ADLINGTON LIFE
Looking forward, letting go and celebrating change in later life

Why autumn is the perfect time to rightsize your life
A powerful tribute to misunderstood women in history
Celebrate timeless traditions and nature's beauty

Looking forward, letting go and celebrating change in later life
Why autumn is the perfect time to rightsize your life
A powerful tribute to misunderstood women in history
Celebrate timeless traditions and nature's beauty
With the change of our clocks, October brings a natural pause, time to reflect and ready ourselves for the season ahead. Within our communities, it’s often this time of year that the value of connection starts to be realised.
In this issue, we explore traditions old and new, celebrate fresh beginnings, and uncover the overlooked strength of women through history. From conker collecting to autumn traditions, you’ll find inspiration, warmth and a reminder that life really does begin at any age, especially when it’s shared.
As the season starts to get cosy, I hope you enjoy this month's magazine.
How Duncan and mum, Avril, embraced a fresh start from different continents.
Test you knowledge with our seasonal quiz.
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Why autumn is the perfect time to embrace change. 04 08
A powerful look at the misunderstood women of history and their legacy of self care.
Dr Ed Gladman, Chief Executive Officer
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Autumn traditions and nature at its finest.
Now's the time Find out how you can enjoy a lifestyle with more time for you and fewer worries. Time
Bringing our new communities to life - our teams behind the scenes
As we prepare to open the doors to our Adlington communities in Knaresborough and Exeter this November, there’s a flurry of dedicated activity behind the scenes.
Our exceptional site teams are working tirelessly to finalise the finishing touches, ensuring every detail reflects the high standards and quality our homeowners expect. From beautifully landscaped gardens to perfectly presented socialising areas, they’re committed to delivering welcoming and well-crafted spaces that feel like home, from day one.
Meanwhile, our passionate sales teams are busy helping future homeowners start their next chapter with confidence and excitement. Whether it’s guiding people through the buying process or offering a friendly face at every visit, they’re here to make moving into an Adlington community as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
And of course, our talented interior design team are putting the final flourishes on each space, curating warm, elegant interiors that combine style, comfort and practicality. Their eye for detail ensures every show apartment and communal space reflect the essence of modern, independent retirement living.
Together, these teams are the heartbeat of our Knaresborough and Exeter communities, working collaboratively to open on time.
We can’t wait to welcome our first homeowners this November.
The Sidings, Lytham
Wednesday 8th October, 2pm
Wednesday 12th November, 10:30am
Wednesday 3rd December, 10:30am
The Spindles, Menston
Tuesday 7th October, 2pm
Tuesday 4th November, 2pm Tuesday 2nd December, 2pm
Brookfields House, Newcastle-under-Lyme
Thursday 16th October, 2.30pm
Wednesday 12th November, 10:30am
Wednesday 10th December, 10:30am
Broadleaf House, Wylde Green
Friday 17th October, 2pm
Thursday 13th November, 10:30am
Friday 12th December, 2pm
The Newells, Kempston
Thursday 9th October, 10:30am
Thursday 13th November, 10:30am
Thursday 11th December, 10:30am
Lytham
01524 917888
Menston 01943 660530
Newcastle-under-Lyme 01782 958850
Wylde Green 0121 817 8680
Kempston 01234 988200
For Duncan, who lives in Canada, ensuring his mum's well-being from across the Atlantic was always a top priority.
When life circumstances changed, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
Duncan’s father required a level of care that could no longer be managed at home and he had to move into a care facility. The shift left Duncan’s mother living alone in their family home of over 35 years.
“She was suddenly isolated and worrying about managing the upkeep of the house, alongside the expenses of my father’s care facility,” Duncan explains. “And being in Canada, I wasn’t able to be there in person to help.”
What Avril needed was a supportive, welcoming community where she could maintain her independence, with help available but not forced upon her. After careful research, Duncan found Adlington Retirement Living, and, as luck would have it, Brookfields House was being built nearby.
With Brookfields House still under construction, Duncan’s first experience of Adlington was entirely remote.
“All of our communication was by email,” he says. “But even from a distance, I was incredibly impressed with the team.”
Once the sales office opened, he began speaking directly with Claire.
“She was outstanding, friendly, patient, and gave honest advice. I didn’t know the UK housing process well, but
Claire guided me through every step. We made an offer on a two-bedroom, en-suite apartment, off-plan, and have never looked back.”
For Avril, the move from a quiet country village to a vibrant retirement community was a significant life change. But the transition was made easier by the hands-on support from the Brookfields House team.
Duncan explained: “They helped with everything from recommending reliable conveyancers to providing professional support with the packing and clearing of the house. Even though I was managing this from across the ocean, it felt straightforward.”
