Audley Insider - Winter 2024

LIFE AT AUDLEY VILLAGES

IN THIS ISSUE: CHRISTMAS AT AUDLEY AUDLEY CARE TEAM FEATURE HEALTH AND WELLNESS UPDATE INTERVILLAGE QUIZ

Issue: Winter 2024

Audley Insider

Table of Contents 4 A VERY AUDLEY CHRISTMAS Roundup of Christmas pictures from across the villages.

6 LEADING WITH CARE Feature on Audley Care Branch manager Laura Selby at St George’s Place.

8 BE OUR GUEST Club members review village guest suites.

10 SHIPLAKE MEADOWS VILLAGE SPOTLIGHT

Find out about our newest Audley village in Henley-On-Thames.

12 AUDLEY SPIRIT AWARDS Celebrating our village teams.

13 MINCE PIES Discover tricks of the trade from Wycliffe Park’s Head Chef.

14 THE AUDLEY FOUNDATION Sharing an update on the Foundations events and actions.

16 HEALTH AND WELLNESS Your message from Health and Wellness Director Emma Robinson, Audiologist coffee mornings and personal training.

18 NOTICEBOARD Virtual choir, The Key magazine, Owners survey and the intervillage quiz update.

Welcome As we bring this year to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on all that we’ve accomplished together and share my excitement for the year ahead.

This past year has been one of connection, growth, and celebration across our villages. From memorable community events, enhancements of our facilities and services, we’ve worked hard to create a vibrant and supportive environment that truly feels like home.

Thank you for your enthusiasm, feedback, and the sense of community you bring to our villages - it’s what makes them so special.

Looking ahead to next year, I’m excited about the opportunities we have to continue enriching village life. With new initiatives, further developments, and an expanded calendar of events, there’s so much to look forward to. Most importantly, we remain committed to ensuring that our villages provide not just a place to live, but a lifestyle to thrive in.

On behalf of everyone at Audley, I wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year.

Here’s to making 2025 another wonderful year together.

Warm regards, Nick Sanderson CEO, Audley Group

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A very Audley

Christmas A FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS ACROSS OUR VILAGES A roundup of magical moments this festive season!

From enchanting Christmas light switch - ons to bustling Christmas fairs, and creative afternoons, Audley communities have been brimming with joy and togetherness.

FESTIVE SOUNDS AT THE WYCLIFFE PARK CHRISTMAS FAIR

WREATH MAKING AT SCARCROFT PARK

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Enjoy our gallery of Christmas highlights.

MITZI STEALING THE CHRISTMAS LIMELIGHT AT ST ELPHIN’S PARK

STANBRIDGE EARLS CHRISTMAS FAIR

MULLED WINE READY TO SERVE AT ST GEORGE’S PLACE

SUNNINGDALE PARK CHRISTMAS FAIR

CLEVEDON CHRISTMAS FAIR

COOPER’S HILL CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TURN ON

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AUDLEY CARE FEATURE:

Leading with care MEET LAURA SELBY CARE BRANCH MANAGER AND ADVOCATE FOR LIVING BETTER FOR LONGER AT AUDLEY ST GEORGE’S PLACE

When you meet Laura, one thing becomes immediately clear, her dedication to making a difference in the lives of others is not just a job - it’s a calling. As Care Branch Manager at Audley St George’s, her journey is a testament to her passion for care and her unwavering commitment to helping others live well.

Family, football, and travels Born in Birmingham with Greek Cypriot roots, Laura's life is a blend of family, football, and cherished hobbies. She keeps busy supporting her two children, Isabelle (12) and Kyle (9), juggling five days of football training and games, and even running a fundraising stall on Sundays. In her downtime, Laura enjoys crime dramas and monthly theatre trips. She also loves traveling, with recent escapes to Turkey, Corfu, and Crete. “I feel most relaxed with the sound of the sea and the sun on my skin,” she shares.

