Woodbank Celebrates The Jubilee Weekend And More Celebrations To Come
followed by A short history of Woodbank
For weeks before the Jubilee Weekend, the residents at Woodbank were making preparations. A collage representing a street party was put up in the entrance hall and residents were invited to recount times when they had seen the Queen. Many remember seeing her on a visit to Guildford and some had met her or attended garden parties at Buckingham Palace.
Everyone was involved in making decorations and hats ready for the actual weekend. Sandra and her marvellous staff excelled themselves putting up decorations and preparing for the best street party ever A special tea was arranged and a magnificent cake with red white and blue icing was the centrepiece.
Andy Callin installed a large television with loudspeakers so everyone could be in the lounge together to watch the special events. This proved a great success and everyone was keen to talk about their favourite part of the weekend. Everyone was very moved by the procession to St Paul's, the crowds in the Mall and the balcony appearances of the Queen and royal family. Some even stayed up for the pop concert and fireworks!
We are making plans for two outings during the summer months: a boat trip on the Basingstoke Canal and later our annual trip to Wisley.
The Friends of Woodbank are at present busy preparing to celebrate Woodbank's 50th Anniversary on 20th July 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. This will be at Woodbank, Hollybank Road, Hook Heath. The afternoon will begin with a service of thanksgiving led by Mike Long. This will be followed by greetings from people associated with MHA. There will be an opportunity to see displays of the history of Wood bank and photos and souvenirs collected over the years.
We will then move on to our usual garden party, which will be opened by the Mayor of Woking. There will be many of the regular stalls and side-shows and our legendary cream teas. As always we are grateful for any contributions to the cake stall and the Bring and Buy stall, and we need bottles (of any sort) for the tombola.
Already invitations have gone out, as we have to be able to seat and cater for larger numbers than usual. If you haven't already received an invitation and would like to come, please see Jean Bates, Carol Banks or myself. We'd hate to miss out anyone and we want as many people as possible to enjoy this special celebration.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Dorothy Mitchell (Chairman of the Friends of Woodbank)
The Story of Woodbank MHA, Woking 1952-2002
The story begins in 1946 when a Woking resident, Mrs Florence Lowe, was concerned that many of her friends who had worked abroad as missionaries for many years had nowhere to live when they retired and returned to the UK. She purchased a house in Hollybank Road with large grounds and had a small house built on the site of the squash court, which she named 'Little Woodbank'. At first there were four residents, but soon the numbers grew.
In 1952 she donated the house to the Methodist Homes for the Aged and after extensions were completed, this became the home for retired missionaries and widows of Methodist ministers.
Further extensions were added in 1958 and by now the home was opened to anyone who needed support in their final years. Gentlemen were also welcome though ladies were usually in the majority!
In 1980 further extensions and renovations took place and Rev Wilfred Jones who was the Superintendent minister at the time dedicated this at a large civic occasion.
The present building has largely remained unchanged since then. Nowadays in common with all Methodist homes throughout the country anyone of any faith or no faith at all is welcome to apply and enjoy the special care of which the MHA is justly proud.
We are delighted to be associated with the 50th anniversary celebrations of Woodbank! .
