Choose to live better this summer: From nourishing plates to the perfect place
Eat well, live well this summer
Smart moves: Downsizing made desirable
Train trips, fizz sips and garden giggles
Welcome
Summer brings with it the invitation to savour life. To gather with friends, share good food, and reflect on what truly supports our well-being. Across our communities, this season is alive with flavour, laughter, and the kind of energy that helps us see things more clearly.
In this issue, we explore how small changes can have a big impact, from what we choose to eat to where we choose to live.
We explore smart, achievable ways to eat well in later life, without compromising and hear how homeowners believe an on-site restaurant is so much more than just convenience.
We spotlight life-enriching experiences from day trips by rail to raising a glass of English sparkling wine in the garden with neighbours, and we take a thoughtful look at the growing appeal of levelaccess living.
We hope this edition encourages you to indulge in the 'now', and remind you that with the right setting, you really can have the best of both worlds.
Wishing you a July filled with sunshine, connection and uplifting choices.
04
All Aboard for Summer Joy
Explore scenic day trips by train, all under 90 minutes from our communities where culture, coastlines and cake await.
Dr Ed Gladman, Chief Executive Officer
Follow
06
Eat Well, Age Well
Simple, science-backed tips to nourish your body and boost well-being without giving up the foods you love.
07
Beyond the Plate
Meet the homeowners transforming mealtimes into meaningful, shared experiences within their retirement communities.
09
The Sparkle Edit
Raise a glass to the English summer with our favourite home-grown sparkling wines and celebration tips.
Quiz time
Test your knowledge with our monthly quiz.
10
Level Access Living: The Smart Choice
Discover why downsizing to the right place at the right time can offer more freedom, not less.
Events News
Take the next step toward a better balance
We are now welcoming tours at newly opened Radford House, Exeter, with the show apartments and socialising spaces ready to explore. Book your tour today so you don't miss out on the pick of apartments.
WYLDE GREEN'S 1ST BIRTHDAY PARTY
Lancashire Belle, Jane Francis, will be performing her wonderful 1940's music across our communities this summer. Complementary tickets to her song-filled afternoon teas are available on a firstcome-first served basis, so keep your eyes peeled for the invitation, limber up and get into the swing.
Brookfields House, Newcastle-under-Lyme
Wednesday 23rd July 2:00pm
Broadleaf House, Wylde Green
Wednesday 30th July 2:00pm
The Newells, Kempston Wednesday 6th August 2:00pm
More dates to follow, watch this space
Coffee and Cake
The Sidings, Lytham, 10:30am
Wednesday 16th July
Wednesday 20th August
The Spindles, Menston, 2:00pm Tuesday 5th August Tuesday 2nd September
The Newells, Kempston, 10:30am Thursday 14th August
Thursday 11th September
01943 660530
01234 988200
ALL ABOARD FO R SUMMER JOY
There’s something magical about a day trip by train. No traffic, no parking, just scenic views and new places to explore with some of England’s loveliest places just a short journey away.
This summer, we’ve mapped out a selection of easy rail journeys from our communities, all under 90 minutes, leading to historic towns, seaside escapes, and cultural gems.
Whether you're in the mood for a riverside stroll, a spot of shopping, or simply a change of scenery, your next great day out could be just a train ride away.
FROM THE SIDINGS, LYTHAM
For great waterfront dining and Beatles history visit Albert Dock, Tate Liverpool and the Cavern Quarter in Liverpool. Travelling from St-Annes-onSea Station to Liverpool Lime Street takes 75 mins via Preston.
For a vintage lover’s dream visit Carnforth, home to the 1940s railway station from Brief Encounter and railway museum complete with a heritage tearoom. You’ll also be close to the Arnside and Silverdale, Area of Natural Beauty for stunning nature walks. Travelling from Lytham Station to Carnforth takes 75 mins, again, via Preston.
FROM RIVERSIDE GARDENS, KNARESBOROUGH
If you enjoy art galleries, shopping arcades and an excellent food scene, Leeds is a 40-minute journey direct from Knaresborough Station. You could even take in a performance at Leeds Playhouse Theatre.
Exploring more locally, Harrogate offers wonderful shopping and tea rooms. Travel direct for just 15 minutes from Knaresborough Station to Pannal or Starbeck and you’ll
discover leafy paths, golf clubs, and relaxed pubs that are lovely for a low-key lunch or circular walk.
FROM THE SPINDLES, MENSTON
Enjoy the historic Minster, medieval streets, river cruises, museums and Bettys Tea Room in York. Travelling from Menston Station to York Station takes 50 mins.