The apartment was ready on time, and his mother moved in during early November.
From day one, Avril felt welcomed:
“Everyone is so helpful and kind at Brookfields House, nothing is ever too much trouble.”
Duncan added: “It was a massive change for my mum, and she has been made to feel very welcome while at the same time being respectful of her independence.”
As more homeowners joined the community, Duncan saw his mother begin to participate in events and activities – not just for companionship, but also for mental stimulation and enjoyment.
“She’s beginning to make new friends, and that means everything.”
When Duncan’s father sadly passed away, he and his wife were able to stay in Brookfields House’s guest suite – offering comfort and closeness without intruding.
“That was such a thoughtful touch. They really have thought of everything.”
Even from afar, Duncan remains connected thanks to the team, especially Mike, the General Manager.
“I’ve spoken with Mike directly from Canada, and he’s always responsive and genuinely caring. His leadership clearly sets the tone for the whole team.”
Now, knowing his mother is safe, supported, and thriving in a community designed to give her both freedom and reassurance, Duncan feels an enormous sense of relief.
“She recently told me how fortunate she feels to be living there. And I feel the same way, knowing she’s happy, comfortable, and in such good hands.”
01. Which small migratory bird leaves the UK in autumn to winter in Africa?
02. What chemical breakdown causes leaves to change colour in autumn?
03. Which monarch is associated with the Gunpowder Plot?
04. What traditional Celtic festival is considered the origin of Halloween?
05. In what country did ‘hygge’, the lifestyle trend focused on cosiness, originate?
06. Which drink, associated with autumn, has become a seasonal trend thanks to Starbucks?
07. What is the birthstone for October?
08. What does British folklore believe when you catch a falling autumn leaf?
09. Which weather presenter was embarrassed when he failed to warn the UK about the Great Storm of October 1987?
10. Who wrote the poem 'To Autumn' including the line: “Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness”?
Answers on page 09
Every October, witches appear in shop windows, draped in black robes, flying broomsticks, and cackling over cauldrons. But behind the commercialised image lies a darker truth rooted in fear, misunderstanding, and centuries of punishing women who dared to step beyond the expectations of their time.
As we reflect on stories from the past this autumn, perhaps it’s time to reconsider who the ‘witches’ really were and why society worked so hard to silence them.
Between the 16th and 18th centuries, thousands of women across Britain and Europe were accused of witchcraft. In Scotland alone, over 4,000 people (mostly women) were tried under the Witchcraft Act of 1563, with at least 2,500 executed.
Their crimes? Many were herbalists, midwives, widows, or simply women who lived independently, spoke out, or held knowledge deemed suspicious.
“Witch hunts were a tool of control often aimed at women who posed a threat to the status quo,” explains historian Dr Louise Yeoman, who has worked to bring public attention to these injustices.
In 2022, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon offered a formal apology to those accused, acknowledging the deep injustice they suffered. The apology followed years of campaigning by Witches of Scotland, who continue to call for pardons, memorials, and education.
“They were accused and, in many cases, killed simply because they were poor, different, or defied the norms of the time. They were wronged and we owe it to them to say so,” she said.
Many witchcraft accusations began close to home with neighbours, family members,
or local disputes over land, animals, or health. While women also made accusations, it was men in power, clergymen, magistrates, and landowners, who prosecuted and punished. Outspoken women were silenced.
Healers and midwives were labelled as dangerous.
Widows or unmarried women were called suspicious simply for surviving on their own.
Religion also played a key role. Clergy painted witches as heretics consorting with the devil. In 1487, two German inquisitors wrote the infamous Malleus Maleficarum (The Hammer of Witches), which branded women as “more carnal” and susceptible to evil. It became a blueprint for brutal interrogations and executions across Europe.
Fast-forward to today, and the idea of the “witch” is being reimagined. Modern witches are often aligned with nature, mindfulness, and personal
“THE WITCH WAS THE REBEL WOMAN WHO COULD NOT BE CONTROLLED. SHE CHALLENGED THE SYSTEM AND THE SYSTEM BIT BACK."
Silvia Federici, Historian
power from tarot cards and herbal teas to community care and sustainable living. Many see the witch not as a threat, but as a symbol of female wisdom and independence.
“It’s about reclaiming the power that comes with age, intuition and knowing who you are,” says Alice Tarbuck, author of A Spell in the Wild.
Here’s the thought-provoking twist: if many of today’s women or their daughters had lived during the witch-hunting years, they may well have been at risk too.
After all, this generation saw huge social change.
Women entered higher education in record numbers.
They became scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs and community leaders.
Many lived independently, spoke their mind, and made life choices outside convention.
These are the very qualities that once would have marked them out as “dangerous”.
