Adlington Life
Finding your kind of people
The wonder of discovery
Welcome
One of the great pleasures of life is discovering something new, and that idea runs throughout this month's edition.
What strikes me most when I visit our communities is the variety of experiences taking place every day and that there is always something new to discover. Retirement is often seen as a time to slow down, yet many homeowners tell us the opposite is true.
This month you'll meet homeowners who have embraced new hobbies, rediscovered lifelong passions and formed friendships they never expected to find. Plus read about the communities that come to life through the ideas, interests and personalities of the people who live there.
I hope this month's magazine inspires you to embrace a little curiosity of your own. After all, the next great discovery may be closer than you think.
Dr Ed Gladman Chief Executive Officer
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01 International Joke Day 11-12 Wimbledon Finals
16-19 The Open Championship
19 World Cup Final
20 International Moon Day
24 International Self-Care Day
30 International Day of Friendship
Turn to the back page to find out what events we are hosting
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Meet new homeowners Elaine and Richard
Both felt they were quite young to make such a big decision but thought they’d much rather make the move while they’re active enough to enjoy everything it offers.
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Finding your kind of people
How retirement living is helping homeowners find friendship, connection and community.
The wonder of discovery
The world never stops surprising us, new discoveries are being made every year.
A world of possibility on your doorstep
A new hobby, a hidden talent or an unexpected passion can appear when you least expect it.
Packed with personality
Spend time in any Adlington Retirement Living community and one thing quickly becomes apparent: there is no such thing as a typical homeowner.
Watching communities come to life
Catch up with Donna, Adlington’s Well-being and Hospitality Manager.
Themed nights
Homeowners across Adlington communities love nothing more than travelling the world, and sometimes without even leaving the building!
01 What is the name of the only mammal capable of true sustained flight?
02 Which British bird is traditionally associated with the arrival of summer and is often heard before it is seen?
03 Which is the largest of the Greek Islands?
04 What was the name of King Henry VIII's first wife?
05 Which Roman Emperor invaded Britain in AD 43?
06 Which actor played James Bond in Goldfinger?
07 Which horse race forms the final leg of the British Triple Crown?
08 What is the name given to the full moon that typically occurs in July?
09 What is the traditional birth flower of July, often associated with admiration and positivity?
10 The Battle of the Somme, one of the most significant battles of the First World War, began on 1st July in which year?
ANSWERS ON PAGE 15
FINDING YOUR KIND OF PEOPLE
Making new friends is something many people associate with childhood, university or the workplace rather than later life. There is also a perception that women are often more proactive than men when it comes to joining groups, building social networks and keeping in touch.
Yet our male homeowners often tell a different story. Between them, they have formed quiz teams, organised theatre trips, joined walking groups, shared lunches, rediscovered old hobbies and built friendships that have become an important part of everyday life and their experiences highlight the value of community, companionship and meaningful social connections.
At Broadleaf House, homeowners Rob and Tony are a good example of how new friendships can develop.
Both men enjoyed successful careers that took them around the world. Rob built a thriving ceramics business and travelled extensively in search of the finest tiles, while Tony's career as a chartered surveyor saw him working across the
Middle East, Asia and the Caribbean.
Neither moved to Broadleaf House specifically looking for friendship, yet it has become one of the most rewarding aspects of community life.
“I’ve palled up with Rob,” Tony said. “We’ve got similar outlooks on life.”
Today, the pair regularly enjoy lunch together in the restaurant, organise theatre trips and spend time chatting in the gardens, often accompanied by Rob's dog Toby.
For Rob, the social side of community living has been one of the biggest surprises.
“Loneliness has gone,” he said. “I see more people now than in the previous twenty years. You keep your independence, you gain companionship, and you shrug off the worry.”
His weeks are now filled with bridge games, exercise classes, lunches with friends and walks around the landscaped gardens. He has even started a regular bingo session for fellow homeowners.
“Being part of the community is a huge plus,” Rob said.
