Adlington Life Heaton Mersey February 2024

FEBRUARY ISSUE 2024

ADLINGTON LIFE Love, laughter, friendship and time for well-being

A cup of tea with homeowner Dr Trevor

It's not what you might lose, it's what you can gain

Let’s bake recipe of the month

DISCOVER A HAPPIER FUTURE

Find out more by scanning with your smart device camera

Contents Company news Marketing suite now open This month we'll start to welcome visitors to our new Marketing suite at Brookfields House in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Call Claire, our helpful sales consultant, to arrange a coffee and a chat about retirement living 01782 958850.

04 06

Recipe Fun for all the family to enjoy.

07

January in the garden The beauty of emerging bulbs.

08

The importance of space Don’t worry about downsizing, rightsizing is the better option in later life.

10

Did you know...

Quiz questions, interesting facts and something new to try.

11

Q&A with Matt Rowe Find out more about the importance of great architectural design.

New team members Garry and Tracy are the new General Managers for The Newells and Broadleaf House. As both communities open their doors to new homeowners, Garry and Tracy are working hard to welcome new homeowners and bring their communities to life.

A cup of tea with Dr Trevor Having become isolated, the move to Lytham provided a new beginning.

Featured apartments Tempt yourself with our selection our of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments for sale.

Welcome

What's on

February; the middle of winter, and a time to look forward to a much awaited spring next month, whilst hopefully keeping warm indoors.

RSVP quickly, as events are proving popular.

The Sidings, Lytham 01524 917888 The Woodlands, Heaton Mersey 0161 241 5933 The Spindles, Menston 01943 660530 The Newells, Kempston 01234 988200 Broadleaf House, Wylde Green 0121 817 8680

This month we celebrate the emergence of beauty in our gardens, introduce you to one of our architects Matt, who specialises in making all our spaces, and your new apartment, expertly designed. Plus we share a cup of tea with Dr Trevor who lives at our community in Lytham; as a fellow doctor, he has some sound advice on the benefits he’s felt since moving.

Whatever your plans this month, take some time out to get comfy with a warm drink and enjoy this month’s magazine.

Dr Ed Gladman Chief Executive Officer

Coffee Mornings The Sidings, Lytham Wednesday 14 th February Wednesday 13 th March The Newells, Kempston Wednesday 14 th February Wednesday 13 th March The Woodlands, Heaton Mersey Thursday 14 th March

Coffee mornings 10.30am - 11.4

5am

Moving made easy

@AdlingtonLife

AS SEEN ON TV

From Mississippi Blues to Mersey Beat Join us for a fun afternoon as host, John Wallace, guides us through a captivating journey of musical history.

The Sidings, Lytham Wednesday 7 th February

JOHN AIR BORN BY WALLACE

AdlingtonRetirementLiving

Broadleaf House, Wylde Green Thursday 15 th February Thursday 21 st March

Join us for an afternoon in the delightful company of TV presenter and author, David Harper.

The Spindles, Menston Wednesday 6 th March Broadleaf House, Wylde Green Tuesday 12 th March

RECOMMENDED READS

Follow us on social media for regular updates

The Spindles, Menston Tuesday 6 th February

David Harper 2.30pm - 4.30

pm

The remarkable true story of two Royal Canadian Air Force Spitfire pilots - Englishman John Magee and American Dwayne Linton - and how they were reunited across time by extraordinary, unbelievable chance and coincidence.

John Wallace is often a guest speaker at our community events, so keep your eye open for one near you, where you can meet him in person and discover his story for yourself.

A cup of tea with

Dr Trevor Since moving to The Sidings in Lytham, Trevor has enjoyed becoming part of a thriving community.

Tell us a little bit about yourself I’m originally from Yorkshire but I’ve lived in Blackpool for most of my life. For many years I had a medical practice and after that I was the Medical Director of the War Pensions Agency which later became the Veterans Agency.

I met my first wife, Jean, at the hospital. She was a staff nurse on one of the wards and we married and had two children. She died in 1984 when my youngest was just 13 and my eldest was 16. I spent some time bringing up the children on my own.

A few years later, I met my second wife, Mavis.

When we got together, we moved back from Carleton to Blackpool, just off North Park Drive near the hospital. We had been living there together for about 35 years when she died.

From then on, I was rattling around in our five-bedroom, four reception room house on my own until I moved to The Sidings.

ADLINGTON LIFE

05

Having spent your working life as a medical practitioner, what are your thoughts on the health benefits of retirement living?

I think one of the big benefits of moving to a retirement community is the stimulus of other people at this time of life. If somebody has been on their own, as I know very well, you can sink into not wanting to do anything. You lose your ability to think properly, and to converse properly, and you start to go downhill.