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A journey of growth Joining Audley in 2016, Laura was the first Personal Care Assistant (PCA) for St George’s Place, back when the village was still under construction. Fast forward almost nine years, and she’s now the Care Branch Manager, leading a team of 22 dedicated professionals.

Her growth within the company reflects her passion and expertise. She’s earned numerous accolades along the way, including Care Star of the Year in 2018 and being a finalist in the National Care Awards. Most recently, completing Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and is training as a workplace health and wellness champion.

“I’ve seen our village grow from a building site to a vibrant community, and it’s been incredible to watch owners thrive here,”

Why retirement living works Having worked across various care settings, Laura is a strong advocate for the retirement village model. “This environment offers everything for health and wellness - social interaction, physical activities like swimming and fitness classes, care services, and great nutrition,” she explains. Witnessing firsthand how owners flourish in this setting, including the remarkable story of an owner given just two weeks to live after a pneumonia diagnosis. With the care and support provided by the Audley Care team, he not only recovered but recently celebrated his 100th birthday in his home, surrounded by loved ones.

The heart of the job The most rewarding part of Laura’s role is building trust and connections. “Knowing that residents feel reassured by our presence is incredibly fulfilling,” she says.

Of course, there are challenges, but communication and teamwork make all the difference. “We can’t always please everyone, but our goal is to provide dignity, respect, and care for all.”

CARE BRANCH MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Winning Care Branch Manager at this year’s Spirit Awards was a career highlight. “It was such an honour to be recognized for my efforts,” she says.

“What makes a great carer isn’t just experience - it’s empathy, compassion, and the desire to make a difference.

Those are qualities you can’t teach.”

A shared vision of community For Laura, Audley isn’t just a place to work - it’s a family. From her team of carers to the wider village team, she’s proud to be part of a community that supports owners in living better for longer. Whether it’s a conversation over coffee or helping someone regain independence. As she reflects on her nearly decade-long journey at Audley, she sums it up simply: “The rewards are endless.”

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Be our

Guest TRAVEL THE COUNTRY AND FEEL LIKE YOUR STAYING AT HOME.

Audley Redwood BRISTOL

Audley Mote Park Club members, Toni & Sharon Belcher have visited an incredible ten Audley Villages across the country, utilising the guest suite and the club to discover more about each village and it’s location we asked them to share their reviews.

Close to Bristol & the Clifton Suspension Bridge with walks from the village leading to Aston Hall Country Park. We used it as a base to visit Sudeley & Berkley Castle too.

The guest suite was located on first floor, parking was a short distance from reception but you could drop luggage off.

Audley Nightingale Place

Audley St George’s Place

Location was ideal for accessing central

Located in Edgbaston a 10 minute walk to tram & two stops to the city centre.

Located on the ground floor of the main building, the guest room was spacious & comfortable. Staff were friendly.

Swimming pool & fitness suite located below ground to main building.

LONDON

London, for theatres, shopping and museums. Nearest underground station is just a 2 minute walk.

The fitness suite was vast - located in the basement with a good sauna.

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EDGBASTON, BIRMINGHAM

Audley Scarcroft Park

Audley Flete House

The village stands in its own grounds with some surrounding walks and easy access to Leeds & Central Yorkshire. The guest suite is separate from main building in a standalone plot. Staff were very helpful, attentive & encouraged use of all facilities including the library. Breakfast was excellent including homemade granola.

Located within extensive grounds and a long track road to main house (which is like going back in time to a 19th century Victorian Castle!). Very welcoming staff and easy parking. The large apartment guest suite was a great base for Devon and Cornwall.

There is no swimming pool but the large wood panelled hall interestingly features a copy of Charles I death warrant with all signatures.

Audley Clevedon

Audley Inglewood

One of our favourites for the views of Ilkley moor north of Bradford & Leeds. The village offers good access to Skipton, Otley, Harewood House & Knaresborough.

