Kinver man reliving family history by volunteering at rock house where past generations lived
The Kinver Rock Houses have touched many a Midlander's heart.
But Stuart Reeves has a unique connection to the rock houses at Kinver Edge, where he volunteers for the National Trust tourist attraction.
Three generations of Stuart's family once lived in one of the cave homes, which are carved out of the soft, red sandstone hillside below the summit of Kinver Edge.
Dubbed the "Switzerland of the Midlands", Kinver became a "green lung" for people enjoying day trips from the Black Country.
The famous cave homes are even believed to have inspired the hobbit holes in J.R.R Tolkien's Lord of the Rings.
Stuart decided to become a part of his family's legacy after retiring as a pharmacy driver, by volunteering at the Reeves's former home.
The 69-year-old, who jokes about being a "rock star", said: "I started volunteering two and a half years ago, just before Covid. I had officially retired and wanted to do something else.
"There's only so much gardening you can do," he laughed. Reflecting on his experience as a volunteer, Stuart added: "It's quite surreal really. I find it really rewarding."