Looking back now, I didn’t realise at the time, that’s exactly what happened to me. The stimulus of moving into a place like this can be of great benefit.

Physically it helps too. I make sure that if I can’t get out into Lytham, I do two laps of The Sidings in the morning and two laps in the afternoon. I think four laps is not much short of a mile so that’s the least that I do and when I think about it, I try to use the stairs as much as I can although I do use the lift mostly.

If I was talking to somebody considering a move to a retirement community, I’d say that it relieves you of an enormous amount of stress and adds a lot of positive social interaction. I enjoy meeting new friends and socialising and not having any worries about life at all.

I think another benefit is knowing that you’re going to be safe. I think that’s a big thing for some people. Quite a few older people have very little self-confidence left and I think that’s bolstered quite a bit by the staff here being so caring and thoughtful.

Hear more from our homeowners by visiting adlington.co.uk/HS

“

Has it lived up to your expectations?

I am so, so pleased I came.

I’ve got back to my normal self. I’m not so insular. I enjoy meeting people and talking to them. There’s a good sense of community and I’ve made some good friends since I’ve moved here.

”

According to ARCO, the independent body that sets standards for retirement communities, there are health and well-being benefits to moving to a retirement community: ^ INCREASE IN FITNESS Homeowners experience a 75% increase in the amount of exercise done, and a reduction in falls within two years.

DECREASE IN HOSPITAL STAYS Average unplanned hospital stays go down from 8-14 days to 1-2 days.

“

DECREASE IN ANXIETY Their mental health and well-being improves with a 24% decrease in anxiety symptoms among owners and residents, and only 1% saying they often feel isolated.

^See arcouk.org for details.

06

Bread and butter

Chef Andy

Pud ding

If you have grandchildren visiting this half term Grab the aprons, ingredients and utensils

Ingredients S e rve s 6

to create this tasty dish together.

•

400g all butter brioche loaf sliced

•

600ml double cream

•

400g sliced madeira cake

•

600ml whole milk

•

100g melted salted butter

•

•

300g sultanas

3 chopped caramelised ginger pieces with 3 tbsp of ginger syrup

•

200g caster sugar

•

1 zest of orange

•

6 large eggs

•

Icing sugar to dust

RECIPE 1. Grease a 2 litre baking dish 2. Layer the sliced brioche and madeira cake with the sultanas 3. Whisk the eggs, cream, milk, ginger, sugar, orange and butter together then gradually pour over the bread and cake

4. Cover and chill for 2 hours to let the sultanas soak and become plump 5. Heat the oven to 180 degrees 6. Bake for an hour or until firm 7. Dust with icing sugar and serve with mascapone

Never too late to fall in love This March we celebrate the 1st wedding anniversary of two of our homeowners at The Sidings – Harry and Anne. The couple, who moved to our new community in Lytham after knowing each other for 60 years, decided to ‘tie the knot’ last year. Happy anniversary to them!

ADLINGTON LIFE

07

February In The Garden During the depths of winter, the appearance of the delicate nodding heads of the snowdrop indicates hope and the promise of renewal, with some folklore likening them to death, the idea of rebirth and life triumphing over the darkness of winter. In another tale, when a young girl was lost in a snowstorm the snowdrops helped mark

a path to guide her home.

When the weather breaks, our homeowners often enjoy a walk around the paths in the gardens in their communities, enjoying the arrival of spring and the bulbs emerging.

Perhaps for now, you can enjoy the beauty of the snowdrop from the warmth of the indoors.

The science of ice Ice is made up of crystals in various shapes when liquid water freezes, and up to six-sided needles can form depending on the temperature. The water vapour may form needles, plates, or hollow prisms. The separate crystals, called frazil, grow and interlace until the whole body of water is one solid mass. On days when the ground and other surfaces on buildings, cars and plants are already frozen, and moisture-heavy air passes over, a hoar frost can form beautiful patterns.

When the forecasters predict these conditions, keep a look out in the garden for the most magical of sights.

Share your winter snapshots with us tag us on social media AdlingtonRetirementLiving

Our GardENING CLUBs Across our communities there is always a hub of activity, and for some, joining our gardening group is the perfect vocation.

Whether it's enjoying the fresh air or simply joining in with the fun.

Margaret is a member of the gardening club at The Cottons in Ramsbottom.

"I have always enjoyed gardening, but my previous garden became too much for me. Now I have a small plot on raised beds which I can manage easily. This gives me an interest, some exercise and gets me outside meeting other likeminded people."

