Retirement doesn’t always signal the end of socialising. For many Churchill Living Owners, it represents a fresh start, one filled with companionship, reassurance and the freedom to enjoy everything life at a Churchill Living lodge has to offer without worries. At Cleves Lodge in Haverhill, Roy Thorndike discovered just how transformative making that move can be.
After losing his wife, Roy found himself living alone in a bungalow. Roy’s circumstances changed and his family began to think about what might suit him best, “My kids suggested it might be a good idea because I was on my own.” He explained, “They thought it would be better and safer at Churchill, and they were right… it really is the best thing I’ve ever done.”
From the moment Roy moved in, he felt the difference. “Everything is all sorted out for you here,” he said, “There’s a lovely Lodge Manager, Alison, she looks after us all and all the people who live here are so friendly. We all get on, we all have different interests and hobbies that we share and there is always something going on at the Lodge.”
The most significant thing for Roy is the sense of ease that comes with having everything close by, “I’m right by everything I need,” he said. At first, the idea of not relying on a car felt like a big adjustment, but it didn’t take long for Roy to see the benefits, “I started to feel less confident behind the wheel as I got older, but moving to Cleves Lodge meant I could give up my car and still have easy access to everything I need. I don’t need a car anymore, if I need to go further out, I just use the dial-a-bus and it takes me exactly where I want to go for my shopping. It’s all very convenient!”
“I play bowls, I go shopping frequently, I’m always out and about! Giving up my car hasn’t held me back!” He added.
Having plenty of amenities on his doorstep has brought Roy a new level of independence, while also providing him with peace of mind, “If anything goes wrong, I know I’m supported by staff and neighbours at the Lodge. There are always people on hand to help me out. The Careline system is especially handy, if there was ever an emergency at night, I know I can just press the button and get help straight away. It makes you feel really safe.”
That feeling of security is matched by the warmth of the community surrounding him at Cleves Lodge, “You don’t have to be lonely here.” Roy said, “We talk to one another, enjoy the telly together and things can be arranged for you to do – bingo, fish and chip nights, all sorts! You aren’t on your own… unless you want to be! You have the privacy of your own apartment if you need some quiet time.”
Despite moving into a new community, Roy has been able to stay connected to the parts of life that matter most to him too. He remains actively involved with his church, where he plays bongos in the band. “I do as much as I physically can.” He said, “Being here makes it easy to stay involved, I can still meet up with people I knew before I moved and my children visit me a lot as well. It’s lovely.”
Looking back, Roy says the biggest change since moving into the Lodge has been how he feels day-to-day, “I feel more comfortable here.” He reflected, “It’s warm, its friendly and everything is within reach. It really is a valuable community for people to be a part of.”
For Roy, living at Cleves Lodge has offered him far more than just a place to live. It has given him the confidence, connection and the reassurance of knowing he’s supported, without giving up any of his independence.
“If you’re feeling lonely or want that extra sense of safety,” Roy added, “come and have a look. It’s a safe place to be, you’ve got no worries. If you do, you can always sort them out. We all help one another, have a good laugh and someone is always around for a chat.”
Roy’s story is a reminder that with the right surroundings and community, retirement isn’t about losing anything, its about gaining comfort and a renewed enjoyment in everyday life.