Located near Newbury, near the lovely village of Kintbury. This quiet village has vast grounds, excellent facilities, and the staff and owners were very friendly and helpful.

The Watermill Theatre nearby was well worth a visit.

WEST YORKSHIRE NR LEEDS

ILKLEY, WEST YORKSHIRE

IVYBRIDGE, DEVON

KINTBURY, BERKSHIRE

TO BOOK A GUEST SUITE ACROSS AUDLEY VILLAGES AND MAYFIELD VILLAGES SIMPLY SPEAK TO YOUR RECEPTION TEAM.

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VILLAGE SPOTLIGHT:

Audley Shiplake Meadows Henley- on-Thames, Oxfordshire We’re thrilled to unveil the latest addition to the Audley family: Shiplake Meadows. There are 65 apartments, duplex penthouses and cottages designed to echo South Oxfordshire's unique blend of traditional charm and modern design.

Audley Shiplake Meadows will welcome the first homeowners moving in this winter who will be warmly welcomed by the General manager Philip Baker and the rest of the team.

PHILIP BAKER GENERAL MANAGER

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“We can’t wait to welcome our first owners through the door at Audley Shiplake Meadows. It’s a beautiful village, set in stunning surroundings, and I hope the village, and owners, become a central part of the local community in Lower Shiplake. ” NICK SANDERSON, CEO OF AUDLEY GROUP The beating heart of the village, our clubhouse containing a bistro, bar, gym/fitness suite and wellness services. Plus it’s stunning location allows owners to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and landscape gardens which are complete with mature native trees and wildflowers.

Sustainability at its core Shiplake Meadows has been designed with sustainability at its heart. With an energy strategy that aims to deliver a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions and a 50% reduction in energy costs compared to a standard gas-fired home, it’s an eco-friendly choice that doesn’t compromise on comfort. The village also features numerous cycle bays and over 80 car parking spaces, each equipped with EV chargers for electric vehicles.

FANCY A STAY? Don’t forget as an Audley owner you receive discounted rates on guest suites so you why not plan a visit to explore Oxfordshire and enjoy a stay at Shiplake Meadows?

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VILLAGE OF THE YEAR AUDLEY INGLEWOOD

2024 The Audley Spirit Awards are an annual tradition, celebrating the exceptional dedication, hard work, and compassion shown by team members towards owners, guests, and colleagues. These awards spotlight individuals who go above and beyond, embodying the very best of Audley’s values.

This year’s event was held on 5th November in the West Midlands, bringing together around 100 finalists and winners from Audley and Mayfield Villages, as well as the central support team.

GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR WILMA GALLAGHER ST ELPHIN’S PARK

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Hosted by Operations Director Ross Mounsey, along with Robert Diaper, and Susan McClean, the evening delivered a celebration of everyone’s hard work over the past 12 months.

We’ve highlighted a few winners but click the link below to discover the full winner list and spot winners from your village team.

VALUES AWARD EXCEPTIONAL FANICA MATIAS RECEPTION SUPERVISOR, STANBRIDGE EARLS

SEE ALL THE WINNERS

VALUES AWARD ENRICHING KEVIN CONNOR -HEAD CHEF, SCARCROFT PARK

Mince pie season is here!

DITCH THE STORE-BOUGHT AND BAKE YOUR OWN. TO HELP YOU CREATE THE MOST DELICIOUS TREATS, JOHN SCALES, HEAD CHEF AT WYCLIFFE PARK SHARES THREE SIMPLE TIPS. 1. ELEVATE YOUR MINCEMEAT Don't just stick to store-bought mincemeat. Add a unique twist by infusing your mincemeat with a splash of brandy or orange liqueur. To take your mince pies to the next level, consider adding dried cranberries or a hint of cinnamon - just to make it that extra bit ‘luxurious’.