Just 15 minutes from Menston Station to Saltaire, you can enjoy a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a Victorian model village, riverside walks, and Salts Mills, full of David Hockney art, galleries and quirky shops. A cultural day out with zero hassle.
FROM BROADLEAF HOUSE, WYLDE GREEN
Explore Shakespeare’s birthplace, theatres, Tudor buildings and the riverside walks of Stratford-upon-Avon, travelling for around 80 minutes from Chester Road or
STRATFORD UPON AVON
Wylde Green Station via Birmingham Moor Street Station.
For somewhere quieter than Stratford but just as pretty, travel to Henley-in-Arden, a charming small town with historic timber buildings, artisan food shops (including a brilliant cheese shop), and countryside access. Again, travel via Birmingham Moor Street for around 85 minutes.
FROM THE NEWELLS, KEMPSTON
Step back in time by exploring the Roman ruins and historic cathedral of St Albans, with a beautiful market town atmosphere, travelling direct for 35 minutes from Bedford Station.
After 15–20 mins you could alight at Ridgmont for the Victorian Station Heritage Centre and tearoom, or head to Woburn Sands for its high street charm and access to Woburn Abbey, a short taxi ride away.
FROM BROOKFIELDS HOUSE, NEWCASTLEUNDER-LYME
Navigate around Chester’s historic Roman walls, take beautiful river walks, visit the cathedral: wander around the boutique shops, with a 60-minute train ride from Stoke-on-Trent Station.
For a slower paced afternoon, Stone is a canal-side gem known for its food festivals and craft beer scene, independent shops, river paths, and a relaxed pace of life. Travel for just 20 mins from Stoke-on-Trent Station.
FROM RADFORD HOUSE, EXETER
A 20 or 35-minute journey from Exeter St Davids Station will take you to Dawlish or Exmouth, with coastal views from the train, sandy beaches, fish and chips and level seafront walks.
For more than the beach, travel to Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve, offering a protected nature reserve with boardwalks, birdwatching, and coastal views. Feels a world away but it’s just 25 minutes down the tracks.
EXMOUTH
EAT WELL, AGE WELL
NUTRITION TIPS TO SUPPORT YOUR HEALTH IN LATER LIFE
Good food is often called the best daily medicine. As we age, our diet affects how we feel physically, mentally, and emotionally. Here are simple, science backed tips to boost well-being in later life when even one change may help. *
Fibre
Did you know:
According to Public Health England, only 9% of adults over 65 in the UK meet recommended fibre intakes (30g/day).
Simple change: Eating more fibre-rich foods helps maintain healthy digestion and can help reduce cholesterol.
Try: Oats, lentils, wholemeal bread, and raw carrots.
VITAMIN D
Did you know: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have reported that one in six older adults in the UK is vitamin D deficient.
Simple change: Boost Vitamin D & Calcium. Both are vital for bone strength and immunity.
Try: Fortified dairy, mushrooms, and safe sun exposure. Consider a supplement in the winter.
TURMERIC
Did you know: NHSbacked studies (Cochrane Reviews) show Turmeric may reduce joint pain and improve cognitive function in older adults.
Simple change: Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Try: 1/2 tsp daily in, smoothies, or mix into cooked food with black pepper for better absorption.
Antioxidants
Did you know: An Age UK nutrition report indicates that diets rich in antioxidants could lower risk of chronic diseases including Alzheimer’s.
Simple change: Embrace colourful veg. Bright vegetables are packed with antioxidants to protect your cells.
Include more: Spinach, beetroot, peppers, and tomatoes.
*Always consult your Doctor if you are on any medication or managing health conditions before making dietary changes.
Oily Fish
Did you know:
According to the British Heart Foundation, Omega-3s can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 16%.
Simple change: Prioritise Omega-3s that can support heart and brain health in your weekly meal planning.
Aim for: Two portions of fish per week, one of them oily like salmon, mackerel or sardines. Other sources include chia seeds, walnuts, cold-pressed rapeseed oil and Omega-3 enriched eggs.
BEYOND THE PLATE
TURNING EVERY MEAL INTO A FEEL GOOD MOMENT
At Adlington Retirement Living, dining is about so much more than just good food. It’s about connection, companionship and comfort. Whether it’s a freshly brewed coffee with a neighbour, a Sunday roast with visiting family, or simply taking a break from cooking.
Adlington’s elegant on-site restaurants and welcoming homeowners’ lounges offer an enriching experience that feeds both body and soul.
In every community, mealtimes are transformed into moments of joy. Homeowners can savour nutritious chef-prepared meals and beyond the convenience and flavour, it’s the shared experiences that make dining in our restaurants so special.
