Adlington Life September 2024 by AdlingtonRetirementLiving

ADLINGTON LIFE

Learn a little, give a little, live a lot more

Share a cup of tea with art enthusiast Jane

Embrace September styling with tips from our experts

Can plants be the answer to enhancing our well-being?

Welcome News

As September arrives, we might still catch a few lingering days of summer, but it’s also the month when we start to prepare for the cooler days ahead. Over this month and into October The Sidings, Lytham and Brookfields House, Newcastle-under-Lyme have some exciting events lined up. We’re delighted to welcome our friend and TV personality, David Harper, who will be joining us to discuss all things show business, with a unique twist on antiques and his experiences on TV.

In this edition, we also have the pleasure of chatting with homeowner and art enthusiast Jane, who shares her captivating life story. Don’t miss the latest instalment of Fact or Fiction, along with tips from our in-house designers on how to bring an autumnal touch to your home. Plus, we’ll embark on learning a new skill together, one that is rewarding, satisfying, and offers a new way to communicate.

So, sit back, relax, and we hope you enjoy this month’s edition of Adlington Life.

A first look at our forthcoming community in West Yorkshire Construction is currently underway at Riverside Gardens, in Knaresborough. Foundations have been installed, the crane has been erected and work begins on the ground floor planks. In the coming weeks passersby will start to see Riverside Gardens emerge from the ground. Take an exclusive first look at what the community will look like.

Welcoming homeowners

Brookfields House in Newcastle-underLyme opens at the beginning of the month. A great achievement for everyone involved, General Manager Mike and his on-site team are now in place and we look forward to creating a thriving community as homeowners begin to settle into their new homes.

Dr Ed Gladman, Chief Executive Officer

Visit our website, follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel for regular updates

Artist impression of Riverside Gardens

Contents What's on

A cup of tea with Jane So much more than a home, it’s a whole new lifestyle.

Q&A with Tim What happens when it comes to selling an Adlington apartment, hear from our expert.

It’s never too late to learn

Give it a try and enjoy the process of learning a valuable skill.

Coffee Mornings

10:30 - 11:45

The Sidings, Lytham Wednesday 18 th September Wednesday 16 th October

The Newells, Kempston Thursday 19 th September Tuesday 15 th October

Broadleaf House, Wylde Green Thursday 12 th September Thursday 17 th October

Brookfields House, Newcastle-under-Lyme Wednesday 9 th October

Explore retirement living myths

Part four – Fact or Fiction? You decide.

Enjoy the benefits of a green-fingered September

The science behind living amongst plants.

A clear space is a clear mind, plus add a splash of colour ahead of autumn. 09 10 07 08

An organised home and September home styling

Coffee and cake in the afternoon 14:00 - 16:00

The Spindles, Menston Tuesday 1 st October

John Wallace

14:00 - 16:00

A captivating journey of musical history Mississippi Blues to Mersey Beat.

The Spindles, Menston Tuesday 3 rd September

David Harper

14:00 - 16:00

An afternoon of antiques, history and life on the TV.

The Sidings, Lytham Wednesday 25 th September

Brookfields House, Newcastle-under-Lyme Wednesday 16 th October

A CUP OF TEA WITH JANE

When Jane moved to The Sidings, she looked forward to becoming part of a thriving community.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I grew up in Wythenshawe, Manchester and was the fourth of five children. I lived there until I got married when I was 19. Barry, my husband, was wonderful. We were married in 1963, so we would have been married for 60 years this year.

Where did you begin with your search?

We’ve had a lot of houses and spent our lives doing them up. At one point we bought the house next door to rent out as flats. We also had seven laundrette businesses and I started another business making ladies clothes to measure.

We moved to the Lake District in 2000, I have fond memories of our time there. I’d always wanted to live in Grange-overSands. Barry used to do guided walks across Morecambe Bay with Cedric Robinson, who was the Queen’s Guide to the Sands. But, we spent a lot of time driving back and forth to see our grandchildren in Cheshire, so we decided to move closer

to them and moved to Hartford. We’d not been there for 12 months when my husband was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which he had for five years. I nursed him until he died. He was wonderful.

Why did you decide to move?