ADLINGTON LIFE

08

It's not what you might lose, it's what you can gain We’re firm believers in rightsizing, not downsizing When it comes to moving, we all want to feel excited about the possibilities of our new home. We certainly don’t want to feel that we’re settling for less. Instead, we want to know that the outcome will be uplifting, liberating and lifeenhancing.

Moving to an Adlington Retirement Living community gives you more of all the important things in life: •

More time for the things you love

•

More space to enjoy as an extension of your own home

•

More support from your on-site team; duty managers, a chef, maintenance person, communal area cleaning team and gardeners, who all aim to make your life easier and more enjoyable.

When we talk to our homeowners, they tell us that moving to a retirement living community was a smart, savvy choice that has helped them to have a happier life with lots of new opportunities.

Scan the code to learn more about Adlington life

ADLINGTON LIFE

Spacious apartments and first-class facilities When you move from a family home to an Adlington retirement community, you’re gaining access to the outstanding on-site facilities and gardens, which are an extension of your own home.

Homeowner Bess said: “My new apartment is the perfect size for me. It’s lovely, and it looks onto the garden, which is great. I was surprised by how much storage there is. I’ve got room to spare.

“I’ve got the best of both worlds because I’ve also got all the communal areas to enjoy like the homeowners’ lounge, the coffee bar and the restaurant. We also have the therapy suite and of course the hair salon. I’ve had reflexology and I had my nails done last week, which was super. This Friday I’m having a facial*.”

Fellow homeowners at The Woodlands, Michael and Pat, had been living in their four bedroomed detached house for 41 years before moving.

Michael said: “The thing we like most about our apartment is the space and the fact that it opens out onto the garden. We can walk straight out and sit in the sunshine or walk around the paths in the communal gardens and go to see the vegetable gardens.”

John, who moved to The Cottons with his wife Marcia, said: “We thought we wouldn’t have much room, but there is plenty of space. The

09 apartment is really big, there’s a good storage room and a decent wardrobe. We’re very happy with it.”

Fewer chores and more fun Maintaining a home can start to feel like a full-time job and for many of our homeowners the appeal of leaving all of that behind was one of the reasons they decided to move.

Margaret, who moved to The Woodlands with her husband John, said: “We’d lived in our house for 47 years and had spent a lot of money on it.

We’d had the kitchen and bathroom replaced three or four times and I’d reached the point where I thought I’m not prepared to spend any more money on this house because we wouldn’t get it back. I just didn’t want the hassle of it all. It was a burden for me, worrying about it.

“We really enjoy having a beautiful garden to sit in that’s been maintained by somebody else. This year we had a lovely hot summer and we regularly ate outside. It was like being on holiday. Out came the Sangria and it was lovely. We had a garden party too in the summer and that was really

“

nice, with a jazz band, a BBQ and drinks.”

It’s amazing how much more time and energy you have when you don’t have to worry about the never-ending ‘to-do list’ around the house.”

Margaret, who moved to The Folds, said: “We have much more time available to do the things that we want to do because we no longer have to worry about the upkeep of a big house and garden.

“I enjoy walking and belong to the walking club here. I’m also a founder member of the gardening club. I do yoga on Wednesday mornings and Pilates on Monday mornings.

I have friends who come regularly to visit and play Bridge. It’s nice to be able to offer them a coffee in the lounge and I enjoy baking, so I often provide tea and cake in my apartment.

“I’ve also made some good friends here. There’s a lady that I play Othello, the board game, with. We also play Whist here every week on a Tuesday in the activities room. I’m a jigsaw addict and there’s a big board downstairs with wings on either side and you can do your jigsaw in the middle.”

I feel like a lady of leisure really, being waited on and not having to do a lot.

We’ve got so much more time to do what we want.

Mabel, homeowner

ADLINGTON LIFE

10

Unboxing joy

TRY SOMETHING

NEW

Subscription boxes have revolutionised the way we experience everything from culinary delights to creative pursuits. They curate experiences delivered to your doorstep and can range from wine, to meals to crafts and kits.

Plus there are companies who can organise a subscription gift to family and friends, even grandchildren, lighting up their faces when a delivery arrives just for them. To make the most of these deliveries, you can customise preferences, explore diverse options, and stay open to trying something new.

Whether you're a foodie, a family, or a DIY enthusiast, subscription boxes offer a delightful and time-saving way to discover and enjoy your passions - it could even be a great gift for a special occasion too.

CRAFTING FUN - Cosy Craft - Kiwico

cosycraft.club kiwico.com

BUSY IN THE KITCHEN - Gousto - Hello Fresh - Mindful Chef - Odd Box

cook.gousto.co.uk hellofresh.co.uk mindfulchef.co.uk oddbox.co.uk

Tip don't forget to check if they have any promotions, usually it's a newsletter sign up.

