A RETIREMENT home represents more than bricks and mortar to the residents who live there.

That is why a birthday party was held to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Florence Easton House, Shepherdson Court, South Bank.

There was a tea party, entertainment and the presentation of a bouquet to 81-year-old Florence Cuthbert, who has lived in the home for 18 years. The home is named after Florence Easton, a 19th Century opera singer who built up an international reputation, but remained unknown in her native South Bank.