Case Studies

Geoffrey is always on the go! He sets a great example as a resident who thoroughly enjoys an active and sociable retirement.

Originally born in West Hull, just off Spring Bank, Geoff first of all moved to Woodmansey in a caravan and then to Schofield Avenue in Beverley. His Dad worked at Stepney Cast Stone and could just walk down a passage close to their home to get to work.

Working Life

Geoff worked at Hodgson’s Tannery which became a chemical business and then Clariant. When the company made redundancies, he took a job with East Riding of Yorkshire Council taking care of the plants and flowers in the parks around the town, a job he really enjoyed.

Family

Having never married, Geoff has family in Beverley which includes his sister, three nieces and seven grand nieces and nephews.

Retirement

First of all when Geoff retired at the age of 60, he was living in a nice flat on Queen’s Road in Beverley but anti-social neighbours caused problems for people on the street and Geoff was unhappy living there. His family suggested contacting BHC and we were able to offer a property within a year.

Spare Time

In his younger years, Geoff used to play for Foresters’ Football team and he still enjoys keeping fit and healthy. On Mondays and Fridays he goes to the gym at Beverley Leisure Centre and every Wednesday for a swim. There has been a lot of concern about leisure centres closing across the UK, due to rising energy prices, however, Beverley has vowed to stay open as so many people use the complex. Keith says: “I think East Riding have got the right mindset - if they can get people going to the gym, it prevents them going to the doctors and hospitals, or at least helps to prevent poor health.”

With one or two minor complaints, Geoff has good joints and feels grateful to be able to do all of the activity he enjoys. It’s a good job as he is also a regular at St Nick’s Church Hall for the Tai Chi and Kung Fu classes with Ted Oxley. Geoff has qualified to black jacket level and enjoys taking part in the events and displays around the town.

He also plays guitar, achieving Grade 8 in classical guitar and goes along to the many folk nights in Beverley.

For a pint, Geoff can be spotted around town in any of the pubs and/or Grosvenor Club on Walkergate.

Saturday Mornings

On a Saturday morning, he meets up with a group of people at a snack bar in Saturday Market. He explains: “This started up during lockdown, when things settled down a bit and we could meet up outside, a few people started gathering and we’ve all carried it on.”

Geoff knows lots of people in Beverley and likes to keep up with what’s going on.

Property and Location

“Moving in with BHC was a good move on my part. All of the team have been really good to me. I put my name down and was offered a property on Minster Moorgate within less than a year. I had been offered two Council flats at the same time but my family said I’d be better off with BHC and in hindsight, I’m glad I did.”

Geoff lives in an apartment at Charles Morton on Minster Moorgate, a building that was originally built in 1689 and re-built in 1774. He recently moved from a ground floor flat to the first floor, into a newly refurbished apartment. The neighbours are all very close and get on well together.

Beverley Housing Charity Events

“It’s a beautiful setting. We’ve had parties in the communal gardens and we use the summer house regularly. Steve the gardener does a super job, making the whole place look great.

“I also go to the dinners at the Memorial Hall which have been great over the years, in the summer we have bingo and at Christmas, school children sing Christmas carols.”

Supportive Team

Everyone mentions Steve, our BHC Gardner: “He’s great is Steve, I’ve seen him carrying people’s rubbish out and sorting out TV aerials. What a lovely fella. The whole team is helpful and very kind. I’d recommend Beverley Housing Charity to anyone who is eligible.”