Frank, a homeowner at Brookfields House in Newcastle-under-Lyme, still enjoys preparing meals at home in his apartment, especially baking, but he also
treats himself to the on-site restaurant.
“When my wife Janet returned to work after our third child, I taught myself to cook,” Frank recalls. “When she became ill, I missed her baking, so I gave it a go myself. It took me three tries to perfect a lemon drizzle cake!”
Margaret and Keith, who moved to The Spindles in Menston, have made the homeowners’ lounge part of their daily routine.
“We use the lounge quite a lot,” Margaret explains. “It’s like a cosy extension of our living room. We got the paper this morning and came downstairs to read it.”
“You never sit alone for long,” Keith adds. “People just drop in and soon we’re all chatting away, it’s lovely.”
The couple dine at the restaurant several times a week and often invite friends along.
“The food’s excellent,” says Keith. “And the staff are always so friendly.”
For Lesley, who lives at The Newells in Kempston, the restaurant offers the perfect setting to entertain guests.
“Every time I bring a friend, they say, ‘Oh, it’s like a lovely hotel!’”
She adds “If I ask where they’d like to go for lunch, they always pick here. It’s a real treat.”
She still cooks for herself most days but loves having the option to dine out without leaving the building.
“I usually have lunch here on a Sunday. It’s part of my weekly routine now.”
David, another homeowner at The Spindles, highlights the warm, welcoming atmosphere that defines the Adlington experience.
“I eat in the restaurant almost every day, then head to the lounge for a coffee or sit outside in the garden. It’s easy to join in a conversation. Everyone’s so friendly.”
Angela and Tim, also homeowners at The Spindles, say the on-site restaurant was a major factor in choosing their new home.
“We actually ruled out another community because it didn’t have a proper restaurant,”
Angela explains. “This one was perfect. It’s ideal when you’ve just come back from holiday and haven’t got any food in the house!”
“We even booked lunch before we went away,” she adds. “And the lounge is great for a quick coffee after shopping or a walk.”
For Trevor, a retired GP now living at The Sidings in Lytham, the flexibility is key.
“I eat in the restaurant a few times a week, just whenever I feel like it,” he says. “Sundays are special though. I usually have my sister, or a friend join me for lunch.”
And for Margaret, now at The Woodlands with her husband John, the restaurant represents more than just convenience. It’s freedom.
“I’ve cooked every meal for nearly 53 years,” she laughs. “I’m a good cook, but I’ve had enough. When I saw there was a restaurant here, I thought, ‘thank goodness!’”
Now, she and John dine there daily.
“The food is delicious and it’s great value too. We often have friends or family come and join us. It really is fantastic.”
Mealtimes are not simply about eating, they’re about living well. Whether you’re tucking into a light bite, indulging in a hearty Sunday lunch, or enjoying a relaxed coffee with neighbours, these shared spaces are designed to foster connection, comfort and community.
So whether you’re an experienced home baker like Frank, or finally ready to hang up the apron like Margaret, Adlington’s approach to dining offers something for everyone.
SPECIAL SUMMER SIPS
English sparkling wine has come of age, and July is the perfect time to uncork a bottle. Made with traditional methods, it rivals Champagne and is perfect for picnics, terrace aperitifs, or sharing with friends.
TOP PICKS FOR A LOCAL TOAST:
Lyme Bay Brut Reserve
A perfect pick for a summer evening, from a Devon-based winery half an hour from our up-coming Exeter community, Radford House. lymebaywinery.co.uk
Three Choirs Classic Cuvée
Produced just over an hour from The Newells, our new community in Kempston, this is an elegant choice. three-choirs-vineyards. co.uk
Gusbourne Rosé Ideal for strawberry season this Kent-based winery, ships nationwide. gusbourne.com
THE PERFECT EXCUSE TO POP ONE OPEN
Why not host a mini tasting session with neighbours or friends, pick 2 or 3 bottles, add a few cheeses and canapés, and let the bubbles do the talking.
“We enjoy having a beautiful garden to sit in at The Woodlands, maintained by someone else. This year we had a lovely hot summer and regularly ate outside. It was like being on holiday with friends and Sangria. It was lovely.”
Homeowners, John & Margaret
01 Which famous British naval victory is commemorated each July during events at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard?
02 In which year did the UK host the Live Aid concerts in July, raising funds for famine relief in Ethiopia?
03 In July 1969, which Beatles album was being recorded during the same month man first walked on the Moon?
04 What is the name of the dramatic coastal feature found along the Jurassic Coast, often visited in summer months?
05 What place is famous for its new season produce that's given protected status?
06 What celestial event often peaks around mid to late July and is known for its visible meteors?
07 What national celebration takes place on 5th July, marking the birth in 1948 of one of the UK’s most treasured institutions?
