Queen Mary House
Queen Mary House was built in 1928. In 1926 several members of the Loyal Women’s Guild in Bulawayo met with some prominent business men to discuss the situation in Bulawayo whereby there was no place for retired or elderly women to reside.
It was agreed at the meeting that if the Guild ladies could raise a certain amount of money within a specified time the Council and businesses would support the project. The ladies raised the money by holding dances and jumble sales, and in 1928 the foundation stone was laid.
About Queen Mary House
The property consists of three gardened court yards , each surrounded by bedrooms leading onto a communal verandah. There is a large lounge with a fireplace and a grand piano. Sliding doors lead into a spacious well lit dining room.
The Home boasts a well stocked library, a hairdressing salon, a well equipped laundry, a sewing room and flatlets for the two in -house matrons.
Over the years, with fundraising and donations, the Home has been able to install a borehole powered by solar and a solar system to partially run the geysers, and lighting.
Visitors are always welcome, as are any groups who come to entertain the residents and staff. Several churches hold services in the lounge during the month and once a week a group of voluntary ladies hold a creative therapy class.
Queen Mary House Accommodation
The Home can cater for 25 residents. In the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, it was decided to allow couples and men into residence and this has worked well for the Home.
There are several configurations for rooms. There are single rooms with communal bathrooms, some en suite bedrooms and three rooms which contain a small lounge with a separate ensuite bedroom. The prices vary accordingly.
The Home offers full board, consisting of three cooked meals a day, with tea and coffee served in between.
Laundry is done on site at no extra charge and a sick matron and several nurse aids are on duty 24 hours a day.
A List of Retirement Residences: Old Age and Retirement Homes In Bulawayo
The Committee
The Home, since inception, has always been run by a voluntary committee and these ladies have always strived to maintain the standards set by their predecessors. Not an easy task in these trying financial times.
The Home is almost a century old and as such maintenance is an on – going concern. Fund raising is constant and the Bulawayo public continue to be most generous with donations in terms of produce and furnishings.
Queen Mary House Future Project
People change over the years and we find that today most are no longer willing to have a small room with communal ablutions. More and more we are asked for ensuite rooms.
This then is our project for the future and one which we are working towards.
How To Contact Queen Mary House
Phone: 263-29-2200205
Email: queenmary@gatorzw.co.uk
Social Media:
Where Is Queen Mary House:
Corner of M.Ndlovu Ave and Fife Street
Bulawayo
