An interview with a resident - Dolly Wren MBE

AN INTERVIEW WITH A RESIDENT

“Isleden House was built in 1948 by the Trustees of the London Parochial Charities. In 1953 the Trustees conveyed the property to the City of London. The estate is centered around a quiet, private courtyard and gardens. It comprises 12 bungalows and 60 flats, 32 of these properties are managed as Sheltered accommodation.”

We sat down with Dolly Wren MBE, one of our longest serving residents at Isleden House

You have been a resident at Isleden House since September 1948! I’m curious to know what Isleden House was like back then?

It was very different. For starters, we only paid £1.75 per week, can you imagine? There was a matron in full uniform, and a nurse. Meals were prepared and everything was pretty much done for you if you were in the sheltered scheme.

When we moved to Isleden House, it wasn’t yet part of the City of London Corporation, we were living a couple of roads away in Islington. My mother-inlaw had tuberculosis, so we managed to get housed at Isleden House relatively quickly, but we still spent years on the waiting list before Isleden House was offered. Our new flat here had everything built in; a fridge, ironingboard, even a clock – it was wonderful.

Can you tell me what the application process was like?

Oh, it was pretty strict, they wanted to inspect your current home, I mean they wouldn’t house you if you had poor hygiene and if they thought you couldn’t keep the place clean. You were interviewed and had your finances checked, to make sure you could afford it. If you passed muster, they would still come and inspect your Isleden property regularly, checking for dust and dirt and that you’re not banging nails in the walls.

What is your favourite thing about living here, and what are your fondest memories?

I feel very safe here. I’ve never been in fear of anything. The rare occasion there has been any bother, it’s been dealt with very quickly.

My fondest memory has got to be the Jubilee Party – that was special. We pulled out all the stops and had a wonderful community party. Also, getting my MBE for services to my community has been very special... oh, and a helicopter landed outside the gardens, some of my family thought the Queen had sent it to pick me up, what with getting an MBE!

Are there any community events held on your estate and do you get involved?

We don’t have as many events as we used to, as not that many residents are getting involved. I do run the regular bingo club in the hall - I call the numbers; we do have a lot of fun. We have trips too; we went to Hayling Island recently which was lovely. I also cook for some of my neighbours who need a bit of assistance. I enjoy doing it; it’s what you do when people need help.

You live in sheltered housing; how do you find it and what kind of support do you receive?

I love living here. The girls in the office do a wonderful job, it does seem though that these days it is all desk based computer work and less about the face to face – I miss that.

Sheltered residents have to call the Repairs Desk to report issues. We have to press all kinds of numbers to get through to the right place, then we get information spoken too fast and we are often kept waiting. We need an easier way. Just because we are pensioners, doesn’t mean we haven’t got anything better to do with our time!

We hear a lot about social isolation in London, have you experienced this at Isleden House? Is there a good sense of community?

Thankfully I haven’t experienced social isolation. But I always put myself forward to get involved and I have family and friends that visit. I do see some residents who don’t participate, I don’t know if they get visitors, I do worry they may be lonely.

If you could ask the Assistant Director for one change on your estate, what would it be?

Bring back the original Christmas hampers. I’m not asking for a Turkey!

On the way in, we noticed some outdoor gym equipment has been installed Have you used it at all? What are your thoughts on it?

I used it a lot at first, but since my shoulder operation I haven’t been able to. Some residents use the equipment, but perhaps not as much as when it was first installed. I still think it is good to have; my neighbour is having his hip replaced soon, and using the equipment will be excellent physiotherapy - and right on his doorstep.

Is there anything more, in terms of housing services, support and community that you would like us to be doing?

There is a lot of waste. We’ve had scaffolding up for seven weeks for roof works, but they don’t even need the scaffolding! It would be nice to have a handyman who could do the little jobs we can no longer do for ourselves.

I wouldn’t move from here, not even if I won the lottery. All elderly people should be in a place like this.

And finally, do you have some words of wisdom you would like to share with everyone?

Talk to people. Come out from your door. Walk around your estate and build your community.