“The activities really help foster that sense of connection. You can get as involved as you want without feeling pressured. That was important to me.”
Tony appreciates the same balance between friendship and independence.
“The beauty of this place is you can do exactly what you feel,” he explained. “If you want to walk around the garden, sit in the breeze house, you can just do whatever you want to.”
An unexpected benefit
Their friendship is just one example of how easily connections can develop when people share spaces, interests and experiences. A coffee after lunch becomes a regular catch up, while a conversation in the homeowners' lounge turns into a theatre trip or a new friendship.
For David at The Spindles and Frank at Brookfields House, community was every bit as important as the apartment itself.
While both appreciated the practical benefits of leaving behind larger properties, they were ultimately looking for something more meaningful: a place where friendships, conversation and shared experiences could become part of everyday life.
A retired accountant with a lifelong passion for history, amateur dramatics and community involvement, David initially considered buying a bungalow but realised he was looking for something more than simply a smaller property.
“I got to the point where I thought: ‘David, what are you cleaning four bedrooms for?’”
Since moving to The Spindles, he has embraced community life, enjoying daily lunches in the restaurant, quizzes, coffee with neighbours and time spent in the communal spaces.
“The camaraderie is one of the best things about living here, without a doubt, because I see far more people than I ever did."
Frank reached a similar conclusion when considering his next move. A keen traveller who has returned to both India and Nepal since moving, Frank enjoys the freedom of knowing he can simply lock the door and leave without worrying about his home.
“What I needed was a community,” he said.
Since moving to Brookfields House, he has made new friendships, joined the book club, resumed travelling and enjoys the freedom of being able to travel without worrying about home maintenance or security.
“The greatest benefit has been the improvement to my well-being,” Frank explained. “Humans need community.”
time for what matters
One of the recurring themes among all these homeowners is that retirement living has enabled them to spend more time doing the things they enjoy and less time worrying about the practical responsibilities that come with maintaining larger properties. For some, that means travelling more frequently. For others, it means spending more time pursuing hobbies, joining activities or simply enjoying good company.
Dr Trevor at The Sidings has embraced all of those opportunities since moving.
A former doctor with a lifelong love of opera, amateur dramatics and cricket, Trevor quickly became involved in community life, joining quiz nights, film evenings, exercise classes, chess games and even a boules club.
“I’m more socially active here than I have been for a long time.”
Dr Trevor explained. “We had a tremendous night last night. It sounds twee, but we played dominoes and a couple of us finished a bottle of wine between us.”
For Trevor, the stimulation that comes from being around other people and continuing to engage with new activities and conversations has been particularly valuable. “I think one of the big benefits of moving to a retirement community is the stimulus of other people at this time of life,” he explained. “If somebody has been on their own, as I know very well, you can sink into not wanting to do anything.”
The friendships they have formed are important, but none of them moved looking for a busier social calendar. What they value is the freedom to live life on their own terms, with friendship and support close at hand whenever they choose.
Each homeowner continues to lead their own life, pursue their own interests and enjoy their own routines. The difference is knowing there is always somebody nearby for a conversation, a coffee or a shared experience.
As David reflected on his move to The Spindles: “There are lots of ‘first times’ for everything. But I quickly discovered that you can just go and sit with other people and everybody’s very welcoming.”
Looking across these stories, the common thread is not the activity. It is the simple pleasure of having people around you. People to share interests with, laugh with, swap stories with and spend time with when the mood takes you.
Sometimes, finding your people can happen when you least expect it. The value of staying connected
Whether it is joining a walking group, attending a quiz night, discussing books, playing chess, going to the theatre or simply stopping for a coffee and a chat, all homeowners speak about the value of connection and having people around them.
More
The Wonder of Discovery
The world never stops surprising us. Whether beneath the oceans, inside our brains or beyond our planet, new discoveries are being made every year.
