A BLOCK of four new bungalows, named "Parr House" were "officially" opened by the man after who the properties are named.

Bill Parr, chairman of the Newcombes (Crediton) Housing Association Ltd, was presented with the keys to the properties by the developer, Chris Reed of Reed Construction, Bow.

The new bungalows, at Lennard Road, were designed by Dunn Marino Partnership of Exeter.

They replace two former clergy bungalows which had been built on a raft foundation, but which were slowly tilting over. When both of the former bungalows became vacant within a few months of each other, the association committee agreed to "take the bull by the horns" and make an attempt to settle the foundation problems.

It became apparent, that it would be more cost effective to re-build from scratch rather than attempt to repair, with the added incentive to make the bungalows more "user-friendly" and economical to live in.

When the new foundations were excavated it became clear that the original properties had been built on the site of an old pond.

Several old bottles were dug up which are now in the hands of Crediton Museum Society.

The new buildings comprise a two-bedroomed bungalow designed for wheelchair use, two double-bedroomed bungalows and a single bedroomed bungalow.

The design incorporates space for a committee meeting room, which could also be used by the tenants for any large family functions if required.

The committee is grateful to Reed Construction, who worked to a very tight schedule in order to virtually complete the new buildings in time for Bill Parr's 80th birthday.

The new properties bring to 29 the number the association has available in Crediton. Others are in Lennard Road and Courtis Gardens.

It was in the late 1920's that Crediton's Town Clerk John Symes made an approach to the Government of the time for funding to help build some new housing for the poor in the town.

The request was turned down as there was not seen to be a need.

Undeterred, the Crediton Housing Association Ltd was formed in January 1929, and Loan Stock was issued to subscribers in the town.

This raised sufficient funds to build the houses which exist to this day at Courtis Gardens.

In March 1947 Newcombes Trust (Crediton) Ltd was formed to purchase the six acre estate with the mansion house, known as Newcombes, from the Gaumont British Film Company to provide housing for ex-service couples after the Second World War.

The existing 120 bed-sit rooms were remodelled to provide 32 two room chalets, with the mansion house being let to Devon County Council and subsequently sold to them.

In 1958 the two Housing Associations merged to form the present-day Newcombes (Crediton) Housing Association Ltd.

Later on, sales of the northern and eastern parts of the Newcombes site to the Royal British Legion Housing Association, Mid Devon District Council and the Spurways Almshouse Charity funded the construction of the present day buildings at Lennard Road.

Management of the association has been by a revolving management committee of voluntary trustees.

The current chairman, Bill Parr, was invited to join the committee during the early part of 1979, and he took over as chairman in 1992 following the death of G W Discombe in October of the previous year.

Mr Parr and his wife, Margaret, cut a celebration cake following the "official" opening.

He described the new properties as "absolutely marvellous" and thanked all those involved in the project for their hard work in making it possible.

He also paid tribute to the association clerk, Mike Armstrong, for his dedication.

He added that being a Crediton charitable organisation, the association had endeavoured to use local contractors and suppliers wherever possible.

To enquire about vacancies for the housing, please contact the clerk on 01363 776529.

Alan Quick