Chartwell Lodge Owner receives M.B.E

Chartwell Lodge Owner is honoured for her work with the Tunbridge Wells Headway Group, but modestly says, "It's for everyone involved in Headway.”

Churchill Retirement Living's Chartwell Lodge Owner Mrs Pamela Munro has just been awarded an MBE for her work with the brain injury charity Headway. She and her husband Michael started the Tunbridge Wells Headway Group in 1988 after their son Nick suffered horrendous head injuries in a car accident when he was just 21. The Munros realised that there was no provision for people with these sort of injuries, who, as Pamela points out, may "look all right, act all right,” but when the frontal lobe of the brain is injured, they lose memory and concentration and are often unable to cope with life alone.

Pamela went to Buckingham Palace on November 13^th for her award, and was delighted that The Queen was there to present it in person. Pamela said that Her Majesty was "very warm yet very regal.” When congratulated on her MBE, she modestly says, "It's not really for me, it's for everyone involved in the Tunbridge Wells Headway Group.”

The Munros have been deeply involved with the group from the beginning, with Michael eventually becoming President. He has since stepped down, but Pamela still volunteers for them two days a week. The group has a day centre with eight flats, offering independent living for brain-injured people, with a manager to look after them.

Certainly for Nick Munro, now 47, Headway's efforts had a happy outcome. Although he had to give up his University studies, he has been able to hold down a job and nine years ago, married Vanessa. His mum says proudly: "He's now quite amazing.”

Pamela and Michael Munro have lived at Chartwell Lodge in Tunbridge Wells for about a year and a half, buying a one bedroom apartment. Asked how they find it, Pamela says: "Great! We have lived in the area since 1960, so when we felt the need to downsize, this was a logical choice for us, although at the time, it was a major move. It's a lovely community, we're very very pleased.”

The Munros participate in Chartwell Lodge life, attending the tea and coffee events, and are also involved in local church and village activities. She points out that you can be just as sociable as you wish. "We're not in each other's flats all the time. If you want to join in, you can, and if you don't, you don't.” They are exactly the kind of people for which Churchill Retirement Living developments are designed, the active over 65s who require independent, easy living with a little extra security when required.

And with over 75% of the apartments sold and starting prices at £251,950 an early viewing is a must. For further information please contact Fiona on 01892 543486.