08 According to the Met Office, July is the UK’s warmest month but what’s the UK’s all-time highest recorded temperature (extra point if you get it spot on!)?
09 Which popular royal was born on 1 July 1961?
10 Which iconic British aircraft made its first official flight on 15 July 1954 and later became a Cold War symbol?
ANSWERS ON NEXT PAGE
A New Lease of Life: Discovering the joy of level-access living in retirement
For many of us, retirement sparks a flurry of thoughts about travel, relaxation, and spending time with family. Just as our priorities shift with time, it’s also worth asking whether the place we call home will continue to support how we live, now and in the future.
Let’s face it: while retirement may be a time to enjoy life, our knees, hips, and balance sometimes have plans of their own. UK research shows that those newly diagnosed with knee or hip osteoarthritis are over 50% more likely to fall, with the risk of fractures rising sharply too. That’s a tough way to take a step in the wrong direction.
Once seen as a bungalow on a sleepy street, level-access living has had a bit of a glowup. Increasingly, older adults are choosing bright, modern apartments in integrated retirement communities, places that offer fewer chores, more friendship, and just the right kind of support when needed.
For those ready to take a smart step forward, this could be the perfect way to stay independent, social, and on a steady footing for the years ahead.
Beyond bungalows: A modern choice for a modern retirement
There’s no denying the charm of a bungalow. For decades, it’s been the default option for downsizers. No stairs, a little garden, and a quiet setting. But the reality is, many bungalows on the market today need considerable work to bring them up to modern standards. For those seeking more than just bricks and mortar, instead also wanting connection, convenience and comfort, integrated retirement communities can offer far more.
When Frank, 78, lost his beloved wife Janet, life became quiet and lonely in their rural family home.
Living alone in a large, fourbedroom house in a village where everything required a car eventually became too much. Frank did what many people do: he started looking at bungalows. But those he saw “were all tired and were projects requiring work.” He didn’t want a DIY challenge.
“What I needed was a community.”
That’s when he discovered Brookfields House in Newcastle-under-Lyme, a place designed for independent living with support and social life woven in.
Freedom from the burden of upkeep
David, 84, moved to The Spindles in spring 2024 after more than a decade of managing alone in a large family home.
It was his late wife Jean who had planted the seed of change. She compiled a handwritten manual for David on how to run the house without her. “At the end of it, she wrote, ‘Don’t be a slave to the house. Best of luck.”
Like Frank, he initially explored the idea of bungalows. “But I thought, ‘Am I going to be doing this again in four years’ time?” The appeal of retirement living began to grow.
At The Spindles, David found not only a modern, manageable home, but also a social life and a whole new lease of freedom. “When
you move here, you’re not looking at jobs that need doing around the house and garden. The worry has instantly all gone away.”
A lifestyle, not just a home
Choosing a retirement apartment is more than downsizing. It’s about selecting a home that works for you, rather than one that demands your time and energy.
While bungalows will always appeal to some, they rarely offer the same sense of shared experience and built-in companionship. A purposebuilt retirement apartment in a community setting can offer the best of both worlds: private space with your own front door, and a wider world of social connection just a few steps away.
Making the move: Things to consider
Location: Choose somewhere close to friends or family, or a place you feel connected to.
Facilities: Look for amenities you will actually use, such as a hobby room, on-site dining, or a therapy suite.
Community: Visit in person to get a feel for the atmosphere.
Future-Proofing: Level-access homes make life easier now, and far easier later, should mobility or health change. Take a sensible step now before it's too late.
“I’m not just managing now. I’m living.”
The final word
Retirement is the perfect time to choose how you want to live. Whether it’s joining a book club, starting a new craft, or simply enjoying your morning coffee without worrying about climbing stairs or mowing lawns, the right environment can make it all possible.
As Frank and David have shown, moving into a levelaccess apartment in a retirement community brings benefits beyond safety and practicality, it can also bring joy, freedom, and friendship.
If you’re thinking about your next step, perhaps it’s time to widen the view beyond the traditional bungalow. The perfect fit might just be waiting in a retirement community where life is not only easier, but richer too.
QUIZ ANSWERS - 01 Battle of Trafalgar - the battle was in October, however commemorations often tie in with summer events | 02 1985 | 03 Abbey Road | 04 Durdle Door | 05 Jersey Royal potatoes | 06 Delta Aquariids meteor shower | 07 The NHS | 08 40°C (104°F) recorded in 2022 in Coningsby, Lincolnshire | 09 Princess Diana| 10 The AVRO Vulcan
