Fabulous 40 for JJHTs first ever retirement scheme

It was cake and Bucks Fizz all round as residents at “Johnnie” Johnson’s oldest retirement scheme, Kenley Lodge in Bramhall celebrated its 40th Birthday!

After retiring from the RAF in 1966, well known Second World War hero Air Vice-Marshal James Edgar “Johnnie” Johnson pulled together a group of individuals to form “Johnnie” Johnson Housing Trust’s first Board of Management. Most of these were former RAF pals, including Douglas Bader who supported the work of the Trust until his death. All were volunteers. There were no offices, no staff, and no money, but Johnnie persuaded the local authority in Stockport to give him a site to build on, and convinced the Department of the Environment to fund the building works. In 1971, two years after the formation of the Trust, Kenley Lodge opened. The local paper carried an article which proclaimed the rents to be £5 per week!

Since opening Kenley Lodge, the Trust has steadily grown, widening the scope of its work to provide homes for families, people with disabilities and those with special needs. The organisation also provides housing for those who can afford a part share in their home. Today the Trust owns more than 4,700 properties!

Nora Barker aged 96, pictured with Chief Executive Jim Lunney, has been living at Kenley Lodge since 1982. Nora said,

“I moved into Kenley Lodge when the scheme almost 30 years ago and have stayed ever since! I love living here, it’s a lovely atmosphere and the residents are great and because we all have our own accommodation within the scheme, I have the freedom to come and go as I please.”