Trees may be sharing nutrients through underground fungal networks
While long suspected, new studies continue to reveal how trees can exchange water, nutrients and chemical signals through vast underground networks of fungi, sometimes called the "Wood Wide Web". Older trees have even been observed helping younger saplings survive.
Scientists have recorded whales "talking" to each other across hundreds of miles
Recent research has shown that some whale species can communicate over astonishing distances using low-frequency sounds that travel through the ocean for hundreds of miles. Researchers are still uncovering just how sophisticated these underwater conversations may be.
Scientists have created the most detailed map of the human brain ever produced
In 2024, researchers unveiled an extraordinarily detailed map showing more than a billion brain connections. The breakthrough could help scientists better understand memory, ageing and diseases such as Alzheimer's.
A new ocean may be forming in Africa
Geologists have confirmed that a large crack in eastern Africa is part of a process that could eventually split the continent, creating a new ocean. It won't happen anytime soon, the process will take millions of years, but the Earth is literally reshaping itself beneath our feet.
Water may be more common on the Moon than once thought
Recent lunar missions have strengthened evidence that water exists in permanently shadowed craters near the Moon's poles. Future explorers could potentially use this water for drinking, oxygen production and even rocket fuel.
A WORLD OF POSSIBILITY ON YOUR DOORSTEP
The opportunity to try something new doesn’t disappear with age. A new hobby, a hidden talent or an unexpected passion can appear when you least expect it.
Across Adlington communities, homeowners are stepping onto stages, joining movement classes, taking up pottery painting and becoming regulars at talks and local interest groups
TRYING SOMETHING NEW
For Pat, a homeowner at The Woodlands, that sense of discovery arrived in an unexpected form.
Having settled into community life Pat enjoyed taking part in a range of activities, but she never imagined she would find herself stepping into a theatrical production at short notice.
“They were putting on a play called The Woodlands Cruise, and someone dropped out,” she explained. “They asked if I’d fill in.”
The role came with an additional surprise.
“They told me I had to get up and sing. So I did! I sang No Regrets. Everyone was so encouraging.”
The experience gave Pat a renewed sense of confidence and left her feeling proud of what she had achieved.
“People were clapping and laughing,” she said. “It made me realise I could still do new things. That felt really good.”
Having opportunities close at hand and encouragement from those around you can make it easier to try something new, particularly when there is no pressure to be an expert from the outset.
Sue, who moved to The Woodlands in 2022, found herself taking a similar approach. While her original motivation was to be closer to family, she quickly discovered that community life introduced her to a wide range of activities and interests.
“We have quiz nights, poetry nights and a book club,” she said. “I take part in most of these.”
Creative activities, games nights, theatre visits and amateur dramatics have all become part of her social calendar.
“All of these things helped me to meet people when I first moved in,” she explained. “I just tried things to see what I would like.”
That openness to new experiences has shaped the way she approaches life today.
“Now, I just go for it, I think it’s changed me. I feel that I know myself better and I’m living life to the full now.”
PURSUING LIFELONG PASSIONS
While some homeowners discover entirely new interests, others enjoy having more time to pursue passions that have brought them enjoyment throughout their lives.
At The Sidings in Lytham, Dot continues to share a lifelong love of movement and performance. Before moving to the community, she enjoyed a successful career as a professional ice skater, later developing her own fitness programme and teaching classes attended by hundreds of women.
Today, she still leads a weekly rhythmic exercise class for fellow homeowners, helping others enjoy the physical and social benefits of keeping active.
“The key is to keep moving and enjoy it, teaching rhythmic exercise here has been so rewarding, and I love seeing others discover the joy of movement.”
Creativity remains equally important for Jane, another
homeowner at The Sidings. Her apartment is filled with pottery and painting she has created and she enjoys encouraging others to have a go, regardless of their experience.
“Most people are frightened of doing it. Really, if you just get a piece of paper and put some paint on it, you’d be surprised by what you can do.”
Jane believes many people are more creative than they realise and that simply giving something a try is often the hardest part.
