A Week in the Life of the 'Gifford Lea' Inspired Village

On what seemed like a perfect Spring day and with snow still lingering on the Welsh Mountains, this member of the Webteam decided to pop down to the 'Gifford Lea' retirement village (completely unannounced), in the hope of speaking to one or two of the residents and to more fully understand how the community is developing at this western gateway into the village.

With landscaping complete and with the bulbs and the shrubs bursting into life, Phase I is fully established – the enclosed garden with it's water feature is truly relaxing. Phase II and new facilities which will include a wellness spa, pool, restaurant, bowling green and garden room is now taking shape.

However, do not be drawn into a false sense of security with the term 'relaxing'; this community is wonderfully active and embracing everything that 'Gifford Lea' has to offer.

Weekly calendars of events are published and with their own private minibuses, residents are not confined to the village. A packed minibus had just returned from a shopping trip to Sainsbury's, whilst others were scheduled for a pub lunch at The Grosvenor Arms, Aldford, and a visit to Chester City Centre. In fact, by arrangement, the minibus will also take residents to appointments within a 10 mile radius such as dentists, opticians etc – Tattenhall (however terrific) does not offer such services.

As the minibus pulled in, it was the perfect opportunity to have a quick chat with some residents and I was hugely privileged to meet the oldest resident (and his daughter) who both live at 'Gifford Lea'. Born in 1916, the year of the Battle of the Somme, (yes, that makes him 102 this year!), this Centenarian was as 'sharp as a knife' and quite the most nimble of gentlemen as he disembarked from his morning outing. Both he and his daughter had nothing but praise for the complex.

During the week of my visit, it was plain to see that the activities were varied and diverse. Quiz Night, Art Club and Mah-Jong have become firm favourites, as have 'Fish and Chips', supplied by No.3 on the High Street; and if you prefer not to eat at lunchtime, then it is repeated in the evening – all of which can be consumed in the Bistro. Large screen 'Sky Sports' is a favourite for some with the Paralympics underway and with Rugby and Football always popular. Beauty and facial treatments were also scheduled. Importantly too, if you just want to 'touch base' and have a quick coffee and chat with fellow residents, then coffee is available at the Bistro Lounge.

Everything that Tattenhall Village has to offer is also within walking distance; some residents were just returning from having picked up their morning newspapers on the High Street, whilst others were booked into Nikki Barraclough's fantastically creative sessions at 'Ditzy Rose Makery' on the High Street.

Another interesting session related to 'How Does it Work'?. These luxury apartments are kitted out with state-of-the-art technology, Tablets and Call Buttons but fear not, everyone becomes empowered and adept in their usage with these short 'support training sessions'.

My thanks to Shirley and to Irene for making me so welcome and for providing a very detailed understanding of how the concept of 'retirement living' works in reality. This member of the Webteam was more than impressed with the enrichment that is provided and with the combinations of independence and support that are available. Importantly too, residents are relieved of everyday chores such as home maintenance, gardening etc., leaving them to focus on the activities which they really enjoy. From everyone that I met on site, any stereotypical and negative attitudes about retirement living were immediately dispelled.

I'll be reporting on future events at 'Gifford Lea' in the coming weeks and giving you updates about Phase II (complete with Penthouse Living) ... watch this space.