2. PERFECT PASTRY The secret to a flaky, buttery pastry lies in keeping it cold. Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. For an extra-flaky crust, try a quick blast in the freezer for 10 minutes before baking. A useful thing I do every Christmas is cutting my butter into small cubes and making sure they are cold before incorporating it into the flour.

Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface, and don't overwork it, as this can toughen the pastry.

3. PRESENTATION MAKES PERFECT A simple egg wash can be a classic glaze, but why not get creative? Try a dusting of icing sugar, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate, or even a slide or orange peel. You can also use a pastry brush to glaze the edges of the pastry with a simple syrup made with sugar and water.

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The Audley Foundation Update Founded in 2020 by the Audley Group Ltd, The Audley Foundation was set up to improve the lives of older people, particularly the lonely and less fortunate members of society.

This year we are focussing our fundraising support on The Care Workers’ Charity and the establishment of Chatty Benches. Other monies will go to organisations in line with the Foundation’s mission.

If you are interested in supporting the foundation, volunteering to support events in your village please speak to your general manager.

As Audley owners, we are in a position of privilege and this is a golden opportunity to help other, less fortunate people. You will have the chance to make a real contribution to your local community as The Foundation's work grows, and you may even enjoy taking part as much as I do!

Anne Foster, Audley Chalfont Dene Foundation Trustee

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JESSICA LAMBERT’S LONDON TO BRIGHTON CYCLE FOR CHARITY On Sunday, 15th September, Jessica Lambert, Academy Partner at Audley Group, undertook the 55 mile London to Brighton cycle challenge, raising an impressive £750 for the Audley Foundation.

Ahead of the event, Jess shared:

“This challenge is an opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and push my limits. While I have never cycled more than 25 miles before, I am determined to complete the 55-mile ride in 5.5 hours. The event’s partner charities, MIND and the Alzheimer’s Society, hold significant importance to me.”

Not only did Jess complete the ride, but she surpassed her goal, finishing in an incredible 4 hours MORE PHOTOS and 42 minutes—a remarkable achievement.

2024 FOUNDATION DINNER RAISES OVER £21,000!

We’re delighted to share the incredible success of our 2024 Foundation Dinner, which raised an impressive £21,000 in support of the Audley Foundation and The Care Workers’ Charity.

OUR CHARITIES CHATTY BENCHES By breaking down social barriers and encouraging people to connect and chat, the Chatty Benches initiative is a small but effective way of tackling loneliness and isolation. The Foundation are delighted that we have plans to place several new benches in 2025 to join out others others located at Chalfont St Peter Memorial Gardens, Whitworth Park, Darley Dene and Long Ashton, Bristol.

THE CARE WORKERS’ CHARITY

Held at Audley Nightingale Place on Wednesday, 9th October, the event welcomed over 80 guests for an evening of generosity and community spirit. Now in its second year, this special night brought together passionate supporters and generous sponsors whose contributions are making a tangible difference to the lives of care workers and those in need.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and to our sponsors whose support is truly invaluable. Together, we’re creating lasting change.

Care workers care for some of the most vulnerable people in our society with little recognition and often no reward. The Care Workers’ Charity supports almost 2 million care workers in the UK, mainly through one-off crisis grants to cover an unforeseen or life changing circumstance such as bereavement, illness or injury when there are no resources to meet their associated costs.

Find out more about The Audley Foundation at www.audleyfoundation.org.uk

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Living Boldly.

Your time.

Your way.

Let’s get one thing straight: there’s no rulebook for aging. The so-called "golden years" aren’t about slowing down—they’re about living the life you want to live. Whether that means taking up skydiving, perfecting your sourdough, learning a new language, dying your hair some bright crazy colour, or simply saying “no” to anything that doesn’t bring you joy, this is your time. And guess what? It’s time to do it your way.

Age is just a number – really. Don’t let society’s expectations on what ‘aging’ looks and feels like dictate your story. Want to start running marathons at 70? Go for it. Feel like travelling solo at 80? Pack your bags. Want a crazy new hair cut? Start learning a new language? Fancy a tattoo? You’ve earned the right to live authentically and unapologetically.