MAKING THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY
Alongside individual hobbies and interests, retirement living can also provide opportunities to explore entirely new subjects, experiences and ideas.
Ann and Harry have embraced the wide variety of activities available at The Sidings since moving there. Alongside gardening groups, book clubs and games nights,
they regularly enjoy themed cultural evenings, local history events, talks from visiting speakers, film screenings and movement classes.
“We’re having such a wonderful time, there are so many things going on and the people are just lovely.”
Harry agreed that the variety is part of the appeal, while Ann perhaps summed it up best: “We’re busy, but busy doing things that we like.”
That sentiment runs throughout many of the homeowner stories. We are told they have found opportunities to spend more time on activities that genuinely interest them, whether that means learning a new skill, developing a creative hobby, attending a fascinating talk, joining a local excursion or stepping onto a stage for the very first time.
For many homeowners, having more freedom over how they spend their time has allowed them to pursue interests, develop new skills and enjoy experiences they might never otherwise have discovered.
Whether it is rekindling a lifelong passion, discovering an unexpected talent or simply deciding to give something new a try, community life can open the door to experiences that continue to surprise and inspire.
Packed with personality
Spend time in any Adlington Retirement Living community and one thing quickly becomes apparent: there is no such thing as a typical homeowner.
The people who choose community life arrive with different backgrounds, interests, careers and priorities. Some have travelled the world. Others have built businesses, raised families, pursued demanding careers or dedicated decades to public service. Some enjoy packed social calendars, while others value having the freedom to spend their time exactly as they choose. Most are a mixture of all these things.
Freedom to do more
What they have in common is the opportunity to continue living life in a way that suits them.
Take Richard and Elaine, who moved to Brookfields House in Newcastle-under-Lyme in October 2025. During more than 50 years of marriage they have lived in several different parts of the UK, spent 14 years in the Canary Islands and
embraced opportunities that have taken them in unexpected directions.
For them, moving to a retirement community was another positive life decision rather than a step away from the things they enjoyed.
“We've always tried to make decisions positively rather than waiting for circumstances to make them for us,” Richard said.
That same outlook influenced their decision to move while they were still young enough to enjoy everything community life has to offer. Today, they spend time with family, make the most of local restaurants and walks, and appreciate the freedom that comes from knowing they can lock up and leave whenever they choose.
That sense of freedom is something that resonates with Margaret and Keith at The Spindles in Menston. Since moving in during 2023, they have continued to enjoy walking, meeting friends, playing bridge and travelling.
In the past year alone, they have visited destinations including The Canary Islands, Costa del Sol and Croatia, while still making the most of community life closer to home.
“Since we moved here, we have much more peace of
mind going on holiday and leaving our property than we did before,” Margaret said.
Community in different forms
For other homeowners, it’s the sense of community that has had the biggest impact.
When Gloria and Peter moved to Broadleaf House in Wylde Green, they were primarily looking for a more manageable home and greater peace of mind. What surprised them was how quickly they became part of the community around them.
Gloria has become something of an organiser, establishing a homeowners’ WhatsApp group, helping arrange outings and keeping neighbours informed about upcoming activities and events.
Peter's experience has been even more unexpected. Initially uncertain about retirement living, he has embraced community life in ways neither he nor his family anticipated. “Our family cannot believe how he’s come out of his shell,” Gloria said.
Today the couple enjoy exercise classes, social events, trips and spending time with neighbours, alongside visits from family and friends.
For Cath at The Sidings in Lytham, one of the biggest pleasures has been having more time to enjoy the things that matter most to her.
A retired doctor, she spent much of her life balancing a demanding career with caring responsibilities for family. Today, she enjoys making the most of everything from lunches in the restaurant and exercise classes to themed evenings and time spent in the gardens.
One memorable occasion was her 80th birthday celebration. "I had my birthday party here," she said. "We had a buffet in the homeowners' lounge. All the family came and quite a few friends. There must have been 30 or 40 people."
