After her husband sadly passed away, it was a big decision for Tricia Lawrence to start a new life at Colebrooke lodge in Reigate, where she moved to be closer to her son and his family. A couple of years later she has become an extremely active member of the local community and she’s found a real sense of purpose through regularly volunteering, learning, exercising and joining in with everything that’s on offer.
“When I moved here I decided that I needed to get out into the community and find things to do and ways to make myself useful,” Tricia explains. “It’s very difficult being on your own, but getting out and mixing with people of different ages always gives me a lift.”
“I started out by applying to volunteer at the local primary school, after an old friend of mine told me that her son is the headteacher there! I’ve been helping out in the school library ever since, which I love. I also sit with younger children and help them with their reading once a week, and I occasionally invigilate for exams at the local secondary school too. I have a background in education, so I love interacting with the children and the teaching staff, and it makes me feel appreciated as they’re so grateful for what I do, it’s very rewarding. Outside of school I also help out with the local cub scouts.”
When Tricia’s not helping out the younger generation, she keeps herself busy at the local community centre. “Our Lodge Manager Gillian encouraged me to find out what activities were on offer there,” she says. “It’s right on our doorstep and there’s something for everyone: table tennis, keep fit, indoor bowls, a chatty café, line dancing and computer skills sessions, I’ve even been on a few coach trips. The people who go there are mostly young at heart like me, with plenty of get-up-and-go despite their age, and there are so many different things to try it’s great!”
“I’m not one to organise things myself, but I do love joining in and trying something new. I also love to keep learning, and the local U3A has been brilliant for that. I’ve also joined the local Wellbeing Walks group to get outside and enjoy some fresh air and exercise a few times a week.”
When Tricia isn’t busy socialising, exercising and volunteering, she loves to spend time sitting on the patio outside her ground-floor apartment, surrounded by Colebrooke Lodge’s beautiful communal gardens which she has played a part in brightening up for everyone.
“I love the outdoor space, even when it’s chilly I prefer to be out in the fresh air and I have the perfect spot here,” she says. “I’m not an expert gardener but I love to sit and enjoy the flowers, and my neighbours often look out from their windows and say how lovely it looks. We’re very lucky to have such beautiful gardens to enjoy without the responsibility of looking after them."
“When I first moved in I spent a lot of time helping out in the garden, putting in bedding plants and making it all look nice. Lately I’ve been so busy with other things I prefer letting our lovely team of gardeners do the hard work, so I can just sit back and enjoy it when I get home. They’re brilliant at taking on ideas and suggestions from me and the other Owners. We have an agreed budget to stick to, but we can all have our say and they’re very accommodating. Sometimes I’ll pick up some new shrubs or bedding plants from the garden centre and they’ll be happy to put them in for me.”
As winter fades and the days get longer, Tricia is looking forward to spending more time in her beautiful garden – that is when she’s not out volunteering, keeping fit and socialising!