Patricia Boorman and her husband lived in their cosy bungalow in the rural countryside of Hailsham for over 8 years. Whilst life there was enjoyable, it wasn’t always practical. Wanting to be closer to family, local amenities and charity work, meant the couple made the decision to move into town in 2022 – and they are now enjoying their retirement and are celebrating a year at Churchill Retirement Living’s McIndoe Lodge in East Grinstead.
Having downsized from their two bedroom home to a two bedroom Churchill apartment, Patricia says that moving has reignited their social life, allowing them to share more time with friends and family, and it’s freed up time since they have no more maintenance worries.
Although she retired at the age of 70, Patricia still enjoys keeping active and works in the British Heart Foundation (BHF) charity shop one day a week in East Grinstead. Patricia finds it a good way to maintain her independence and give something back to the community, and whilst she goes off to work it gives her husband a chance to enjoy his own time.
Enjoying all the benefits Churchill has to offer, Patricia is very much making the most of the social elements and along with the Lodge Manager has set up a ‘Knit and Natter’ group which meets every week. Having made many friends at the Lodge, Patricia and her husband also enjoy welcoming friends and family who often stay overnight in the Guest Suite.
Connecting with a long-lost nephew who lives in Florida, Patricia was also able to invite him over to the UK and he has now stayed in the Guest Suite which has been wonderful for her and her family.
Patricia says: “Moving to our Churchill apartment has been a wonderful experience and one we are thoroughly enjoying. Everyone is so welcoming and Julie, our Lodge Manager is so helpful and even recently helped to organise my 81st birthday get together in the Owners Lounge.
“Being closer to our families and being able to walk into the town centre is fantastic. We still use the car for longer trips but find we are using it much less. I enjoy walking to work at the BHF charity shop whilst my husband can get on with his own jobs. It’s great that now we have little to no maintenance worries and feel secure at the Lodge.
“There is a lovely sense of community and we most definitely are enjoying our social life to the full, however, at the same time if you want to enjoy your own peace and quiet you can do. It’s a lovely place and we certainly have enjoyed our first year here.”
Mr & Mrs Boorman have settled in perfectly at McIndoe Lodge and with the warm and friendly community Churchill Retirement Living has to offer, they are now able to enjoy a vibrant retirement.