Whether she's catching up with friends over coffee, attending a themed evening or simply enjoying the atmosphere around the community, Cath appreciates having people around her and always having something to look forward to.
Living life your own way
That balance between independence and support is something Anne values too.
A former headteacher and Ofsted inspector, Anne was looking for somewhere that would provide reassurance without compromising her independence. With family spread across the UK, Australia and America, she was keen to remain close to her friends, activities and the local area she knew well.
“It’s the best of both worlds, you have your own home, but you've got an added sense of security and you're not alone.”
Anne continues to enjoy her choir, bridge club and longstanding friendships, while also playing an active role in community life and helping new homeowners feel welcome when they move in.
No such thing as a typical homeowner
The stories from our homeowners are very different, which is precisely the point.
Some homeowners enjoy travelling. Others prefer bridge, walking, gardening, exercise classes, theatre trips or social events. Some embrace every activity
available, while others simply appreciate knowing there is always somebody nearby if they need support.
Community life does not mean the same thing to everybody, because homeowners themselves are all different.
Perhaps that is what makes Adlington communities so special. They are not filled with one type of person or one way of living. Instead, they bring
For Maura and David, the value of community life became clear just days after they moved in.
After more than forty years in the same family home, they moved to The Newells in Kempston in March 2025. The decision was not an easy one, particularly for Maura, who loved her previous home and garden. Yet shortly after moving in, David became seriously unwell and required hospital treatment. For Maura, having support available during a difficult night reinforced that they had made the right decision. “It was the assurance I needed,” she said.
With that difficult experience behind them, they have been able to enjoy many of the things that first attracted them to The Newells. They regularly attend talks, dining evenings and events, while David has even taken up armchair yoga for the first time.
“If you're looking for friendship, it's sociable and welcoming,” Maura said.
together people with different experiences, interests and outlooks, each continuing to live life in their own way.
As these homeowners demonstrate, retirement living is not about fitting into a particular mould. It is about having the freedom, confidence and support to write the next chapter of your story, whatever that might look like.
Donna Cowell Well-being and Hospitality Manager
WATCHING COMMUNITIES COME TO LIFE
Across Adlington Retirement Living communities, everyday moments help create the warmth, energy and sense of community that homeowners so often talk about.
Gardening groups gather around the raised beds, walking clubs head out to explore the local area, and friends meet for coffee in the summer house or linger over lunch on the patio after an event. Alongside organised activities, homeowners often introduce new ideas and social gatherings of their own, helping each community evolve over time.
Donna, Adlington’s Well-being and Hospitality Manager, has watched this happen time and time again across Adlington communities.
“There’s a lot of variety in my role,” Donna explained.
“No two communities are the same and that’s one of the things I enjoy most. Every community develops its own personality.” With a background spanning retirement living, hospitality and catering, Donna understands how much atmosphere matters when it comes to creating places where people genuinely enjoy spending time. Her role covers everything from activities and well-being initiatives to supporting hospitality standards across Adlington’s communities.
That might involve working with local therapists to offer treatments such as podiatry, manicures, pedicures and facials, helping communities arrange talks from local groups and organisations, or supporting activities ranging from chair-based exercise classes and gardening clubs to drama productions and craft sessions.
Alongside this, Donna also works closely with catering teams to help create welcoming restaurant spaces and enjoyable dining experiences for homeowners and their guests.
want to spend time,” she said. “Whether that’s enjoying Sunday lunch with family, attending a themed evening, joining friends for coffee or sitting out on the patio on a sunny afternoon, those moments all matter.”
One of the things Donna enjoys most is watching communities evolve as homeowners settle in and begin introducing their own ideas, interests and traditions.
EVERY COMMUNITY IS DIFFERENT
At some communities, gardening groups have formed, while elsewhere homeowners have introduced quiz teams, theatre trips, walking groups and regular social gatherings that quickly become part of everyday life. At The Spindles in Menston, homeowners introduced an
evening ‘nightcap’ gathering where people meet for hot chocolate and conversation before bed.
