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Jobs Close

Jobs Close stands on land once part of the Knowle Lodge Estate, sold in 1887 as suitable for a gentleman's country residence.  The house was built about 1904 for the Haslucks family and remained a private house until the mid 1940s.  No house name is given until 1921; its origins are unknown, but the 1881 census shows a Job’s Lane, apparently in the Lodge Road area.  In 1946 Jobs Close was bought by Solihull Council, who let it to Cedarhurst School for a time.

On June 30th 1953 interested local people decided unanimously that a home for old people to serve Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath was desirable.  A stream of money-raising events followed: whist drives, bring-and-buy sales, a Christmas appeal and a 'mile of coins' among them.  In 1955 Solihull Council offered Jobs Close at an annual rental with an option to purchase  - an announcement greeted with approval, as the solidly built house, standing in its own secluded grounds, was eminently suitable.  Alterations were carried out by Messrs. Bragg Bros. at a cost, including furnishings and equipment, of £13,600.  The home was officially opened by Mrs. Oliver Bird on 21st September 1957, by which time all 21 places were taken.  Jobs Close is a well-run and happy old people's home, administered by a charitable trust.  Over the years there have been extensions and many improvements.  

Following the loss of Jubilee Field in Station Road to development in 1959, the grounds of Jobs Close were opened as a public park in 1960, although there may have been a children’s playground earlier.  On the far side of the park, bordering Purnells Brook, is a small nature reserve, which achieved Local Nature Reserve status in 2004.  Bungalows for the elderly were built on the remainder of the land fronting to Lodge Road.  The residents of Jobs Close have a pleasant aspect over the park and a bird’s eye view of everything happening there.

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The children’s playground, 1970s

The nature reserve, 1970s

Jobs Close, 2007

Looking across the park to Jobs Close, 2007

An aerial view (undated)