Mrs Hill, aged 60, of East Comer, St John’s, will retire on Sunday, September 21, on the same day as colleague Glen Cartmill who has clocked up 10 years service.

The pair have arranged a party for residents, family and friends on Wednesday, September 3, and will celebrate from 6pm until 6am.

Mrs Hill said she was excited and nervous about her retirement.

She said: “I lost my husband in 2006 and we had planned to retire so I still want to do that. It’s stepping into the unknown but I’m looking forward to it.”

She also said she was considering doing volunteer work to build on her previous experience as a Marie Curie nurse.

She added: “I’d like to give something back to society and have a bit of a break at the same time.”