When you’ve had a very happy marriage and been with somebody all your life and then suddenly find yourself on your own, coming to a retirement community like this definitely helps.

We had been locked away for two years during the Covid pandemic and so I had become quite insular. After Barry died, I became frightened and didn’t like sleeping in the house on my own. The loneliness crept in. I was starting to feel sorry for myself. I realised that I didn’t want to be on my own.

I knew that once Barry died, I needed to look after myself. I also knew that my Mum lived to 102 and therefore I wanted to have something that occupied my mind. Your own company gets worse as you get older.

I’d never been to Lytham, even though one of my sons lives here, so I booked into a hotel for the weekend with my daughter and granddaughter and went looking. We saw a lovely flat overlooking the bay, but I knew I would be just as lonely there as I was at home. Then I went to another retirement community, but it had no atmosphere or community feel.

It was only when I spotted a crane and carried out some online research that I found out about Adlington Retirement Living. I’d done my homework and could see the benefits of a retirement community. So, I phoned the sales team and put a deposit down.

What are you enjoying since moving?

The main draw for me was the prospect of being part of an active community. I have lunch in the restaurant most days. And we have a wonderful coffee lounge. It’s where we commune. When I go down there, I don’t come back up for hours.

With a busy social calendar of events, there’s always something to look forward to. We’ve got a do tomorrow night. It’s a French evening. My friend Rene is 90. She’s amazing for 90 – the energy. She’s just unbelievable. So, for the French

evening, she decided she’ll wear red, our friend Pat will wear blue, and she asked me to wear white.

We’ve had an Italian night, a Spanish night and a Greek night in the past… and we had a party with an Oscars theme. I won an Oscar. It was for ‘who you’d like to be left on a desert island with’ but I think they actually chose it based on ‘who they’d like to put on a desert island!’ That’s the kind of thing we love. We love to joke.

We have our own cinema room here too. We’ve watched a couple of box sets as a regular Tuesday night thing. We’ve changed it to a comedy night now and then on different days we choose a film.

How are you making the most of your new lifestyle?

Living here helps me to stay mentally fit and as physically fit as I can. I’m still mentally agile and this place helps me to stay that way.

I love pottery and painting, my apartment walls are covered with artwork, which is all my own work. My painting of Kandinsky’s Horse and Jockey was my husband’s favourite. I’ve also painted Picassos and Lowrys. I buy a canvas and I

find a small picture in a book and then I square it off and paint them.

I’ve helped some of the other homeowners here do some pottery painting with a special paint. We bought pots and then painted them with the paint that goes on like nail varnish and then you just put it in the oven for half an hour and after that it can even go in the dishwasher.

Has The Sidings met your expectations?

I think one of the biggest things is keeping people comfortable and safe. Safety is important to everybody. I felt settled here straight away. I walked in and on my first night, I closed the door, got into bed and fell fast asleep.

Not all retirement communities have somebody on call 24/7. We’re also lucky with the team that we have here. We see them as our friends, not just managers.

Moving here was the best thing I’ve ever done in my life, except for marrying my husband. What I was buying was a life. Since I’ve come here, that life is far more than I ever thought I would have. It’s a marvellous community. There isn’t anything I don’t like about this place.

TRY IT YOURSELF

Join a pottery class near you

Stoke-on-Trent

Create pottery in the heart of the potteries, where tradition meets creativity. loveclay.co.uk

Sutton Coldfield

Enjoy a relaxing environment at this café, perfect for gathering with friends and crafting unique ceramic pieces. cafeceramica.com

Kempston

Experience family-friendly fun while making your own pottery or learning a new artistic skill in these enjoyable classes. woodendstudio.co.uk

Menston

Pottery classes for adults of all abilities in Nadine's purpose-built studio. menstonpottery.co.uk

"I’ve made so many new friends. I call them my family now. Most of us have got family too, but they’re busy. I never want my children to say ‘I better go and visit my mother’."

Lytham

Lessons and pottery parties with Helen and gift vouchers available. lythamceramics.co.uk

Stockport

Family-friendly pottery painting and tearoom from a husband and wife team. brooklynpottery.co.uk

Q&A

Tim Crichton

Resales Manager

We launched Adlington Estates in 2023 to support homeowners and their families wishing to sell an Adlington Retirement Living apartment. Adlington Estates is managed by Tim Crichton, our Resales Manager.