Pills, thrills and tales FIVE INTERESTING ANNIVERSARIES 1st Feb 2013 The Shard of London, the tallest building in the then European Union, was opened standing at 95 storeys.

12th Feb 1812 Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth. The blue plaque commemorating his work now stands at his former home on Doughty Street in Bloomsbury.

14th Feb 1929 Sir Alexander Flemming made one of the greatest medicinal discoveries of all time; penicillin.

15th Feb 1971 The UK and Ireland switched to a decimalised currency.

23rd Feb 1633 Samuel Pepys was born and later went on to write his diary between 1660–69, most notable for his coverage of the Great Fire of London.

1. Which delicate spice is harvested from a spring bulb and is worth more than gold by weight?

2. What was created in 45BC to address 1/4 days in the year?

3. Which plant takes its name from the Italian phrase for beautiful women?

4. What is Shakespeare’s shortest play?

5. What was the original name for the Royal Albert Hall?

ANSWERS ON THE BACK PAGE

ADLINGTON LIFE

11

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Meet the team Matt Rowe,

Architectural Manager Matt, develops the concept design for our buildings, manages the architectural team, and works closely with the technical team to ensure we design and construct high quality retirement communities.

What are the main responsibilities of your team?

When we first look into building a new retirement community, the architects undertake a feasibility study and draws up an initial design.

Once we acquire a site that sketch is developed into a concept design for submission to the local planning authority as part of the planning process.

We have very high standards at Adlington Retirement Living. Good communication, teamwork and collaboration are the key to maintaining the highest quality at every stage of the process.

My enjoyment of architecture primarily comes from a passion for creating well designed buildings and spaces, but I also have an interest in the technical and construction aspects of how our buildings are put together.

The challenges that each individual site brings makes my role interesting and varied.

I also enjoy designing the internal communal spaces to ensure our communities are social and interactive, providing our homeowners’ a healthy and vibrant place to live – the combination of form and function.

For me, the most enjoyable element of my role is being able to see a finished building come to life, something that was once a design on a piece of paper or a 3D model. Being able to walk around the spaces and see homeowners moving in gives me an amazing sense of achievement.

How did you get into the role?

I was always interested in drawing. My dad was a mechanical engineer and he designed machinery on drawing boards before computers took over. I remember having a week’s work placement with him when I was 15 and working on traditional drawing boards with ink pens.

When I finished school, I studied for a B.Tech. in construction and then went to university to study architecture.

Prior to joining Adlington in September 2017, I spent twelve years as an Associate Architect working for a company in Manchester and gained some fantastic experience working on projects all over the World including in Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

What’s the most important thing that you’ve learned in your career so far, and how have you made use of it?

I’m increasingly conscious of the scarcity of land and the importance of building in a sustainable and commercial way. Designing buildings is a huge responsibility because they have such potential to make a positive impact on people and the environment.

I take it seriously and do the best work that I possibly can.

Even more important than that, is to always have homeowners in mind and keep them at the forefront of our thinking. The aim of these buildings is to create beautiful individual apartments and an active community where homeowners can enjoy their retirement, make new friends, and share the communal spaces with their families for a long time to come.

Choose from a range of apartments with our limited time offers when you reserve before 31 st March 2024 ^.

12-months’ free Service and Well-being Charge Or Save £10,000 †

on a 1-bedroom deluxe apartment

Find a home Award-winning retirement apartments at The Woodlands, Heaton Mersey 85% sold, open Monday to Saturday, 10am - 5pm

Apartment 38 2-bedroom en-suite | £367,500

Apartment 49 *

2-bedroom en-suite | £362,500

Apartment 57 *

1-bedroom deluxe | £279,950*

•

Second floor

•

Second floor

•

Third floor

•

Fully-fitted kitchen

•

Fully-fitted kitchen

•

Fully-fitted kitchen

•

Walk-out balcony with views of the landscaped gardens

•

Walk-out south facing balcony

•

Walk-out balcony with views over the east-side gardens

•

Level access shower room

Separate bathroom and en-suite shower room

Separate bathroom and en-suite shower room

•

•

Call 0161 241 5933 Visit adlington.co.uk/HMB The Woodlands, Woodlands Road, Heaton Mersey, SK4 3BN Quiz Answers - 1. Crocus stamen = Saffron | 2. Leap years | 3. Belladonna | 4. The Comedy of Errors, with 1,787 lines and 14,369 words 5. The Central Hall of Arts and Sciences *Other charges apply. ^Terms and conditions apply, see website for details. Images shown for illustrative purposes only. †Available on selected apartments at specific communities.

To opt out of future communications email unsubscribe@adlington.co.uk