ADLINGTON LIFE
Welcome
As sunshine lingers for longer and gardens hum with life, summer reminds us how uplifting it is to embrace change with optimism. Across our communities, this season is filled with possibility - a time for shared cups of tea, laughter, and rediscovering joy in everyday moments.
In this issue, you’ll meet inspiring homeowners who’ve taken bold steps toward a new chapter. Lesley reflects on her move to The Newells, and the reassuring blend of independence and friendship she’s found there. Others share how retirement living brought a renewed sense of purpose after personal loss. You’ll also hear about adventures from across the globe, from the winding trails of the Himalayas to the quiet calm of returning home, all made possible by the freedom that retirement living brings.
There are also gentle nudges toward the conversations that matter, about future planning, independence, and finding a home that feels right before circumstances force a decision.
Wherever this season finds you I hope this month's magazine offers inspiration, connection, and a glimpse of the possibilities waiting with Adlington Retirement Living.
Contents
04
Opening the door
How to start a conversation about retirement living. Whether talking to a partner or your children, we help to make starting that conversation a little easier.
Quiz time
Test your knowledge with our monthly quiz.
Life after retirement
Dr Ed Gladman, Chief Executive Officer
Adventures around the world and the joy of coming home to a retirement community that is both welcoming and worry-free. 08
A cup of tea with Lesley
Lesley shares her journey to The Newells to maintain her independent lifestyle with support in place for the future.
Events News
With the marketing suites in full flow now at both Radford House, Exeter and Riverside Gardens, Knaresborough the next milestones are the cranes coming down at both locations this month.
The show areas are now being dressed and, we look forward to welcoming you for tours at each location soon.
In the meantime you can take a virtual tour by visiting each locations page on our website.
Ladies Day, Ascot style
Join us for an Ascot themed afternoon tea, featuring fizz, a fun quiz, and a prize for the best dressed guest. Limited availability, book your place today.
The Sidings, Lytham, 2:00 - 4:00pm Thursday 19th June
Coffee and Cake
The Sidings, Lytham, Wednesday 11th June 2:30pm Wednesday 16th July 10:30am
The Spindles, Menston, 2:00pm Tuesday 3rd June Tuesday 1st July
Brookfields House, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Wednesday 18th June , 10:30am Thursday 17th July , 2:30pm
Broadleaf House, Wylde Green, Thursday 19th June 10:30am Friday 25th July 2pm
The Newells, Kempston, 10:30am Thursday 12th June Thursday 10th July
RSVP to book your place
Lytham
01524 917888 Menston 01943 660530 Newcastle-under-Lyme 01782 958850 Wylde Green 0121 817 8680 Kempston 01234 988200
Artist's impression
Artist's impression
Radford House
Riverside Gardens
Opening the door: How to start a conversation about retirement living
There comes a time when you start to wonder if your home still fits the life you want. Maybe you’re ready to talk about moving, even if your partner isn’t. Or your family gently raises the idea, sensing a change. These moments can feel uncertain, but they also open the door to honest, hopeful conversations. Even with different views, it can be the start of something new, together.
Taking the first step
When it comes to big changes, it’s natural not to be on the same page. The key is to talk, and to really listen.
People often think about moving years before they act. One partner may be ready sooner. What matters is understanding each other’s concerns and hopes.
Margaret and John, homeowners at The Woodlands in Heaton Mersey, found themselves in just that situation.
Margaret explains:
“I was the one who wanted to move. John didn’t. I’ve got health issues that aren’t a
problem now, but I know they could be. I didn’t want to wait for a crisis.
“I’m losing my sight. Our old house was big, with stairs and constant repairs. I knew my way around, but I wanted a place I could settle into before my sight goes.”
John was hesitant. “I thought we should wait five years. But now we’ve moved, I think it was exactly the right time.”
Margaret adds, “I’ve seen my mother struggle. She’s nearly 96, living in a flat without a lift. She needs help now. This move lets us stay independent longer.”
A new chapter
For some, retirement living feels like giving something up. But it’s often the start of something better more freedom, less stress.
If you’re ready to talk to a partner, try opening gently. You might say:
“I’ve been thinking about how we want to spend the next few years, and I’d love to talk it through.”
Or: “Do you think a change could make life easier, and more fun, for both of us?”
It’s also important to talk to your children. It might feel like a role reversal, but these conversations can bring understanding and support. Share what the family home means to you, but also what’s becoming difficult (e.g., stairs, garden upkeep, loneliness, safety).
