Lionel Blair officially opens St Richard’s Lodge in Chichester
Everyone who attended the Official Opening of St Richard's Lodge in Chichester on Thursday 14th April not only had the chance to share in the celebrations as the retirement development was officially unveiled, but also had a unique opportunity to meet Lionel Blair, one of Britain's favourite senior celebrities and now the ambassador for Churchill Retirement Living, who is bringing his own special brand of razzle-dazzle to the job.
The Chichester development, on Spitalfield Lane, comprises forty-three one and two bedroom private, self-contained retirement homes specially designed for retired Owners, many of whom were able to meet and chat with Lionel and share his experiences and tips for a happy and healthy retirement.
As everyone knows, the new Churchill ambassador, Lionel Blair, is an actor, dancer, singer, choreographer and quiz show presenter with over 60 years in show business on his CV. He has a marvellously can-do attitude to the retirement years and consequently is a big fan of Churchill Retirement Living.
"These days, older people can do anything,” he declares. "It doesn't matter what their age is. And retired people have so much wisdom to pass on to the young. Older people shouldn't be pushed away into a box. We should celebrate them.”
His philosophy, which exactly reflects Churchill Retirement Living's own, is that the retirement years should be anticipated in a positive way. People of that age should find out what's on offer for them, how much fun the future can offer and how attractive retirement properties can be.
In the case of St Richard's Lodge, and in fact all Churchill Retirement Living developments, those attractions include an Owners' Lounge and Guest Suite, a laundry room , fully managed landscaped gardens and security features such as a video-entry system, a 24-hour emergency Careline, and Lodge Manager. All of this meets with Lionel's full approval.
"I believe wholeheartedly in keeping people's minds active by doing things as a community, so the Owners' Lounges and the social events like the coffee mornings are a great idea. They help to keep people interested in life, and that's good for the health. It has been lovely to meet the Owners of St Richard's Lodge and hear so many positive stories about life in this beautiful development.”