Green-fingered John and Shirley Brown from Churchill Living’s Ash Lodge have been busy making their garden bloom, thanks to funding from the Lodge, as well as kind donations from their fellow neighbours at the retirement development.
John and Shirley, who have lived at Ash Lodge for 10 months, began working on the landscaped gardens at the development during the summer months as a hobby – but have quickly impressed the Lodge Manager and fellow Owners, who have now donated funds to spruce up the front, too.
Shirley Brown said:
Our previous home had a fantastic large garden, but it was becoming unmanageable for John and I – which was part of the reason why we chose to move to Ash Lodge. John spent a lot of time in our old garden, and I worried what he would do to fill his time when we moved. I needn’t have worried though, as the garden project at the Lodge has proven to be a real hobby for us. It started when we asked the Lodge Manager, David, whether he would mind if we added a little colour to the gardens and, over time, we added some shrubs and bushes - and it’s really gone from there.
Since starting work on the gardens, a number of other Owners at Ash Lodge have also got involved – with some offering their help, and others donating plants or funds to continue bringing the garden to life.
Shirley added: “The rear gardens have really come to life over the last few months, and there is lots of colour out there even now. David approached us a few weeks ago to see whether we’d consider tackling the front gardens, which we were only too happy to do. So far we’ve added some new shrubs and rose bushes, which have instantly invigorated the area. We’re planning on adding some bulbs next, so come next Spring it should be looking really lovely.”
Another addition to the gardens is a memorial fountain, which was installed in memory of an Owner at Ash Lodge who recently passed away.
Shirley said: “The memorial fountain is looking really lovely, and we – together with some of the other Owners – have planted some colourful flowers around it, so it really does fit beautifully into the garden. We’re already looking forward to seeing what the garden looks like next year.”
David Candy, Lodge Manager at Ash Lodge, said:
John and Shirley have put so much effort into the garden at Ash Lodge, and it’s certainly paid off – the other Owners love to spend time in the gardens, and it’s a really pleasant place to while away a few hours. We can’t wait to see what the front looks like when John and Shirley have finished with it!
Ash Lodge comprises 58 private, self-contained apartments that are specially designed for the over 60s with features such as a video-entry system, lift to all floors, a 24 hour care and support system and a Lodge Manager, employed by Millstream Management Services.
The apartments at Ash Lodge boast 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. All of the properties also benefit from illuminated light switches for added convenience.
With less to worry about, Owners have more time to do the things they enjoy, including taking advantage of the host of other benefits on offer such as having family or friends to stay in the development’s well-appointed Guest Suite, enjoying a chat with neighbours in the beautiful gardens, or attending one of the many events, in the Owners’ Lounge.
For further information, please contact Ash Lodge by calling 01932 283 839 or by visiting the show complex, open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10.00am to 5.00pm. Alternatively, please click here.