A NEW chief officer has been appointed at Age Concern Wyre Forest.

Jenny Knowles, who is married to Wyre Forest’s Labour Westminster hopeful, Nigel Knowles, has taken over the role after Pat Simmonds decided to stand down.

Mrs Simmonds, whose late husband, John Simmonds, was recently honoured with a civic memorial, has worked at Age Concern since 1992, first as development officer and then as chief officer.

She will now take on the role of fund-raising and events organiser, based at Kidderminster’s Tulip Tree Centre.

Mrs Knowles said: “I was delighted to be appointed chief officer after working at Age Concern for five years.

“I want to build upon the good work that has already taken place and continue to take Age Concern forward.”

Mrs Knowles said there were many challenges ahead, including changes proposed for its accreditation by the new national organisation - Age UK - an amalgamation of Age Concern England and Help the Aged.

She added that another challenge was continuing to secure grant funding and ensuring that elderly people were given the support they were entitled to.

Activities at The Tulip Tree Centre include weekly lunch clubs, Monday Morning Stroke Club, Tuesday Afternoon Friendship Group, Information and Advice, an exercise class, Care Call and outdoor trips.

Outreach work in the Wyre Forest area includes a free wellcheck assessment, a handyperson service and a gardening service.

Mrs Knowles said one priority was to get the inside of the Tulip Tree Centre painted and was making enquiries with companies to organise a makeover.