What are the main responsibilities of your role?

Managing the resales of pre-loved apartments across the Adlington portfolio, I provide a tailored marketing strategy for each client and manage the entire process, from taking photographs and writing descriptions to conducting tours of the communities and apartments.

Touring the entire community is crucial because the apartment is just a small part of what retirement living

offers. My job is to help potential homeowners to understand Adlington life and how it can benefit them.

Additionally, I manage all aspects of the estate agency process, from negotiating and handling the conveyancing process with solicitors to ensuring a smooth completion and move. The goal is to make everything run as smoothly as possible for everyone involved, making a potentially stressful process as stress-free as possible.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Every day is different, and every person I meet is unique. I enjoy adapting to different situations, whether supporting someone through a difficult time when selling an apartment or helping a new homeowner who’s excited about moving in.

Visiting our communities and seeing the happiness of homeowners who’ve moved in gives me the most satisfaction.

Last week, I visited The Cottons in Ramsbottom, where a lady I sold an apartment to a few months ago told me that she thought it was brilliant, that she’d made so many new friends, that she’s always busy

now, which is so different from sitting alone in her house. She said it’s the best thing she’s ever done.

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

Estate agents sometimes have a bad reputation for overpromising and underdelivering. I strive to exceed expectations and always deliver on my promises.

Beyond the desk

Tell us something most people don't know about you.

I have a very extreme and irrational phobia of cotton wool.

What's your favourite quote from a film or a TV show?

Ted Lasso: “Be curious, not judgmental.”

What’s your favourite place that you've been to on holiday?

Pembrokeshire. We have a static caravan in a tiny place called Nolton Haven. There’s one beach, one pub, and that's it. We go every year. It’s my happy place.

01 Why does the academic year traditionally start in early September?

02 Which well-known British TV show focuses on helping people declutter their homes?

03 In the UK, which historical battle is commemorated on September 15th?

04 Who is the Scottish teacher known for founding the first public school for people with hearing loss?

THE JOY OF

VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering is a powerful force, contributing an estimated £23.9 billion annually to the UK economy, and with around 28% of people in the UK volunteering at least once a month, it's clear that many share this passion.

This month we celebrate homeowner and volunteer John from our community in Macclesfield, The Bridges.

“I am a keen volunteer, it’s valuable to those that you help and rewarding to the individual. I first volunteered as “something to do” when I moved away from home as a young graduate. The first was helping with adult literacy, where I ended up teaching adult numeracy (truth is the person I was helping to read couldn’t understand my accent so it turned into a ‘gigglefest’). I’ve thrown myself into volunteering ever since.

"I volunteer at Space4Autism, a local charity. I was a founder member and a trustee for 17 years, but stepped down recently as we have an adult son with autism. From ‘just some parents meeting in a pub’, Space4Autism is now a charity supporting over 7,000 people in East Cheshire affected by autism with an annual budget of £500,000.

"Since retiring a couple of years ago, I now volunteer as a committee member of the Macclesfield U3A and involved in a few of its activities including a psychology discussion group, a creative writing group and a new AI Group.”

PICK UP A NEW SKILL

It’s never too late to learn something new and sign language is a great way to boost your communication skills, promote inclusivity and bridge the gap with those with hearing loss.

Find more at british-sign.co.uk

FACT OR FICTION YOU DECIDE

PART FOUR

This month we discuss the misunderstandings around having enough space when moving to a retirement living property compared to a family home.

Perception: If I move to a retirement living apartment, would I have space for all the things I love?

When it comes to planning our later years, one common concern that often surfaces is the fear of downsizing. Many people worry that moving to a retirement community means sacrificing space. However, this misconception doesn't reflect the modern reality. Let's explore why this myth is outdated and how retirement communities are designed to support your lifestyle.

A range of properties

Today's retirement communities are not the cramped, one-size-fits-all environments they are often perceived to be. Instead, they offer a variety of living arrangements. At Adlington we have a selection of spacious one, two and three-bedroom apartments most with patios or walk-out balconies, allowing you to choose the amount of space that suits your needs.

