In memory of Chris Turner
Posted on 18th October 2018 at 10:00
Snippets from the ‘Life Story’ Chris wrote.
I was born on 14th June 1949 at Mary Stevens Maternity Home, Oldswinford in Stourbridge. My mom Florrie Turner and my dad was Robert Turner, both named me Christopher Robert Turner and we lived in Halesowen.
When I was 5 years old we moved to Cradley Heath and in 1954 I joined Carlson House School.
In 1967, aged 18 I left Carlson House School and stopped at home for one year, then 22nd March 1968 I joined the MSA Centre. I was 19 then and I made two very special friends, Roger Smith and John Hill.
In November 1988 Chris’s dad Robert Turner died of a heart attack, this left Chris and his mom in need of help and they were then granted ‘home help’ assistance twice a week.
In September 1989 MSA (Midland Spastic Association, as it was called many years ago before Cerebral Palsy Midlands) organised a holiday to Pontins Holiday Camp in Brean Sands, Chris went with friends Gary Ironmonger, Irvine Clive Brown and Roger Smith. “Some of us went out dancing in the ballroom and at other times we went to Somerset Nightclub to see some acts i.e. magic. On the last night (Friday) the MSA staff gave us a nice night out. They book us a dinner outside of the camp at Somerset’s leading night spot (The Farmers Tavern). The weather was good for the weeks holiday”.
In November 1989 Chris’s mom was taken ill and went in to hospital to stay. Chris at the time was staying at a MSA managers house until he could find accommodation. He was referred to Social Services and they tried placing Chris at a place at Langley Court in Oldbury but Chris didn’t like it, he said that there were bad people there.
There was a period where Chris didn’t have a residence as was staying at people’s houses and trying places that social workers had referred him too in between seeing his mom in hospital. But then on the 18th November, Chris received the sad news his mom had passed away.
Chris’s cousin Tony helped Chris move to a place in Selly Oak called Prospect Hall to see how he could live on his own independently for a year. This was successful for Chris, he proved he was able to live independently and a year later with some more help from social services Chris was offered a tenancy at 17 Alasdair House, Harborne (Next door to MSA) in 1990 with Century Housing Association. Chris had the flat painted and was given some grant funding to get his flat furnished and he officially moved in 27th August 1990. This was the start of a great beginning for Chris with a permanent home and a place to make new friends. It was arranged for Chris to have care as well to help him buy food and clean his flat and at one point in time Chris had Meals on Wheels bring his meals daily.
Chris made friends within the flats Clifford, Ian and Andrew and they all went to a Phab Club in Halesowen, Chris also went to a sports club with Gary Ironmonger. They built a great friendship and went to see Rock Band Status Quo.
Chris continued to attend MSA and went on a computer course at Sandwell College Campus with Clifford.
Chris loved travelling, in his diary of events it is filled with days out or holidays, sometimes visits to coach stations and he had an interest in transport as a hobby. In fact, going through Chris’s memoirs, he had been travelling so much over the years and visited many places. He was a very independent man and enjoyed going out, getting on transport and visiting places. In 1997 one diary account talks of a visit to London and to Buckingham Palace. He was a regular at Digbeth Coach Station and most of the coach staff knew Chris on a first name basis – that just shows how much he was on and off the coaches travelling.
Chris made so many friends over the years, from MSA, travelling, holidays, living at 17 Alisdair House and at Cerebral Palsy Midlands. He was part of the CPM family and greeting everyone with a lovely beaming smile. He was a great man and will be greatly missed.
Goodbye ole friend
Friends of Cerebral Palsy Midlands, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a very special person to us, Chris Turner. Chris Turner had been a citizen and member of our services for many many years and has made many friends here.
The funeral will take place Thursday 18th October 2018 at 11.30am a Lodge Hill Cemetery and Crematorium, Weoley Park Road, Birmingham, B29 5AA with the service continuing at Cerebral Palsy Midlands, 17 Victoria Road, Harborne, Birmingham B17 0AQ.
Wear a cap for Chris – Chris was often sporting a grandad cap and in his memory you are welcome to wear a Cap for Chris on the day.
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