When Reverend Quine left his Parish of Holy Trinity in Formby over 20 years ago, he never imagined that all these years later he would be able to gaze over at the church’s steeple from his very own apartment at Churchill’s Trinity Lodge.
Furthermore, as chair of governors of the former Holy Trinity School, where the Lodge now sits, for 20 years, the Reverend and his wife, Barbara, couldn’t be situated in a more nostalgic spot.
Reverend Quine says: “40 years ago the Parish of Holy Trinity in Formby was one of the largest on Merseyside with a membership of over 600 worshippers. I had a busy and rewarding life there as Vicar. When I reached the age of 60, I was encouraged to take up a slightly quieter life and my wife and I relocated to a country parish on the Isle of Man. When it came to retiring, we initially moved to Merseyside, where our families had originated, but after a few years we decided to come back to Formby and purchased a bungalow.”
Despite being very happy in their bungalow, a number of health complaints for Barbara and a significant heart scare for Reverend Quine led the couple to re-evaluate their position and think carefully about their longer term plans.
Reverend Quine says:
It really came down to one simple question which was that when one of us was to pass away, would the other be able to cope in the home we were in. We felt we would struggle and therefore, needed to make a move that would ensure a happy today and a secure, manageable tomorrow, whatever that could bring.
Reverend Quine and his wife had seen that Churchill were building in Formby, right by his old parish and also on the site of the former Holy Trinity School and visited the sales suite to take a look.
Reverend Quine says: “We had taken the decision to move and were very interested in the Churchill apartments because of their ideal location - both in terms of proximity to the town centre and being such familiar territory to us from all of my years as Vicar at Holy Trinity. We met with the sales representative, who was absolutely brilliant, giving us all the information we needed and answering every question we had.”
The Reverend and his wife bought a one bedroom apartment on the first floor at Trinity Lodge. As early purchasers at the development, they bought off plan and were able to select the property they wanted.
Reverend Quine says:
We were one of the first people to secure a property at Trinity Lodge which was great as we were able to choose the exact apartment we wanted - and of course - the view! Every time I look out of our window, I see the old school fields and over to the church and remember the many happy times there. Whenever our children come to visit, they always comment on what a lovely view it is - and how apt it is that we have it!
Back in the heart of their old stomping ground, Reverend Quine and his wife, Barbara, couldn’t be happier with the location in which they have settled.
Reverend Quine says: “Our old bungalow was three quarters of a mile to the town centre whereas, at Trinity Lodge, we walk down a short passage and we are at the Marks and Spencer Food Hall, and right in the middle of the village! It’s a very good situation with all the important amenities, like the bank, within a five minute walk. Barbara was really keen on coming back to Formby and we really couldn’t be closer!”
As one of the first Owners at the Lodge, Reverend Quine and his wife have been a part of the community there since the start and have enjoyed watching it gradually grow.
Reverend Quine says:
We’ve got a rather nice community here which has gone from strength to strength as more Owners have moved in. You always feel like if you are in need, there’s someone to help and importantly for me, I feel like if my heart health was to deteriorate, I know that Barbara wouldn’t be on her own. The security is second to none which provides us with further peace of mind too. Jo, our Lodge Manager is always on hand and organises so much for us to enjoy including fish and chip suppers, wine tasting and trips out to local exhibitions. We also have film days, live music and even enjoyed strawberries and cream during Wimbledon! This Spring we’re hoping to start a gardening club so I’m looking forward to that!
Churchill Retirement Living’s Trinity Lodge, on Lonsdale Road, in Formby is a collection of 42 one and two-bedroom, purpose-built apartments for the over 60s.
All of the apartments at Trinity Lodge have spacious rooms throughout and are an ideal combination of design and functionality. The fully fitted, stylish kitchens include a built in fridge and freezer, hob and an oven, which is located at an easy-reach height, as well as illuminated light switches throughout for added convenience. Owners enjoy ultimate peace of mind from a fitted camera entry system, for the highest level of security, and a 24 hour emergency call system.
With less to worry about, Owners will have more time to do the things they enjoy, including taking advantage of the host of other benefits which will be on offer including having family or friends to stay in the development’s well-appointed Guest Suite, and enjoying a chat with neighbours, or attending one of the many events, in the Owners’ Lounge and landscaped gardens. They can also take advantage of Churchill’s Reward Card which gives them access to exclusive deals and discounts on a variety of national brands and local retailers.
For more information about Trinity Lodge, visit the show complex, call 01704 740366 or click here.