Special Changeover Marks Chinese New Year
CHINESE New Year marked another special occasion for one much-loved Newcastle resident.
Thong Lam marked the Year of the Tiger by handing over the reins as house manager at Mascot House, a sheltered accommodation scheme for Chinese elders in the city.
Thong has worked and lived on site at the development for the past 12 years and is retiring at the age of 74.
The residents speak very little or no English at all and Thong has provided all translation and interpretation on site.
His retirement was celebrated with a special Chinese New Year lunch with friends and colleagues at Mascot House.
Thong said: "I hope everyone is as helpful to our new colleague as they have always been to me. It has been my privilege to work with the residents."
Mascot House plays home to 30 one bedroom, two person properties and has communal landscaped gardens, a laundry and residents' lounge and is situated close to local amenities, Chinatown, bus stops, a newsagent, doctor and local supermarket.
Thong's role at the site has now been taken over by Kin Kwok, who also lives on site, carrying out all translation on behalf of the tenants as well as other housing related support.
Kin said: "It is good to work in Mascot House. In the last two weeks, I have witnessed Thong's quality work provided to the residents of Mascot House. I wish him well in his retirement. It is challenging to match his quality service but I will try my best!"
Doug Ross, Managing Director of Tees Valley Housing, added: "I would like to thank Thong for all his hard work over the years. He is a much loved resident and his work has proved to be a real benefit for other residents.
"We wish him well in his retirement and look forward to working with Kin in the future."
Thong has worked and lived on site at the development for the past 12 years and is retiring at the age of 74.
The residents speak very little or no English at all and Thong has provided all translation and interpretation on site.
His retirement was celebrated with a special Chinese New Year lunch with friends and colleagues at Mascot House.
Thong said: "I hope everyone is as helpful to our new colleague as they have always been to me. It has been my privilege to work with the residents."
Mascot House plays home to 30 one bedroom, two person properties and has communal landscaped gardens, a laundry and residents' lounge and is situated close to local amenities, Chinatown, bus stops, a newsagent, doctor and local supermarket.
Thong's role at the site has now been taken over by Kin Kwok, who also lives on site, carrying out all translation on behalf of the tenants as well as other housing related support.
Kin said: "It is good to work in Mascot House. In the last two weeks, I have witnessed Thong's quality work provided to the residents of Mascot House. I wish him well in his retirement. It is challenging to match his quality service but I will try my best!"
Doug Ross, Managing Director of Tees Valley Housing, added: "I would like to thank Thong for all his hard work over the years. He is a much loved resident and his work has proved to be a real benefit for other residents.
"We wish him well in his retirement and look forward to working with Kin in the future."
