Retirees in Reigate have been celebrating at retirement development, Colebrooke Lodge, as one of its Owners, Arthur Lambert, reaches his 100th birthday.
Arthur enjoyed an intimate celebration at the Lodge, surrounded by his family, fellow Owners and Reigate Mayor, Cllr Eddy Humphreys. He also had a surprise trip organised by his friends to Brooklands Museum, where he was able to sit in the pilot’s seat of a Concorde. This was especially meaningful for Arthur who worked as an engineering apprentice during the second world war, working on the Halifax Bombers. While on his apprenticeship, Arthur also completed a degree as a Chartered Production Engineer at Regents Street Polytechnic.
When asked the secret to a long life, Arthur said: “A good healthy diet with lots of honey and exercise are so important. I was a workaholic, so didn’t have many hobbies until I retired, however my wife and I were keen ballroom dancers, and we loved the Foxtrot and Jive. I also make sure I do lots of walking to stay fit and walk from Colebrooke Lodge to the New Leaf Café in Reigate every day.
“It’s important to keep the mind young too, and a positive mindset is essential. I try to make sure I take part in lots of social events and clubs, which is so easy to do living at a Churchill Lodge; there’s always something going on or someone to speak to.
“Turning 100 has been very memorable, from meeting the Mayor and receiving that coveted card from our King and Queen, to sitting in a Concorde, it’s been everything I could’ve wished for.”
Anne Scherrer, senior marketing manager at Churchill, adds: “Being able to be part of milestone celebrations like Arthur’s 100th birthday is so special to us, and it’s a real highlight of our Lodge events. We’re so glad Arthur enjoyed his special celebrations, and look forward to him enjoying many more events with us at Colebrooke Lodge.”
Colebrooke Lodge features 31 one- and two-bedroom apartments and has beautiful, landscaped gardens for all to enjoy. With a wide variety of amenities just a short walk from the development, Owners have a wide range of access to local independent and high street stores. Transport facilities are also excellent with direct trains from Reigate running to London Victoria and London Bridge in the capital.