A homeless man whose death inspired one of the county’s most enduring charities has finally been given a permanent memorial.
On July 24, a new headstone was unveiled at Astwood Cemetery in Worcester to honour John Cecil Maggs, whose death more than 40 years ago prompted the founding of the Maggs Day Centre.
Jon Perry, chief executive of the Maggs Day Centre, said: “This wasn’t simply about installing a headstone.
“It was about restoring dignity to someone whose story changed our county.”
Mr Maggs died in July 1984 and his death brought renewed urgency to conversations between local organisations, churches, volunteers and statutory services about creating a dedicated place of support for people experiencing homelessness.
Seventeen months after Mr Maggs’ death, Maggs Day Centre opened in December 1985.
It has since grown from a small weekend service into a key service for the homeless, offering outreach, accommodation support and more, supporting thousands across Worcestershire.
Mr Perry said: “John’s story reminds us that behind every service we provide is a person, and every person deserves to be treated with compassion and respect and our ambition is to inspire hope.
“While much has changed since 1984, our purpose remains exactly the same.”
The commemoration service brought together trustees, staff, civic leaders, clergy and supporters for a reflective ceremony led by Jane Kemp, chair of trustees, and the Reverend Tim O’Leary.
Lasting misconceptions about the origins of the charity were also clarified thanks to research by a Maggs volunteer who is a retired archivist.
For many years, it had become widely accepted that “Maggs” was an acronym for Multi-purpose Advice, General Guidance and Support.
However, it was found that the centre had always been named after Mr Maggs.
A blessing of the grave, a moment of silence, and the laying of flowers by Maggs staff all formed part of the ceremony.
Jane Kemp, chair of trustees at Maggs Day Centre, said: “It was incredibly moving to stand together and finally give John the recognition he should always have had.”
