‘ONCE WE SAW IT, WE FELT IT WAS RIGHT FOR US’
IT was Alan and Ellen Rubens’ daughter who suggested that the couple, who have been married for 60 years, move from their family home in Birmingham into Selig Court.
With their daughter living in Israel and two sons and their families in London, the feeling was that it would be better for the couple to downsize and relocate.
“Once we saw it, we felt it was the right place for us,” recalls Mr Rubens, 91, a former surveyor. “There was a lot to think about and organise but we didn’t have to rush. In fact, we had to wait two years for a flat to become available.”
His wife, 82, adds that it was hard leaving lifelong friends but “we have made friends here. There is support and help when we need it but we also have our independence. I still cook most days but sometimes we pop downstairs to the café or restaurant for some food.”
Mr Rubens has one regret: “If I could put the clock back, I would learn to play bridge. It’s a tremendous asset as there is a whole social scene around bridge.
“I will stick with attending the lectures and talks they organise here. They bring in interesting people and it’s a chance to get to know other tenants. [Being in London] we are getting to spend much more time with the family, which is lovely.”