Val makes her mark at Mellor Lodge

Mellor Lodge, Churchill Retirement Living’s newest Midlands area development, has appointed a Lodge Manager to look after the day to day requirements of all the Owners at the superb, purpose-built retirement apartments.

Val Hughes, 53 - who has lived in the area nearly all her life and was born in Stone, Staffordshire - is now ready to help make the lives of Owners easier by being the perfect all-round Good neighbour:
"I love working here,” explains Val, who lives in Great Hayward about 10 miles from the Lodge. "I have worked with senior citizens all of my working life, starting just after my daughter, who is now 30, started school.” Val, who has a strong background in care and nursing home work, lives in at the Lodge during the working week, returning to her home for the weekends where she enjoys the wealth of beautiful countryside in the vicinity: ”It’s ideal for walking our dog, a Collie/Labrador cross, and my husband and I enjoy getting out and about, visiting local villagers and places of interest. Being able to live in during the week and return home at weekends, when the Lodge’s 24 hour help line is operated, gives me the best of both worlds.”

Lodge Managers are always busy, with no two days ever being the same. Whether it’s welcoming new Owners to the development, dealing with admin and paperwork, or lending a helping hand wherever needed – which includes sitting down for a good old chat and a cup of tea with Owners – there’s never a dull moment. And Val’s life is set to become busier soon, as the 10th apartment at Mellor Lodge has just become occupied: "We have a really nice mix of people here already,” she confirms. "We’re like a little family, really.

Everyone gets together for tea or coffee and there are several local people here, as well as those from outside the area who have moved here to be closer to family and friends. The main benefit to them is all the companionship when they want it but also as much independence as they wish for too. They also don’t have to worry aout gardening, day-to-day house maintenance or DIY as everything is taken care of Mellor Lodge features a selection of one and two-bedroom self-contained retirement apartments, with a video-entry system, a 24 hour emergency telephone system, along with Val, the Lodge Manager.

Communal facilities include an Owners’ Lounge and Guest Suite, a laundry room and landscaped gardens. Conveniently placed for all of the local area’s amenities, the development is on a level walk to all of Uttoxeter’s local shops and services.