The financial side will likely come up too. Reframe it as an investment in quality of life, well-being and independence. Freeing up equity could fund travel, hobbies, or early gifting to family.
A reduced burden on loved ones is also important helping everyone understand the potential stress of caregiving, maintenance, or emergencies.
If you’re worrying about an older parent, lead with love, not logistics.
Say: “Mum, we’ve noticed the stairs and garden are harder to manage. We want to make sure you’re safe and not feeling isolated.”
Introduce possibilities, not ultimatums.
Instead of “You need to move,” try: “Have you thought about living somewhere with less upkeep, and some support?”
Offer to explore together.
Visit a few communities as a fact-finding mission, not a commitment, perhaps joining coffee mornings to make it more of an enjoyable process.
Moving forward after loss
Sue found connection after losing her partner, Neil, moving closer to family.
Her son and daughterin-law found The Woodlands and encouraged her.
“Within two days of moving in, I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. Everyone’s so friendly. Don’t wait too long do it while you still have the energy to enjoy it.”
“I could’ve moved in with my children but I’d have ended up sitting on a sofa. I’m not ready for that. Retirement living lets me stay independent and keep a happy family relationship.”
Anne, homeowner
Sometimes family sparks the conversation
For Trevor, encouragement from his sister and daughter opened the door to change.
“I was rattling around a fivebedroom house alone,” he says. “My family were worried. My sister spotted an advert for The Sidings in Lytham and booked a visit.”
Though selling the house was daunting, Trevor took the leap.
“I’m so pleased I moved. I’ve made friends and enjoy chatting again. It’s a great community.”
“It’s the best of both worlds. I’ve still got my independence, and I don’t worry about hedges or home repairs anymore.”
Peace of mind for you and your family
Many homeowners speak of the comfort in knowing support is available if needed.
Anne, who moved to The Sidings, in Lytham after losing her husband, wanted reassurance for herself and her family.
“I was in a big bungalow with a huge garden. It felt empty. My sons don’t live nearby – Chester, Australia, and the States.
“I wanted them to know I’d be all right. When I saw The Sidings, it just felt right. I shared it with the boys, and they were fully behind it.”
Anne continues, “I liked the idea of a 24/7 duty manager. I haven’t needed them yet, but I might. It’s about futureproofing."
A conversation worth having
Moving to a retirement living community isn’t just a practical choice, it’s an emotional one.
A 2022 study by ARCO (Associated Retirement Community Operators) found that:
90%
Of retirement community homeowners felt a greater sense of community.
55%
Reported better physical well-being.
50%
Had fewer GP or hospital visits.
So, whether you or your loved ones bring it up first, the conversation matters, because, what you’re really discussing isn’t just a change of address, it’s a new chapter. One with more freedom, more time, and more peace of mind for you all.
01 Which famous Roman road, ideal for a historical June walk, stretches from the southeast of England to the northwest, ending near the Scottish border?
02 The famous "Midnight Sun" can be seen in parts of which European country during June, offering 24 hours of daylight?
03 The cuckoo is a classic sound of late spring, but which other bird mimics its call and is sometimes mistaken for it in early summer?
04 In which National Trust-owned garden in Cornwall can you walk through a jungle, stroll past waterfalls, and enjoy palm trees – all without leaving the UK?
05 Which Mediterranean island, popular with British holidaymakers and rich in June sunshine, is famous for its wild goats and the scenic Samariá Gorge?
06 Which British author wrote the travel memoir “Notes from a Small Island” – a humorous reflection on exploring the UK’s charm and eccentricities?
07 The name of which flower, commonly blooming in June, is derived from the Latin word for “rose” and also shares its name with a famous English travel writer and television presenter?
08 Which classic British train route, offering scenic freedom through the Highlands, has become a top travel bucket-list item and even appeared in Harry Potter films?
09 The summer solstice, marking the longest day of the year, usually occurs around June 21st. What natural phenomenon causes this?
10 Which insect is most likely to be seen in large swarms during the “June rise” on rivers, as trout feed on their emerging adult forms? ANSWERS ON PAGE 11
The Real Winnie Behind the Pooh
How a rescued bear cub inspired a children’s classic
“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”
Winnie-the-Pooh
A War. A Bear. A Beginning.
In 1914, Canadian army vet Lieutenant. Harry Colebourn was heading to Europe when he spotted a bear cub for sale at a train station in Ontario. For $20, he bought her, named her Winnie after his hometown of Winnipeg, and brought her across the Atlantic as the beloved mascot of his regiment.
