Old Vicarage Close, one of our assisted living schemes, has marked its 40th anniversary with a celebration attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands.
The scheme, located opposite Pelsall Common, was formally opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne on 18 September 1986. Now ,four decades later, colleagues and customers at the scheme threw a right royal bash to mark the occasion.
The theme for the celebration was the 1980s, the decade in which the scheme was opened, complete with fancy dress, a fish supper and a variety of liquid refreshments.
Jean Moseley, who turns 90 in December, is the last remaining original occupant of Old Vicarage Close. Jean met Princess Anne when she opened Old Vicarage Close in 1986.
Reflecting on the opening event, Jean said: “HRH was down to earth and put us all at ease. She spoke to everyone who was there and was very generous with her time. I remember her visit as clearly as though it was last week.”
The Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Derrick Anderson CBE, represented the Royal Family at the anniversary celebration and read out a letter written by HRH Princess Anne.
Among the colleagues Mr Anderson met was Leslie Hodson, a Domestic Assistant and the longest-serving member of staff. Leslie said: “I have worked at Old Vicarage Close for 28 years and counting. It has been a privilege meeting many lovely customers and colleagues, some of whom have become lifelong friends.”
Alongside the Lord-Lieutenant, the other distinguished guest at the anniversary party was the Member of Parliament for Aldridge and Brownhills, Wendy Morton.
Wendy Morton MP was impressed to discover that the customers living at Old Vicarage Close organise all the activities at the scheme themselves, including coffee mornings, live entertainment and a Christmas party. The events are supported through raffles, ticket sales and other fundraising initiatives.
One customer to benefit from the social activities is Geoff Meacham, who has been living at the scheme for just over a year after being evicted from his previous accommodation. Geoff said: “I was very shy and reserved when I arrived. However, thanks to support from the St Michael and All Angels Church group and my neighbours, I have been able to come out of my shell.”
Prior to its use as an assisted living scheme, the land on which Old Vicarage Close sits was once home to the Deans of Wolverhampton.
Sue Berry has been living at the scheme for two years and said: “Before I moved here, I was living in a flat on my own. Coming to Old Vicarage Close has made a massive difference to my wellbeing.”
Sue’s gran, Rachel Harper, worked in service at the Vicarage prior to its demolition in the 1970s.
Old Vicarage Close turns 40
