They came, they settled, they fell in love with life on the banks of the River Tone - and now the Residents of Riverain Lodge in Taunton have found another way to express it. The Churchill Living over 60s development recently invited its community of Residents to take part in a poetry competition, challenging them to capture in verse exactly what makes their home so special.
The competition was launched by Lodge Manager Helena and Sales Executive Nicky, who set Residents a simple brief: write a poem about what it’s like to live at Riverain Lodge and in Taunton. Whether funny, heartfelt, cheerful or charming, all voices were welcomed. With a bottle of Prosecco or a box of chocolates at stake, the pens were quickly picked up.
Five poems were entered, each one a glimpse into the warm and vibrant community of Riverain Lodge. John Nicholson, celebrated his almost four years at the development in ‘Riverain in Taunton alongside the Tone’, praising a community that is “both warm and welcoming” and a town that has “so much to offer, all close at hand.”
Terry Dommett took a more lyrical approach in ‘Welcome, Riverain’, inviting new arrivals to “rest your feet, and let your cares all cease” and “leave your troubles far behind.” Pam Bishop’s ‘Life in Riverain’ was a warm-hearted roster of friends and activities, urging readers simply to “come and join me!” And Jen Fowler, in an incredibly persuasive entry, summed up the appeal of the Lodge in just a few lines: “the people here are kind and giving, bringing joy to retirement living”.
It was Hazel Hare who took the top prize. Her charming and witty ‘A Week in the Life of Riverain’ – offering a poetic tour through the diary of Lodge life - had judges smiling from the very start. From cake-fuelled Wednesdays (“lots of cakes and indulging, then to prevent any bulging, much gardening and Keep Fit abound”) to the great Thursday socials in the Communal Lounge (“till the clock hits 5.30, many folk become thirsty, and head to the lounge with their drinkies”), Hazel’s poem painted a picture of a community full of life, laughter and togetherness.
Her poem also captured the sheer breadth of activities on offer, from the Book (and cake) Club, cream teas and Scrabble, to colouring, crafting and “a mind-bending quiz” - before concluding with a line that perhaps sums up Riverain Lodge perfectly: “Every day involves tea, coffee, cake and a bite!”
Jo Ridehalgh, Marketing Lead for Churchill Living’s South West division, said: “We were absolutely delighted by the response to this competition. The poems were funny, touching and genuinely moving, and they captured something that we always hope people will discover when they come to Riverain Lodge: that this is a place with real heart. Hazel’s winning poem in particular had us all smiling and is a real testament to the community that has grown here.
“Following the incredible talent on display at the inaugural Riverain Lodge poetry competition, we’re delighted to make this an annual event, so future Residents can get involved in sharing their well-versed words about life in Taunton.”
Riverain Lodge, ideally located in Taunton alongside the River Tone, offers stylish and low-maintenance one- and two-bedroom apartments designed for independent living. The Lodge boasts a sociable Residents’ Lounge, landscaped gardens, and additional amenities including a Guest Suite, Lodge Manager and 24-hour emergency Careline service ensuring both comfort and peace of mind for all Residents.
As more than one poem noted, the town itself is a considerable draw. Taunton offers everything from independent shops, cafés and great eateries to walks along the river or canal, the popular weekly Farmer’s Market and the renowned Taunton Flower Show. Excellent transport links make the town’s many charms even more accessible.