Life after 60 can bring new beginnings, including the chance to build lasting friendships. Research shows that strong social connections help people live happier, healthier, and even longer lives, sometimes with benefits comparable to regular exercise. Churchill Living helps foster communities that are designed to nurture those bonds. At Lewis Carroll Lodge in Cheltenham, Fran and Fay discovered not just peace of mind and independence, but something even more precious: a friendship that has transformed their lives.
Fran had been living in a house that had become far too large for her, and she wanted somewhere that felt more manageable and welcoming. Fay had already made the move to Lewis Carroll Lodge, enjoying the social life and convenience of having everything on her doorstep. When Fran arrived, she spotted Fay and their friendship began, “I noticed Fay and thought, she looks nice, I’ll be her friend. We’ve been laughing together ever since!”
The two quickly discovered a shared sense of humour and a love of getting involved in everything going on at the Lodge. Whether it’s participating in quiz nights (and always making sure they’re on the same table), enjoying coffee mornings, or heading out for lunch with other Owners, they are rarely apart. “We don’t have a day off.” Fay said, “There’s always something going on, or somewhere to go.”
Their friendship extends beyond the Lodge. Together they frequently visit the theatre, watching everything from murder mysteries to musicals, and have created their own tradition of “Wednesday Wandering”, where they explore Cheltenham, browse the shops, and enjoy lunch. With buses right on their doorstep, the pair are also planning trips to Bourton-on-the-Water and Tewkesbury, so Fay can show Fran the local spots she knows well. “It’s wonderful to have someone to do all these things with.” Said Fran, “I’ve never had a friend like Fay before, we never get bored of spending time together!”
What makes their bond so special is the way they are always looking out for each other, “It boils down to care.” Said Fran, “We’re both kind to each other, concerned about one another, and always try to put the other first.”
Fay agrees, adding her advice for others: “Take people as you find them. If you’ve got a good friend, look after them – absolutely do not try to change them.”
For both women, life at Lewis Carroll Lodge has been everything they’d hoped for and more. Fay laughs that she’s had to buy her first-ever diary to keep up with her busy social life. “I’ve never had to buy a diary in my life, but now I need to use one or I’ll miss something! I truly am living the dream.”
Fran also thinks highly of the Lodge and her new lifestyle, “I love living here. There is absolutely nothing to complain about, everything is here and it’s so convenient. Moving to the Lodge has been the best thing I’ve ever done.”
Fran and Fay’s story reflects what life at Churchill is all about. It is a place where community and friendship can flourish, giving Owners the chance to share laughter, explore new places, and enjoy the comfort of knowing someone is always there. For Fran and Fay, Churchill has provided not just a new home, but the gift of each other, proof that later life can really be the start of something wonderful.