When he was sent to the front lines in France, he placed Winnie in the care of London Zoo, where she quickly became a visitor favourite gentle, playful, and unusually calm. Children were even allowed to play in her enclosure. Among Winnie’s young fans was a boy named Christopher Robin Milne, who visited often. He loved her so much that he renamed his teddy bear “Winnie.” His father, A.A. Milne, was so inspired by their bond that he created a whole world of stories: Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore – other teddies of Christopher’s and the Hundred Acre Wood.
In 1926, the first book was published, with gentle, wistful illustrations by E.H. Shepard. It quickly became a beloved part of British childhood offering comfort, imagination, and hope.
A Lasting Legacy
Winnie the bear lived out her life at London Zoo until 1934. Today, a statue of Winnie and Harry Colebourn stands by the zoo gates – a touching tribute to the unlikely friendship that sparked a global literary legacy.
While Disney brought Pooh to animated life, it’s the quiet simplicity of Milne’s words that still speak most deeply to those who remember Pooh from childhood.
“A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey left inside.”
Life after retirement:
Adventures around the world and the joy of coming home
Retirement used to be thought of as a time to slow down, but not anymore. Today’s retirees are globe trotters, adventurers, and social butterflies, embracing their freedom and enjoying life to the fullest. Across Adlington Retirement Living communities, homeowners are living proof that life doesn’t stop when work does. In fact, for many, it’s just beginning.
The world is your oyster
Joyce, a homeowner at The Chimes in Cheadle, enjoyed travelling the world with her husband Peter in their early retirement.
“We went all over the place: South America, the Galapagos Islands, India, Australia, New Zealand, China,” Joyce recalls fondly. “We went gorilla trekking in Rwanda - we camped by Lake Victoria in Tanzania and crossed into Rwanda. Our guides cut a path with machetes, and we saw a great big Silverback. It was the most incredible experience.”
After Peter died in 2008, Joyce has continued to travel, albeit closer to home.
“I’ve never been on a holiday where I haven’t made friends,” she smiles.
A home that makes holidays easy
Margaret and John moved to The Woodlands in Heaton Mersey in 2022, continuing a lifelong love of travel. Their
adventures have spanned Pakistan, India, Alaska, Africa, and the Caribbean.
“We went to Pakistan for a month and up the Khyber Pass with our children,” Margaret remembers. “In India, we got stuck in Agra Station on New Year’s Eve in thick fog... My daughter burst into tears and said, ‘Why can’t you take us to Blackpool like normal parents?’”
In retirement, they’ve spent months in Australia and New Zealand, celebrated their golden anniversary in the Caribbean, cruised Portugal’s Douro, and visited Iceland and Norway.
“We love travelling, and the ability to lock up and leave our apartment is a real benefit... We can just go,” says Margaret. “The community here is wonderful.”
Finding community again
For Frank, adventure was always part of travel. Once their children were grown, he and his wife Janet began exploring the world together. Their first big trip in 1985 took them to India and Nepal.
“It was amazing. No mobile phones, no internet - just a real adventure,” he recalls. They even encountered Sir Edmund Hillary at the Pushkar camel fair.
They returned multiple times to Nepal and India, and also visited Bhutan, Burma, Vietnam, Cambodia, Australia, and New Zealand trekking through Langtang, Annapurna, and Everest.
Sadly in 2020, Janet was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and moved into care, 2 years later she passed away, just before their 54th anniversary.
“It took a while to adjust to the fact that I was a widower albeit I had been on my own for the previous two years... I felt completely isolated,” Frank shares. “What I needed was a community.”
He found that community at Brookfields House in Newcastle-under-Lyme in 2024. “Once I moved in, I knew I’d made the right
decision. I settled immediately and have made new friends.”
Frank has since reignited his passion for travel. “I went back to India in November 2024, and I’ve just returned from my seventh visit to Nepal. Some places were bittersweet without Janet, but I saw new things too.”
Forging friendships through travel
Margaret and Keith from the Spindles, met Roy and Rita on a Caribbean cruise.
“We clicked immediately,” Margaret recalls.
Through Roy and Rita, the couple also met Bob and Ann, with whom they embarked on adventurous flotilla holidays in Croatia and Greece.
Now, all three couples live at Adlington Retirement Living communities. Their shared history continues to enrich their present. “It’s lovely to still
see each other,” Margaret says. “We’ve visited them at The Chimes and The Folds, and they’ve visited us at The Spindles. It’s like a holiday reunion but in everyday life.”
