Friends Reunited After 70 Years

Long lost school friends Daphne Hall and Margaret Anne Fraser became reunited again after 70 years when they moved into Churchill Retirement Living development, Chartwell Lodge in Tunbridge Wells. Daphne and Margaret Anne both first met at school at The Royal Tunbridge Wells Public Day School Trust which was in Cambridge Gardens, and hadn’t seen each other since the day they left which was almost 70 years ago! They left school due to the war with Margaret Anne living all over the north of England before settling in Eastbourne and Daphne staying in Tunbridge Wells.

"My daughter lives in Tunbridge Wells” says Mrs Fraser "and she often asked whether I would move back here so when we knew that Churchill Retirement Living were building close to the town centre my son in law, sister, and I viewed the plans at the town hall and I chose the apartment I wanted. My younger sister had already moved in a few months before me” Both ladies enjoy the social gatherings that take place on a regular basis in the Owners’ Lounge and it was at one of the coffee mornings that they first met again. "As soon as I saw Daphne I said to my sister, there is something about that face I know” said Margaret Anne.

And soon after, Margaret Anne approached Daphne and Daphne said "I want a word with you” and from that moment on the old friends have enjoyed many moments looking at school photographs and reminiscing about the good old days. "Daphne was in the choir with my elder sister who now lives in Aldwick” says Margaret Anne "She is coming to stay here in the Guest Suite at Christmas and can’t wait to catch up with Daphne again after all these years”.

Both Daphne and Margaret Anne say that they have no regrets about moving to Chartwell Lodge. "It’s wonderful here and we’re enjoying making new as well as old friends” they both laughed.

Chartwell Lodge features a selection of one and two-bedroom self-contained retirement apartments, all of which benefit from a video-entry system, a 24-hour emergency telephone system, and a Lodge Manager. Communal facilities include an Owners’ Lounge and Guest Suite, and landscaped gardens.

The Show Complex at Chartwell Lodge is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00am to 5.00pm. For further information or to arrange an appointment to view the Show Complex, please call the Sales Consultant 01892 543486.