Bob Allen – Manor Gardens resident - Barnwood Trust

Bob Allen – Manor Gardens resident

A place where nothing is too much trouble

Bob and Betty’s GP recommended sheltered housing when Betty was in poor health – and Manor Gardens proved to be perfect for them.

The couple enjoyed cultivating their small garden, which backs onto a brook. Betty in particular loved and encouraged wildlife, feeding foxes, badgers, rabbits and ducks. And Bob enjoyed pottering in his ‘workshop’ which the Trust provided:

‘I had a beautiful garden where I came from – and a workshop’ says Bob; ‘[The Trust] said I could have the same here; they built an extra three foot onto our garage and said I could use it as a workshop. They were very kind.’

Independent and supported

Betty died in 1998, but Bob has many long-standing friends who come to visit, sometimes bringing their grandchildren and great grandchildren with them. From time to time, they make use of the Manor House guest room for an overnight stay.

Bob’s health is not so good these days. He can still manage to ‘do a bit’ in the garden. And he also takes part in some of the social events organised by the wardens, such as the fish and chip meals. But he prefers fishing, playing crib, pursuing his own hobbies and meeting his friends.

Wonderfully caring people

Bob sings the praises of the Duty Managers or ‘wardens’ – and he feels safe.

If he is taken ill, Bob knows he can pull the alarm cord, as there’s one in every room. From experience, he knows that the Duty Manager answers any call immediately during the day, and at night the alarms are managed by a call centre in contact with the wardens.

‘We’ve had some outstanding wardens here, says Bob; ‘very caring people. The head warden is out of this world. There is nothing too much trouble for her.’

Next entry: Jean Drewett – Manor Gardens resident

Previous entry: Stroud and Gloucester Crossroads – grant recipient