Freedom to explore
Angela and Tim, who joined The Spindles community, appreciate the practical benefits of retirement living.
Angela shares. “It was so nice just to pack our things and shut the door, without worrying about mowing the lawn or deadheading the roses. We enjoy the beautiful gardens here - without having to maintain them ourselves.”
With their next trip possibly to Venice, Angela and Tim are making the most of their new-found flexibility. “The security is great. The team is always here, and we know everything is safe when we’re away.”
Angela says. “We had lunch in the restaurant the day after we got back from Croatia. I’d booked it before we went because I knew we’d have no food in. It’s just so
Retirement, redefined
Adlington homeowners are embracing retirement like never before—enjoying the freedom to travel, the security of a safe home, and the joy of a vibrant community. Whether trekking the Himalayas or simply sharing lunch with neighbours, they’re redefining what life after work looks like.
A Cup of Tea with Lesley
Lesley moved to The Newells in November 2023 to maintain her independent lifestyle with support in place for the future.
“I'm 75 but in my head, I'm still 25.”
Tell us a bit about yourself
I was born in Lancashire, but we moved to Dunstable when I was nine.
I went to university in Manchester, which is where I met my husband, Nigel.
After university, he taught chemistry and I did a postgraduate secretarial course. My first job was as a bilingual secretary for L’Oréal, then I worked at an architectural firm, and after that, I joined a German engineering company, where I stayed for 34 years.
When my daughter wanted to learn to ice skate, I took her for lessons every Saturday. I loved the atmosphere. One day, I heard that the European Championships would be in Birmingham, so I booked a week off work, went and got absolutely hooked.
In 1992 I heard about a trip to the World Championships in San Francisco. My mum and I decided to go. I started a newsletter and did that for 10 years, travelling to all the British competitions. I also wrote a column for an American magazine and translated for a French magazine from the mid-90s to 2020. Skating became my escape from work and everyday life. Those trips were my holidays.
Why did you decide to move?
Nigel’s health declined suddenly at 70 and he died in 2018 at 71.
I swore I wouldn’t do what Mum did. After my dad died, she stayed in a big house she couldn't manage and was often alone. We took her to see flats, but she wouldn’t move. She was dependent on her neighbours and on us. My brother used to take her to appointments, and I used to deliver her meals so that she could heat them up in the microwave.
My daughter has enough to cope with after suffering from streptococcal pneumonia. She spent two months in ICU, another month in hospital, and now uses a mobility scooter. Her memory was also affected.
I wanted to move while I still have the energy and remain independent. I'd always liked the idea of a community and Adlington felt right. I've learned over the years to trust my instincts and my instincts told me this was the right place.
How has life improved since you moved to The Newells?
I’ve spoken to my friends here and we all started to sleep better after moving in. It’s the security and the reassurance of having a duty manager on site 24 hours a day.
I’ve made good friends with the other homeowners. We talk all the time. Last night we chatted until 9pm, then met for coffee at 11am and picked up where we left off. We laugh a lot.
I've always been active, but usually on my own. Now I have a much better social life. The staff are always really pleasant and chatty too.
What hobbies and activities do you enjoy?
I've always loved the theatre too, and now I go even more. There's a community theatre called The Place, and they have some great productions.
Here at The Newells there are plenty of things to join if you want to. It's entirely your choice. We have a chair yoga group on Thursday mornings, games evenings, quizzes, movie nights and we all tend to get together for Sunday lunch. We sat outside with coffee after lunch last week and by the time we finished talking it was half past six. We've been to Bletchley Park. Garry, our general manager organised that. I've been a
friend of Bletchley Park for years. Every time I go, I learn something new.
I think that that's the secret to a happy retirement. Staying mentally active. Staying interested in things.
What would you say to somebody considering retirement living?
We have less to worry about here. Whenever I had to arrange repairs on my old house I’d always worry ‘is somebody going to rip me off?’ or sometimes if it was a small job, I couldn't get it done at all. Here, you don’t have to worry. It’s all done for you.
It’s important to think about the future because you never know how your health may deteriorate. Some people say ‘Oh, I'm not really ready for this yet.’ But I’d say do it while
you've still got the energy, before you're ready. Because if you wait 10 years, you'll be less inclined to do it and physically, you'll find it so much harder.
I think it’s important to think about how comfortable you're going to be, how easy your life's going to be. If at some point you can't drive or you lose your spouse, you know there are always going be people here, and that will help.
Take your pick
One, two and three-bedroom retirement living apartments for sale from
The Newells, Kempston