Jean Boosts Housing Association Board

Brewood resident Jean Shelton joined the board of management of South Staffordshire Housing Association.

Jean has been a tenant in Brewood for more than ten years and is a former accountancy secretary.

The board helps manage homes and decide policy for the housing association, one of the area’s largest landlords with more than 5,300 properties.

“I wanted to join the Board to ensure that the needs of tenants are fully understood and to be involved in improving our services and homes for tenants for the future,” said Jean.

“I am very pleased to have this opportunity to be part of the board of South Staffordshire Housing Association.”

Dr. Mary Griffiths, chair of the association, said: “We are delighted Jean has joined our board.

“Our board benefits from having a mix of residents, local councillors and independent members. This wide range of skills and experience helps to guide and develop our organisation to meet the challenges of providing more affordable housing, and improving services in our area."

(Released 11th December 2007)

Couple Celebrate 70th Christmas Together

Devoted couple Neil and Lily Smith are having a special celebration this Christmas – to mark their 70th wedding anniversary. 

They tied the knot on December 25, 1937, in their native Wolverhampton, after meeting in a local park the previous year.

And Lily and Neil, who live in Corsers Court, in Perton – run by South Staffordshire Housing Association – say they still love being together after all these years.

The couple are being whisked away on holiday to the Grand Hotel, in Llandudno, by daughter Margaret to mark the platinum anniversary.

“Our eyes met when we were both out in a local park and that was it,” said Lily, aged 92, who used to work in a town grocer’s shop.

“I was 21 when we got engaged and 22 when we got married. We just picked Christmas as a nice day for the occasion but, because it was Christmas Day, we couldn’t get married in either of our parishes. We had to go to St James’s, in Wolverhampton, which is not there now.

“What’s the secret? We just want to be together and look after one another. We still enjoy each other’s company.”

Neil, aged 91, originally from Willenhall, used to work making garden tools.

The couple were the first residents to move into Corsers Court when it was established 16 years ago. It was upgraded to an extra care facility thanks to significant investment in 2006.

Gail Lewis, extra care court manager for South Staffordshire Housing Association at Corsers Court, said: “We are delighted Lily and Neil have reached such a  milestone and want to wish them all the best.

“They are absolutely delightful to have around and are totally devoted to each other. They are really independent and like to join in whatever is going on.

”I think Lily and Neil are a wonderful example of how extra care schemes like Corsers Court help older residents enjoy their life to the full and remain active.”

(Released 20th December 2007)