Orpington winners!

A retired couple from Orpington are planning a bucket list of experiences thanks to a National Lottery win that sees them banking £10,000 every month for one year.

Paul and Jean Reynolds took advantage of Churchill’s Home Exchange service when downsizing to a new apartment at Edinburgh Lodge in Orpington, and say they couldn’t be happier about their new lifestyle. Paul said: “We are delighted with the peace and quiet and the wonderful outlook over the beautiful garden which we no longer have to care for. We enjoy the communal activities and time spent with other owners over coffee and meals, as well as the new peace of mind we have living here.

“Although we were already thinking of moving to a smaller, more manageable property from our old five-bedroom house, Jean started to have some health issues which highlighted the reasons even more as to why a smaller property would suit us at this time in our lives. Our family were really supportive of our decision and could see the benefits to us of downsizing.”

For more information about retirement living call 01689 258028.

Angela Hathorn and husband Steve are still in shock after the couple matched all five main numbers in the Set For Life draw earlier this year. They are now planning a series of adventures including a cruise, luxury trips to London and more visits to historical and heritage sites across the UK.

Angela said, “Every Sunday I buy my Set For Life tickets for the coming week and normally get both checked at the end of the week in the shop, I never check the numbers online. Unusually, I went into the Co-op on the Tuesday and asked the lady to check the numbers for the Monday night draw. She had a puzzled look on her face as she stared at The National Lottery terminal and then she asked her colleague to take a look. I was starting to get nervous, worried there was a problem and not helped by a large queue behind me, before the shop assistant said they couldn’t pay out over £100, and I should go call the National Lottery line to claim my prize.

“The man at The National Lottery told me that it sounded like I had won and that someone would be contacting me asap to confirm the win, and then I couldn’t stop saying, ‘oh my God, oh my God!’. Steve was by this time as white as a sheet! I did try to have some lunch but could only manage half a sandwich.”

Angela has been playing Set For Life since the game started in 2019. She bought her winning ticket at The Co-Operative in Orpington’s Carlton Parade.