Retirement housebuilder Churchill Retirement Living has unveiled a very special new addition to its William Lodge development in Malmesbury after becoming a sponsor of the popular Cotswolds Hare Trail.
Churchill has welcomed ‘Hare-Wayman’ to the Lodge, who has sprung into his new home sitting on the Lodge’s riverside terrace. Hare-Wayman stands proud at 5ft and has been created by local artist Frances Harding as a nod to the highwaymen of Gloucestershire, who once menaced the streets high upon their steeds, holding up coaches of the rich.
Hare-Wayman is just one of over 130 statues on display across the Cotswolds, which have been decorated by amateur and professional artists, including schools and community groups. The organisers have produced a free trail map detailing how many hares are in each town or village for locals to follow, with each colourful hare designed to tell a different tale.
Hare-Wayman will be on display at William Lodge, on Gloucester Road, until the beginning of September, before he’s auctioned off to raise money for two key Cotswolds AONB conservation initiatives: Caring for the Cotswolds and Glorious Cotswold Grasslands.
Caroline Haswell, marketing manager at Churchill Retirement Living, said:
The hares have brought plenty of creativity and fun to the Cotswolds this year, while showcasing the talents of some incredible local artists, and we’re delighted to be a part of it. The Hare Trail brings people of all ages together to celebrate the Cotswolds’ rich culture and heritage, and we look forward to welcoming as many people as possible to William Lodge to have their photo taken with the Hare-Wayman!
To celebrate the arrival of Hare-Wayman, Churchill is inviting hare followers to join them for Pimm’s on the terrace with Hare-Wayman every Saturday afternoon throughout July and August. There will also be soft drinks and ice-creams for younger members of the family.
William 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. The fully fitted, stylish kitchens include a built in fridge and freezer, hob and an oven, which is located at an easy-reach height. 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.
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. They can have family or friends to stay in the development’s well-appointed Guest Suite, enjoy a chat with the neighbours, or attend one of the many events in the Owners’ Lounge.
The development is well located for the town’s thriving high street with an array of independent retailers and a weekly farmers’ and artisan market. The town’s medieval streets with their old courtroom, shops and inns are dominated by the beautiful seventh-century abbey, one of England’s most historic sites.
Today, the abbey holds regular services for the local community and is home to a bookshop and the Abbey Kitchen serving coffee and light snacks. The internationally renowned Abbey House Gardens surrounding the abbey offer a romantic and unique oasis in the centre of town and are often used for concerts and events through the summer.
For more information on the apartments available at William Lodge, visit the show complex open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, please call 01666 718270 or click here.