Lionel Blair celebrates retirement living in East Wittering

TV personality Lionel Blair brought his own brand of razzle dazzle to East Wittering when he officially opened Churchill Living’s new Tamarisk Lodge development.

More than 60 people visited the Lodge on Stocks Lane to see Lionel take part in an official ribbon cutting ceremony with Churchill’s regional managing director, James Barnes, before sharing anecdotes from his career which has spanned over seven decades.

Visitors and Owners at Tamarisk Lodge were able to meet and chat with the veteran TV entertainer, who talked about his recent appearance in BBC’s ‘The Real Marigold Hotel’, as well as sharing his experiences and tips for a happy and healthy later life.

Visitors to the event were also given the opportunity to view the development’s beautiful Show Complex, before being treated to sparkling wine and canapes in the Owners’ Lounge.

Lionel was quick to praise the facilities on offer at Tamarisk Lodge and the community it offers.  He said: "These days, older people can do anything, it doesn't matter what their age is. People often ask me when I’m going to slow down and take it easy but I love my work, it gives me a great sense of purpose and I’m extremely grateful that I’m able to do what I do.

I believe wholeheartedly in keeping active as long as you can, by finding company that you enjoy, sharing time with people you like and doing things that you find engaging. Working in a team also gives you companionship, so the Owners’ Lounge and the social events like the coffee mornings seem to be a great idea.  It has been heartening to meet the Owners of Tamarisk Lodge and hear so many positive stories from them.

Tamarisk Lodge offers 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. All of the properties benefit from illuminated light switches for added convenience. Owners also enjoy ultimate peace of mind from a fitted video 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.  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.

The development is set in landscaped grounds in a central location, just a short distance from public transport links, shops and all the local amenities on offer in East Wittering.

The show complex is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. For more information on Tamarisk Lodge or Churchill Living, call 01243 717501.