“We facilitated it initially, but the homeowners took it over themselves, which is exactly what we encourage,” Donna said. “Those are the moments you love to see because homeowners make them their own.”
Donna has also seen homeowners surprise themselves by getting involved in activities they may never previously have considered.
At The Woodlands, homeowners wrote and performed their own pantomime production, making the costumes themselves and turning the event into a real community effort.
“It was brilliant to watch because everybody just threw themselves into it and had such a good time.” Donna said.
WHEN HOMEOWNERS TAKE THE LEAD
For Donna, these moments are about far more than organised activities.
“It’s lovely to see friendships develop and to watch people become more confident and involved over time,” she said. “Sometimes somebody moves in and they’re not sure whether they’ll join anything at all, and then a few months later they’re part of something and helping organise events themselves.”
That sense of participation and shared experience is something she believes gives each community its own unique atmosphere.
“When you walk into a community and there’s that feeling of energy and bustle, you know something wonderful is happening.”
“People are chatting, things are going on and homeowners are enjoying spending time together. It warms your heart.”
THE MOMENTS THAT MATTER MOST
While activities and events are an important part of community life, Donna believes it is often the smaller moments that matter most. A conversation over coffee. Someone introducing a new homeowner to a group. Friends deciding to stay a little longer after lunch to continue chatting, or homeowners organising something together simply because they enjoy each other’s company.
“These communities are always evolving,” she said. “Homeowners bring their own interests, personalities and ideas, and over time that creates something really special.”
Across Adlington communities, life is enriched not only by the facilities and events, but by the people who live there and the connections that develop over time and it is often these everyday moments that create the warmth and atmosphere homeowners value so highly.
Donna Cowell & the team at a Great Gatsby event
Discover something new
TH is SUM me R
One of the joys of retirement living is having more opportunities to enjoy the things you love and perhaps discover something new too. From sporting celebrations and themed afternoons to social gatherings and opportunities to meet new people, our communities are full of ways to make the most of every season.
Whether you're a homeowner enjoying community life every day or considering a move and looking to experience it for yourself, there is always something happening, so this summer, why not discover what makes each Adlington community so special and join one of our events.
JULY
Enjoy lunch for two on us
• Radford House , Exeter
Join us for Wimbledon
• Brookfields House, Newcastle-under-Lyme
• The Newells, Kempston
• The Spindles, Menston
• Riverside Gardens, Knaresborough
Wine, Dine & Discover, enjoy our fantastic food & meet the Chef
• Brookfields House, Newcastle-under-Lyme
Parkinson’s UK Fundraiser
• Broadleaf House, Wylde Green
Open Week –Pop In and Explore
• Riverside Gardens , Knaresborough
AUGUS t
Pimm's on the Lawn
• Broadleaf House, Wylde Green
Open Week – Pop In and Explore
• The Spindles, Menston
Enjoy lunch for two on us
• Brookfields House, Newcastle-under-Lyme
S e P tem B er
Open Week – Pop In and Explore
• Broadleaf House, Wylde Green
Casino Afternoon
• The Newells, Kempston
Comedy Afternoon
• The Spindles, Menston
Macmillan Fundraiser
Coffee & Cake
• Broadleaf House, Wylde Green
• Radford House, Exeter
To find out more about any of our upcoming events and casual coffee mornings, please contact your local team.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Themed Nights
Homeowners across Adlington communities love nothing more than travelling the world, and sometimes without even leaving the building.
HOST YOUR OWN THEMED NIGHT
Looking for a fun way to bring friends and neighbours together? Why not host a themed night? Whether it's a 1950s evening, a tropical Hawaiian party, a movie night, or an international menu, themed events are a great way to socialise, share laughter, and try something a little different. Encourage guests to dress up, bring themed food, or join in with games and music to make the evening extra special. Sometimes the best memories are made when everyone gets involved!
TURKEY
