Spotlight on the Village Manager
Introducing Carol!
The first thing that strikes you when you walk into The Shires retirement village is the welcoming environment alongside the strong sense of community. It’s instantly obvious that everyone is welcome, be that the residents, their families or members of the local community. It’s a warm place with lots going on.
It’s also very calm and the atmosphere is very tranquil.
Everyone is organised and knows exactly what is required of them, being very discrete but appearing when required! And this doesn’t all happen by magic – we want you to meet Carol, the lady who keeps everything running like clockwork!
We sat down with Carol and asked her some questions. Here are her responses…
As the Village Manager, can you tell us a bit about your day-to-day role?
Well, let me just say, the thing I love most about my job is the interaction I have with the residents. I really enjoy working with older people who have such amazing life stories and experiences. However, the other thing I love about my job is the variety it offers! No two days are ever the same. One day I could have a screwdriver in my hand and be running around fixing something, the next I may be training staff, helping with sales or working in the bistro! Then there are all the activities that need scheduling and reports that have to be written. There really is never a dull moment!
We know you’re from Ireland – how did you end up in Moseley?
I was finishing my masters degree and helping look after my nan who had dementia when Ireland fell into a recession. With no employment opportunity, I considered going back to work in America as I had spent a lot of time there, but because of my nan, I wanted to stay closer to home. At the time my sister was in university in Birmingham so I thought I’d go there for a year and ten years later I’m still here!
Anything you miss?
Yes!! I miss my family and friends. I also really miss the amazing view from my parent’s house.
Tell us about The Shires. How did you end up as Village Manager?
I have worked in the care sector for about 20 years and exclusively in retirement villages for about 10 years. After the pandemic, I felt that I was ready for a new challenge and when I saw the advert for a village manager of a brand new development I was instantly interested. Having learned more and successfully interviewing for the job, I was excited at the prospect of opening a new village from scratch.
You really have seen The Shires grow from the ground up haven’t you?
Yes! When I joined the project it was literally just a couple of blocks above ground level. For close to three years I have worked on a building site! I have loved seeing the building change and grow every day.
Any particular aspiration for The Shires?
My hope is that The Shires can be very much a community hub with lots of groups meeting here and events taking place for all ages. I want it to be a gathering place where residents and the local community can come together to try new activities and build new friendships.
What do you love most about your job?
I love the residents! I love watching their lives change once they move into the village. Many older people suffer from loneliness but once they move into a village, they can meet people in similar situations to themselves. I love watching new friendships develop and people trying new activities. A retirement village can change people’s lives and ensure that the third stage of life is still an exciting and social stage. A retirement village really is a friendly place to live and there’s a good, solid sense of community.
And just for fun, any guilty pleasure? How do you like to relax after a day at work?
I have a 4-year-old, so as soon as I come through the door mum mode takes over. I have also joined a yoga class at the village and I love having that hour to myself to relax and unwind. I enjoy spending time with my family and visiting different parts of the country that I haven’t seen before.