And yet, today, those same women are the storytellers, the nurturers, the trailblazers in our communities. They’re not feared, they’re revered.
So, this October, let’s not dress the witch as a cartoonish villain. Let’s reclaim her, not as something to fear, but as something to admire. A symbol of what happens when women refuse to be silenced. Let’s honour the women who came before, and those still here, who hold space for others, challenge assumptions, and live life on their own terms.
That caricature was born from 17th-century propaganda woodcuts, later exaggerated in Victorian illustrations and fairy tales. It was no accident that these depictions were deliberately crafted to mock, belittle and distort women who once held positions of knowledge, intuition, and community trust.
1. Brew with intention
Turn your morning cuppa into a grounding ritual. As the kettle boils, take a moment to breathe deeply. Stir slowly, and set a kind thought or intention for the day — peace, energy, connection. A mindful moment in a mug.
2. Touch nature daily
Whether it’s watering a houseplant, picking herbs, or walking in the garden, connecting with something green is proven to boost mood and lower stress. No spell required, just slow observation, and a little fresh air.
3. Light to invite calm
Lighting a candle isn’t just for ambience. It creates a signal to pause. Try it with your evening bath, book or simply before bed. As the flame flickers, let your thoughts settle — your breath will follow.
S p a c e t o Br e a t h e
Wh y autu m n i s t h e perfect time to r i g h t size
As the air turns crisp and the trees don their autumnal colours, October quietly signals change. It’s a season of reflection, of letting go and settling in, and there's no better time to consider a move to a more manageable home that offers freedom, community, and peace of mind.
Autumn’s invitation to simplify
Picture your current home, perhaps with multiple underused rooms, lots of windows needing cleaning and a garden that demands weekly upkeep. In autumn, when daylight shortens and the weather turns, these chores can feel less manageable, more isolating and an unattractive burden.
The beauty of a more appropriately sized, thoughtfully designed and purpose-built new home lies in releasing those worries, freeing up time for moments that matter most. Time for you again.
Some of our homeowners have already made this meaningful shift. Since moving to The Sidings in Lytham, Dr Trevor enjoys his newfound freedom from home maintenance.
“There’s so much stress, worry and anxiety that comes with maintaining such a huge place. All that worry has been taken away from me now."
"When you’re paying for odd jobs week by week, you don’t realise how much it adds up and you do that for years.”
It’s not just about shedding square footage though; it’s about lightening the load, gaining a better balance and being savvy about what the future might hold.
Dr Trevor goes onto to explain: “I also think one of the big benefits of moving to a retirement community is the stimulus of other people at this time of life and moving to a place like this can be of great benefit.”
For many, downsizing is not just about decluttering for a smaller space, it's a way to
redefine what living well means and Margaret’s story is a testament to that. After a stroke, she realised that her large home no longer served her needs, so she chose a three-bedroom apartment not just for practicality, but to hold treasured keepsakes and a space to call her own.
The move gave her comfort and a renewed sense of freedom where hobbies, friends, and time for reflection are front and centre.
“There’s 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. I’m also a founding member of the gardening club. I do yoga on Wednesday mornings and Pilates on Mondays. I have friends who come regularly to play bridge and it’s nice to be able to offer them a coffee in the lounge.
I’ve also made some good friends here. There’s a lady that I play Othello, the board game, with and we play Whist here every week in the activities room. Plus, I’m a jigsaw addict and we help each other with our jigsaws in the homeowners' lounge. There’s talk of ‘gin club’ and a lady who moved here from Spain thinks we ought to have a ‘laughter club’."
Autumn brings its own sense of calm, and a right-sized move often doubles that repose for homeowners and their loved ones alike meaning the benefits of downsizing are not just emotional, they ripple through families. From his home in Canada, Duncan now relaxes knowing his mum Avril is settled somewhere safe, connected, cared for and most importantly, enjoying life to the full:
“It’s given me peace of mind, and for Mum, a new lifestyle that suits her perfectly.”
Community and connection
Moving in autumn means stepping into a vibrant community before winter sets in to enjoy coffee catchups, cosy lounges, and warm socialising spaces offering sanctuary from the increasing chill, and an opportunity to reconnect or discover new friends.
Take Bernadette, who recently moved into her new apartment:
“Most of the time I feel as though I’m on holiday.”
That sense of ease and ongoing joy set against the backdrop of autumn gatherings and wonderful restaurant meals adds warmth to the season, inside and out. QUIZ ANSWERS - 01 The swallow | 02 Chlorophyll degradation | 03 King James I | 04 Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”) the darker half of the year| 05 Denmark | 06 Pumpkin Spice Latte | 07 Opal (or tourmaline) | 08 It brings good luck for the year ahead | 09 Michael Fish | 10 John Keats
As leaves fall and the world turns inward, you might find yourself asking: “Can I face another winter here?” If the answer is not really, autumn offers an ideal moment to explore the possibilities.