Prioritise quality over quantity

One key advantage of moving to a retirement community is the chance to declutter, not just to save space, but to create a living environment that enhances your quality of life. With help from The Senior Move Partnership*, you can organise your new home into a functional space filled with cherished items.

Personalised living spaces

At Adlington we understand the importance of personal space and the comfort it brings. Whether it's a cherished book collection, an art studio, or a hobby room you need, you can customise modern retirement living spaces just like you would a house.

More than an apartment

Beyond your private residence, retirement communities boast a wealth of communal spaces that extend your living area. On-site restaurant * , activity studio, gardens, and recreational facilities are just some of the amenities that allow you to continue pursuing your hobbies without worrying about space. These shared spaces are designed to be an extension of your home.

Don’t just take our word for it...

“I chose a two bedroomed apartment. It was just the right size for me. There’s plenty of storage and then when you use all of the facilities here as an extension of your own home, you don’t feel like you’ve particularly downsized.”

Homeowner Dr Trevor

Enjoy the benefits of a green-fingered September

As summer winds down, consider bringing a touch of nature indoors by surrounding yourself with indoor plants. The presence of plants offers numerous psychological and physiological benefits that can enhance your well-being.

Improved air quality

Indoor plants help filter the air by removing toxins and increasing oxygen levels. Plants like snake plants and peace lilies are particularly effective.

Reduced stress and anxiety

Being around plants and green spaces has been shown to lower stress and anxiety levels.

Increased productivity and creativity

Plants in work or study spaces can enhance productivity and creativity. They create a pleasant atmosphere that improves focus and cognitive function.

To make the most of these benefits, incorporate a variety of well-maintained plants into your home. Even a small amount of greenery can make a significant difference.

“The

thing we liked most about our apartment was the space and the fact that it opens out onto the garden. We’ve got our patio and we can walk straight out and sit in the sunshine.”

Homeowner’s Pat and Michael

Did you know

Spending just 30 minutes a day in a room flooded with natural daylight can provide several health benefits, including improved mood, better sleep, increased vitamin D levels, enhanced productivity, reduced eye strain, and improved cognitive function.

Embrace September

with an organised home

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures begin to drop, it’s time to prepare your home for the colder months. September is the perfect time to tackle those decluttering projects you’ve been putting off, if you’re moving home

Take a room-by-room approach:

Focus on one area of your home to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Begin with spaces that have accumulated the most clutter, like the hallway or living room, before moving on to other rooms.

Clear out the closet:

Assess your wardrobe and remove any summer clothing you haven’t worn or won’t need. This is also a good time to make space for winter wear.

Review seasonal items:

there’s no time like the present to begin the downsizing process, having a refresh or simply want a clear space for a clear mind. Here’s some top tips to get you started:

Sell any unwanted items on vinted.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

Sort into categories:

Go through your summer gear and decide what to keep for next year. Consider donating or selling items you didn’t use, and check for anything that needs repair or replacement.

Create categories such as 'Keep,' 'Donate,' 'Sell,' and 'Discard.' This will streamline the decision-making process and help you stay organised.

Deep clean:

A thorough clean can refresh your space. Pay attention to windows, carpets, and upholstery, which may need extra care after a season of heavy use.

Prep for winter:

Check your heating system, replace filters, clean out gutters and check for drafts to keep your home warm and energy-efficient.

If you are looking to downsize, you can find out more on how we can help make your move to an Adlington community visit adlington.co.uk/msd

Recommendation podcast; check out ‘The Declutter Hub’ – for plenty of hints, tips, and insights.

Beards and Daisies Rubber Plant | From £24

Top tip Add warmth with a splash of colour.

Styling

Here are some high street pieces recommended from our in-house interior team that can transition your home from summer to autumn with a professional touch that balances comfort, style, and practicality.

Marks and Spencer Rust and Purple piped velvet cushions | £12.50

John Lewis Umbra circle mirror | £175

Marks and Spencer Velvet Geometric Bolster Cushion

£19.50

Choosing the right retirement community is an important decision. Why not book a private tour or join us at one of our coffee mornings? Our dedicated sales teams are ready to answer any questions you may have.