From volunteering in an African village to travelling across Europe in a campervan, life is never dull for inspirational resident Lodge Manager, Linda Selway, who has swapped the bright lights of London and a once in a life time travelling adventure, for Churchill Living’s Stokes Lodge development in Camberley.
Linda is responsible for the day-to-day running of the development on Park Lane, in Camberley, where she now lives with her husband, Anthony. With a background in managing care homes across the South East, Linda’s outlook on life was changed forever when, following the death of her sister to cancer aged just 40, she volunteered on a project supporting families of AIDS victims in the Kenyan village of Kikuyu.
Linda and her daughter headed to Africa together, with the experience set to transform her. She says: “We stayed with a local family. The elderly lived in communal rooms, with some carrying out daily tasks while others needed assistance with their care needs. The children were a delight, always smiling, even though they led such hard lives and had to grow up fast and take on, what we in the west would consider, adult responsibilities and tasks. The experience made me realise how privileged I was and it changed me as a person forever.”
Linda returned to England determined to grab life with both hands. She and Anthony sold their home, swapping it for a campervan, and both took career breaks to set off for a year to travel around Europe. She adds: “We loved every minute of our adventures around Europe and even ended up spending two months in Morocco. We met lots of other people doing the same as us and we’re still in touch with many of them now. After a year’s travelling, and with new grandchildren on the way, the pull of home was too strong for the couple who returned back to the UK.
After eight years of working in a care home in the city, Linda wanted something a little quieter. She explains: “We were growing tired of city life and wanted to move further out. We also wanted somewhere where we could enjoy more quality time with our grandchildren.”
Linda took on the role of resident Lodge Manager at Stokes Lodge where the couple now live and quickly settled into life at the development. “There are huge differences between living here and in London! We have completely fallen in love with Camberley and Stokes Lodge. The Owners are lovely and have made us feel so welcome – it really is a wonderful place to live and we are very much enjoying being part of this community.”
Stokes Lodge comprises 61 one and two bedroom apartments in the heart of Camberley. The apartments boast spacious rooms throughout and are an ideal combination of design and functionality. Owners can also enjoy the added luxury of a stunning roof terrace to enjoy in the summer months. The fully fitted, stylish kitchens include a built in fridge and freezer, hob and an oven, which is located at an easy-reach height. All of the properties benefit from illuminated light switches for added convenience. 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 are on offer, 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.
The Churchill Reward Card is also available to Owners living at Stokes Lodge and provides access to exclusive deals and discounts. A number of businesses in Camberley have signed up to be involved in the initiative, along with well-known national brands such as eFlorist, HelloFresh and The Edinburgh Woollen Mill, plus many more.
To find out more about Stokes Lodge, please visit the show complex, open daily from 10.00am to 5.00pm or call 01276 862428.