Downsizing doesn’t mean giving up, it means choosing how to spend your time and finding somewhere new where your heart belongs. It’s about having independent choices within easy reach, caring people close at hand, and a new home that feels just right, no matter the season.
As leaves fall and daylight fades, autumn is a season steeped in tradition across the globe as a time of harvest, reflection, and shared rituals that bring people closer to nature and one another.
In the UK , conker matches, bonfires, and Halloween signal cosy nostalgia, while the United States celebrates with pumpkin festivals and golden foliage drives. Across Germany, Erntedankfest gives thanks for crops with music, processions, and decorated churches.
In China, the Mid-Autumn Festival honours the moon and family unity, enjoying mooncakes, and lanterns lighting up the evening sky. Meanwhile, Japan’s Tsukimi (moon viewing) invites quiet appreciation of the full harvest moon, paired with poetry and rice dumplings.
In Mexico , Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) spans the end of October into November, blending memory, colour, and family celebration in honour of loved ones who’ve passed.
While the customs vary, the themes remain the same of gratitude, remembrance, and togetherness. Whether it's carving pumpkins or lighting lanterns, autumn invites us to pause and mark the turning of time with warmth, meaning and purpose.
How a humble seed became a playground hero, a nature treasure, and a symbol of autumn in Britain.
Conkers — the shiny, deep-brown seeds of the horse chestnut tree — have been part of British childhood for over 150 years. The earliest recorded game dates back to the Isle of Wight in 1848, though earlier versions using hazelnuts or snail shells existed long before.
By the late 19th century, “playing conkers” had become a schoolyard staple, with tournaments, tricks, and local legends attached. It was one of the few competitive games that required no equipment beyond string, a sharp stick, and a lucky find beneath the trees.
Drill a hole through the centre of a large conker.
Thread a strong piece of string or shoelace through, tying a knot at one end.
Challenge a friend taking turns to swing your conker at theirs.
The aim? Smash theirs first and the surviving conker wins.
Pick early but play late: Let conkers age for a few days to harden.
Big but not brittle: Choose firm, symmetrical ones with thick shells.
Traditional trick: Some soak them in vinegar or bake them low and slow… though that’s considered cheating in some circles!
Natural soap: Conkers contain saponins, a gentle cleansing agent. Crushed and soaked, they’ve been used in DIY eco-friendly washing detergents.
Animal feed: Historically, ground horse chestnuts were added to livestock feed
Folk medicine: In herbal traditions, conkers were believed to reduce inflammation and aid circulation, although given their toxicity, modern medicine now uses a related extract, aescin.
Tree symbolism: The horse chestnut is often associated with healing, protection, and grounding energy in folklore.
Every glossy conker is a symbol of nature’s abundance and childhood simplicity. Whether you’re reliving old memories or sharing the tradition with grandchildren, it connects generations from the ancient tree roots to the laughter on the path beneath.
So, this October, get your pockets full, eyes down, hearts open and go find your champion conker.
Simple ideas to bring nature indoors and creativity to your fingertips
Collect wisely - Choose dry, recently fallen leaves in a range of shapes and colours.
Press before you paint - Flatten leaves between sheets of paper under a heavy book for 2–3 days to help preserve colour.
Leaf printing - Paint the underside of a leaf where veins are raised, press it onto paper or fabric, and gently lift. It works beautifully in earthy tones like ochre, rust, and forest green.
Make a garland or wreath - String together a selection of leaves using a needle and thread around the strongest vein. Or use leaves as a natural wreath base then layer with acorns, conkers or petals for added texture.
In & Beyond Bath’s Signature Tours specialise in custom walking and scenic tours across the West Country, particularly during autumn. Expect expertly guided strolls through golden horse chestnut avenues and honeyed towns like Tetbury, Arundel, and Bath, typically running from mid-October to late November.
inandbeyondbath.com/signature-tours
Marvel at the autumn leaf colours in the Cotswolds with an escorted 4-night tour led by a leading tree expert from Travel Editions. Visits include Westonbirt Arboretum, Batsford Arboretum, and the University of Oxford Botanic Garden—highlighting Britain’s finest fall foliage.
traveleditions.co.uk/tour/autumn-leafcolours-around-the-cotswolds
Wilderness
Scotland Tours are perfect for those seeking seasonal charm with a side of wildlife featuring vibrant foliage, quieter trails, wildlife watching, and cosy local food experiences across Scotland's most atmospheric landscapes.
wildernessscotland.com/autumn-inscotland