Interview with an Owner

Robert Henry lived in Warwick for 30 years before moving to Margaret Court in May 2010. The former marine engineer has since become a popular and active member of this unique retirement community.

Below Robert talks about life in Very Sheltered Housing and gives us a glimpse into his busy diary.

How would you describe Margaret Court's Owners?

We look upon ourselves as an extended family and the community is made up of a real cross-section of society. Margaret Court’s Owners come from all over the UK and they are all very competent individuals. We have retired headmasters and surgeons here – there is a fascinating spectrum of people.

Some Owners clearly require more care than others, but we like to feel that we can look after all of their needs. Everyone also leans over backwards to welcome new arrivals.

How have you been able to retain your independence?

By keeping very busy. We get out and about a lot, in fact many of us use Margaret Court almost as a hotel. The apartments and atrium certainly have the ambience of a luxurious hotel.  Half of the Owners also have cars and we organise frequent group outings to the nearby Warwick Arts Centre and Royal Shakespeare Theatre.  

As for internal events, there is a regular programme of social occasions. The twice-weekly film nights are very popular, as are the many musical performances. In recent months, we have enjoyed everything from concert pianists to morris dancers.

It's a very sociable operation here, we have to keep a diary! But equally, if you’re not in the mood for company, no one’s going to force it upon you. 

What contribution have you made to the management of Margaret Court?

Unlike in traditional retirement homes, at Margaret Court the Owner is pre-eminent. There is nothing but the utmost respect for Owners and our opinions have an influence on almost all managerial decisions.

I represent the Owners at board level and have been able to speak very bluntly and clearly about the issues that affect us. Our mantra at Margaret Court is ‘we have set high standards and we mustn’t let those standards slip’.

It’s a very civilised existence, and I haven’t once regretted moving here.