Church friends reunited in Locks Heath

Nadine Hockin has recently moved to Abbeyfield Court, joining couple Marion and Peter Robinson, and Joan Ashton, all of whom have worshipped at St John’s for many years and are delighted to have become reacquainted and able to spend more time together.

The church’s members were instrumental in the formation of Abbeyfield Court, which began life under its previous name Locks Farm in the late-1960s. Some who were involved were already familiar with the Abbeyfield model of retirement living at the time and decided that this is what they wanted for their local community.

Marion recalls, “The house was run by volunteers from the church and the local area. It was so popular that we soon ran out of space! A second adjacent building, The Stables, was built to provide more rooms, and eventually it was incorporated into the Abbeyfield Family. Both houses were subsequently demolished to make way for the purpose built Abbeyfield Court, which opened in 2010.”

The four friends have been involved with church life since the early-1960s. Their daughters all know one another and could not be happier that they are all settled together at Abbeyfield Court. Nadine, Joan and Marion all enjoy attending the craft group, while Peter has a long history of fundraising for Christian Aid and received their prestigious Diamond Award in 2018.

Lucy Perry, Senior House Manager, said, “It is wonderful to be able to reunite old friends, especially since they have a connection with the early days of the house. Nadine’s arrival comes at a great time, with new chiropody and massage services now available for our residents, and we look forward to making many more happy memories together.”