Jean Stephens and Madeline Skelly have enjoyed a shared love of golf for years. When they heard about Churchill Retirement Living’s new Alfred Lodge development in Bridport, they both agreed it would be a sensible move. Little did they imagine they’d end up with apartments right next door to one another, but it’s a situation they’re both very happy with!
Jean recalls:
I had been considering a move to Churchill’s nearby development in Dorchester, when out of the blue came the news that there would be a new one right here in Bridport. I soon decided to go for it, and since Madeline was coming here too it was nice to know that I would know someone straight away when I moved in. What I didn’t know is that we would end up next door to each other, but it’s a nice coincidence!
Both Jean and Madeline are members of the Bridport & West Dorset Golf Club, the oldest club in the county, and both have served as Lady Captains in the past. Madeline was even the first female Director of the Club, and Jean was Secretary of the Ladies’ section for a number of years.
Nowadays they prefer a more leisurely approach, but both still play a round most weeks. “I used to play tennis and have always enjoyed my sport,” says Jean. “So I now find golf is a great way to enjoy some fresh air and exercise.” Madeline adds: “I used to be a keen hockey player, so my golf swing is renowned for being more like a hockey swing!”
Both Madeline and Jean lived in villages outside Bridport before making the move to Alfred Lodge. Madeline reflects: “Just like Jean, I had a lovely house and I was very happy there, but it was quite large for me on my own, and I knew the location wouldn’t be ideal if there ever came a time when I couldn’t drive.
Alfred Lodge is the most conveniently placed development I’ve seen. I can get to the golf club in ten minutes, and I can walk to town in no time at all. It’s a very nice location overlooking the green, and I have views of the West Dorset hills from my apartment window. Jean and I get on well together and it’s nice to have her as a neighbour, so I’m glad we both decided to make the move.
“Despite being next door to each other, we aren’t living in each other’s pockets, and that’s the beauty of living here. There are plenty of social activities going on in the Owners’ Lounge, our Lodge Manager Anne does a wonderful job and we all get on very well together, but you don’t ever have to join in unless you want to.”
Jean agrees: “Like Madeline I feel glad to have made the decision to move now rather than in a few years’ time, as there was no point in putting it off. I’ve been very lucky with my apartment, which suits me perfectly, and I’m very happy here.”
Located in a peaceful green corner of Bridport’s town centre, just minutes away from the bustling high street, Alfred Lodge is a collection of 26 one and two bedroom privately owned retirement apartments and shared facilities, designed exclusively for the over 60s. Apartments boast spacious rooms throughout and an ideal combination of design and functionality. Owners also enjoy ultimate peace of mind from a fitted camera entry system for the highest level of security and a 24 hour emergency call system.
A dedicated Lodge Manager oversees the day-to-day running of the development. With less to worry about, Owners have more time to do the things they enjoy, including having family or friends to stay in the development’s well-appointed Guest Suite, enjoying a chat with neighbours, or attending one of the many events, in the Owners’ Lounge.
For more information about the apartments available, visit the show complex open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, call 01308 287 877 or click here.