Health is wealth - but fun is gold. Sure, staying active and eating well are important, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing the good stuff. Love chocolate cake? Eat it. Fancy a cheeky glass of wine on a Tuesday afternoon? Cheers to that! Life’s too short for guilt trips. Just balance some cake or wine with some movement to square up the wellness equation.

Permission to Play. Remember when you were a child and life was about exploring, laughing, and making a mess? Bring that back. Try something new just for fun. Dance at the next village event. Make up silly songs with your grandchildren. Go on muddy walks. Play isn’t just for children - it’s for anyone who wants to feel truly alive.

The golden (and only) rule: living boldly isn’t a mindset, it is a declaration. So laugh loudly, love fiercely, and dare greatly.

Emma Robinson

Audley Health and Wellness Director

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ASK THE AUDIOLOGIST COFFEE MORNING Audley has collaborated with independent hearing specialist Symphony Hearing. We are excited to share that they will be offering ‘Ask the Audiologist Coffee Mornings’ across villages in the new year.

This informal event will cover various topics, including how hearing works, managing tinnitus, and the vital link between good hearing and mental health. The differences between NHS and private hearing services will be explained, as well as the benefits of microsuction earwax removal compared to syringing.

Check your village notice board and App for dates and time.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SYMPHONY HEARING

Personal Training WORKING OUT WITH A PERSONAL TRAINER CAN BOOST THE SUCCESS RATE OF ACHIEVING YOUR FITNESS GOALS BY OVER 30%?

Whether you're looking to enhance mobility, boost energy levels, or maintain independence, our personalised programs are here to support you every step of the way and help you reach your goals faster.

Speak to your Leisure Club Manager for more details and prices

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Audley Virtual Choir LAUNCHING FEBRUARY 2025!

DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO JOIN THE AUDLEY GROUP CHOIR The choir will meet online to learn the score and each part of the song, then individual videos are recorded and collated to create the performance.

If you would like to join please speak to your reception team.

To see all the information, find out how a virtual choir works and watch previous performances from the Audley choir visit www.audleyvillages.co.uk/owne rs-area/virtual-choir

You will need to be able to commit to the three online rehearsal dates (an hour each week) Rehearsal 1 - Tuesday 25th February, 2025, 2-3pm Rehearsal 2 - Tuesday 4th March, 2025, 2-3pm Rehearsal 3 - Tuesday 11th March, 2025, 2-3pm

The Key Magazine THE LATEST EDITION OF OUR LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE IS NOW AVAILABLE IN YOUR VILLAGE This edition of The Key Magazine features Articles include an interview with Jen Bernard, information about The Audley Foundation, a look at Scarcroft Park and an introduction to Headley Court and its history. There are also articles about travel, recipes and cars.

CLICK TO READ

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The results are in...

ANNUAL OWNERS’ SATISFACTION SURVEY 2024 We are pleased to share the survey results for 2024.

Across all villages the percentage of Owners rating their village as "Excellent" reached its highest level to date and the likelihood of Owners recommending their village has also reached an all-time high in 2024.

You should have received the communicated village specific results. – If you haven’t seen these please speak with reception.

From these results we will be building action plans for 2025 this will ensure we manage the issues that have been raised in the survey results.

Action plans will be shared with you in the new year.

Intervillage quiz The 2024-2025 Intervillage Quiz is in full swing, with the festive edition taking place earlier this week. Eighteen teams from 15 villages are battling it out for glory! Last year’s champions, the ‘Chalfont Ladies,’ are surging back after a sluggish start, but ‘St George’s Dragons’ hold a commanding lead.

With just one round left, tension is mounting. Who will claim the coveted title? Mark your calendars for the grand finale on Monday 20th January, and keep an eye on your local noticeboards for the final league standings.

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Audley Insider Issue: Winter 2024