Retirement a fresh start

By Ben West
Posted: 2011/09/15

LIONEL Blair, actor, dancer, singer, choreographer, quiz show presenter and one of Britain's favourite senior celebrities, has over 60 years in showbusiness on his CV.

He's co-starred with some of the best, including Sammy Davis Junior, Ella Fitzgerald, Liza Minnelli and The Beatles (he was in A Hard Day's Night). Now he's added another milestone in being ambassador for Churchill Retirement Living, bringing his special brand of razzle-dazzle to the task.

Lionel has a marvellously positive attitude: "These days, older people can do anything," he says. "It doesn't matter what their age, and retired people have so much wisdom to pass on to the young. Older people should be celebrated!" He feels that people who have not yet reached retirement should look forward to it and find out what's on offer, how much fun the future can hold and how attractive retirement properties can be.

That is exactly what Joan Taylor has done. Ever since building began, she had her eye on Churchill Retirement Living's Bramble Lodge development in Wallington, Surrey.

Joan has lived in Wallington for 40 years and started looking for a retirement home in 2004. When she heard of the new scheme she obtained plans from the council so she could pick the flat she wanted.

Bramble Lodge comprises 41 one and two-bedroom apartments for retirees, with security features such as a video entry system, 24-hour emergency careline and on-site manager. Communal facilities include a lounge, guest suite, laundry and landscaped gardens.

Joan's two-bedroom apartment is near shops and services as well as friends and acquaintances. She was determined to move while she felt strong enough both physically and emotionally.

"I felt I wanted a bit more security," she says. "I was starting to feel that outside maintenance was no longer something I wanted to do. And gardening, although I love it, was losing its attraction."

The extended social opportunity that Churchill Retirement Living brings, with every lodge having an owners' lounge for informal get-togethers and organised social programmes, also appealed.

Although Joan plays badminton, is in an orchestra and is a keen rambler, she admits the day will come when she no longer has the energy or inclination.

"You've got to be prepared," she says. "I know of some people who have left it too late."

In these economic times selling your existing property can be tricky but Churchill has a scheme, Selling Made Easy, to help their buyers sell their home and move easily.

Pensioners Derek and Mary Allen were amazed at how fast they could move. They have lived happily at Churchill's Hamlet Lodge in Gloucester since 2010.

However, when they first thought about downsizing, the upheaval held no appeal.

"My husband wasn't keen," Mary recalls. "However, we went to an open day and he just fell in love with the apartment."

The couple decided to use Churchill's Selling Made Easy scheme.

"Churchill customers can reserve the apartment they want while we help to sell their old home," says sales consultant Angie Clark.

"Churchill obtains valuations from three agents, agrees a selling price with the vendors then arranges viewings, making it as hassle-free as possible for our customers."

INFORMATION: Churchill Retirement Living: 0800 458 1856/ www.churchillretirement.co.uk