The Deputy Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Mike Leddy was the guest of honour at a celebratory lunch organised for the residents of a Nehemiah UCHA retirement scheme in Digbeth, Birmingham to mark a major anniversary in the history of the scheme.
Residents of Father Joe Taaffe House, Alcester Street, Digbeth got together for a special lunch and to plant an Irish miniature cherry tree with the Deputy Lord Mayor of Birmingham to celebrate 20 years since the development opened.
Father Joe Taaffe House was purpose built in 1998 and named in honour of the Roman Catholic Priest, Father Joe Taaffe who was a Parish Priest at St Anne's Church, Digbeth. During his time as the Parish Priest at St Anne's, Father Joe helped people who were arriving in Birmingham from Ireland with little money and no accommodation.
There were no welfare services established at this time and Father Taaffe understood that for a section of the Irish community, life in Birmingham could be very tough. Among many practical initiatives, he along with many volunteers was instrumental in developing the Irish Welfare Centre and various community-based self-help activities.
He also had a vision to build accommodation for the Irish community. Sadly, Father Joe as he was affectionately known passed away in 1996 before he could see the retirement scheme completed. Father Joe Taaffe House today provides supported housing for customers aged 55 and over.
It features 27 self-contained one-bedroom flats and is in Digbeth the heart of the Irish community.
Father Joe Taaffe House scheme manager, Sharon Toy comments: "This has been a terrific celebration. I'd like to thank everyone for making such an effort to mark this milestone, especially the Deputy Lord Mayor of Birmingham Councillor Mike Leddy who told me he himself has Irish connections and even visited the Father Joe Taaffe Memorial in Ireland.
Many of our customers have been with us a long time and they tell me that since moving in they have never looked back. While they all lead very independent lives, there is a good sense of community here, and it has been a most enjoyable afternoon. We're already planning our 21st anniversary celebrations."
Chief executive Llewellyn Graham comments: "Marking the 20th anniversary of Father Joe Taaffe House is a great achievement and I had a great day celebrating with the Deputy Lord Mayor of Birmingham and all our residents.
"Nehemiah UCHA took over the ownership of Father Joe Taaffe House in 2015 when we won a competitive bid process to take over the running of approx. 80 properties including Father Joe Taaffe House retirement scheme from London based Central & Cecil (C&C) Housing Association."
Pictured: left to right - Cllr Mike Leddy Deputy Lord Mayor or Birmingham, Nehemiah CEO Llewellyn Graham and Father Joe Taaffe House Resident Stella Pettigrew
