70 minute read
Ferrari 250gt Lusso
FERRARI 250GT LUSSO Let’s prance
By motoring author, racing driver and photo-journalist Ian Kuah
Since 1947 Ferrari has produced cars with a wide range of styling from beautiful and elegant to purposeful and even brutal. The most famous of the 250 series cars are undoubtedly the 250GT SWB and the incredible 250GTO, both racing legends and purposeful looking with it.
The Ferrari 250 came in many guises, spawning a whole range of Ferrari Grand Touring and competition cars. With 15 different models spanning the years 1953 to 1963, the 250 Series encompassed a decade of elegant sports cars designed for both road and track.
Many enthusiasts hold that amongst classic Ferrari road cars, the 250GT Lusso is arguably the most elegant road-going Ferrari of all time. An unwritten rule in design is that what looks right normally is, and at the core of this ‘rightness’ in proportion is the long front, which conveys a sense of power and speed. At the same time, the rear tapers to a Kamm tail, the aerodynamically most efficient way to finish a car.
In between, the proportion of the roof to the body and its shape and position in relation to the wheelbase is also visual perfection. Meanwhile, the slim roof pillars and glasshouse create a feeling of light and space inside and out, resulting in a car that appears powerful yet graceful. If this were a living, breathing thing, it would surely be a dolphin!
Overlaid onto this masterful shape is some quite exquisite detailing of the kind you will never find on today’s massproduction cars. From the neat three-piece chromed front bumpers and the handcrafted air intake grille on the bonnet scoop to the chromed covers for the jacking points that celebrate rather than attempt to hide such a utilitarian function, the Lusso is a feast for the discerning eye.
Under the bonnet is the fabulous Columbo-designed alloyblock, twin-cam, triple Weber-carburettor, 60-degree V12 with black crackle-painted cam covers. Known as the Type 168, this is essentially the same motor installed in the roadgoing version of the 250GT SWB racer. Producing 240 bhp at 7,500rpm gives the Lusso an 8.0 sec 0-60mph time and a 150mph top speed. While only moderately quick by today’s standards, these were supercar numbers in the early 1960s.
The interior is simple and functional in the typical Italian style of the era. The only real criticism to be levelled at the ergonomics is the disposition of the instruments with the speedometer and rev counter offset to the centreline of the dashboard. When driving quickly, it is a major distraction to look away from the road. Ironically, this triumph of style over practicality was repeated in 2000 by BMW with their Z8 roadster. That apart, the cabin detailing is quite delightful. Every individual item from the elegant wood-rimmed steering wheel to the chromed hinges of the sun visors has been thoughtfully designed and nicely hand-crafted. For those used to modern cars with their powerassisted controls, a drive in a car from this period can come as either a rude shock or a breath of fresh air, depending on your perspective.
The 250 Lusso falls into the latter category and genuinely surprises you at how ‘modern’ it feels, even on pockmarked English country roads. This is particularly so with respect to the ride, which is taut in a sporting GT way, yet relatively comfortable thanks to well-chosen spring and damper rates, period tyres with tall sidewalls and relatively long wheel travel. I have driven several Ferrari 250 models, including the redoubtable 250GT SWB, which is possessed of light and incredibly communicative steering and a really delightful four-speed gearbox. This is a car that just
begs to be drifted through the bends on a racetrack. However, although these two Ferraris share many mechanical parts, they are actually quite different to drive. The Lusso has a fine tiller too, but it feels a bit heavier and more insulated from the road.
The 250GT SWB I drove was the RHD Rob Walker SEFAC racer that Sir Stirling Moss used to win the 1962 Tourist Trophy, and it had a really slick gearbox. Although it uses the same gearbox, the ratios of this LHD Lusso’s gearbox do not seem willing to slot in quite so easily.
Then in a flash I realised what was happening. The racebred 250GT SWB comes with a perfectly sized alloy ball gearknob, whereas the road-going Lusso’s equally long lever is capped by a tall, thin black plastic knob.
A round knob allows perfect operation from any angle, an important trait in the cut and thrust of motorsport. The plastic designer knob on the other hand, despite its thoughtful moulded finger-shaped indents, forces your hand and wrist muscles to adopt a comparatively tense position, making it harder to negotiate the spring-loaded gate as instinctively. When will stylists ever learn about simple ergonomics?
Conversely I have seen photos of Lusso interiors with the round alloy knob from the 250GT SWB, so it is likely that individual owners who were aware of the difference made the switch. When I had become familiar enough with the car to begin pushing it along briskly, it rose to the occasion, showing off lovely poise and fluidity through fast sweeping bends. The other pleasant surprise was the strong and responsive servo-assisted disc brakes, which felt well up to the car’s performance, even by today’s standards. In that respect, the Lusso is a very well-balanced car.
The only area where the Lusso requires a deeper well of situational awareness than is possessed by today’s average driver is in the area of low-speed tractability.
Unlike the 4.4 litre four-cam 365GTB/4 Daytona that came along just six years later, the Lusso’s 3.0 litre V12 simply runs out of answers below 1,500rpm in high gear and fluffs badly. Thus, when negotiating slow turns or T-junctions, using second and sometimes even first gear is mandatory.
Once on cam however, the free-revving V12 is simply magnificent, the sound of its triple carbs overlaying the distinctive thrash of the timing chains and the bark of the twin exhausts. Life near the top end of the rev counter is what this engine was designed for!
This particular car, Chassis No. 4411GT, was properly restored in 2003 at the behest of John Mayston-Taylor, knowledgeable car enthusiast, successful race driver and former owner of Lynx Motors International. Through meticulous attention to detail, it probably drives as well as if not better than a factory-fresh Lusso.
4411GT is an early Lusso, 28th of the 350 built between 1962 and 1964, of which just 23 were RHD. Many classic Ferraris had interesting owners. The 500 Superfast of 1964 can count Peter Sellers and The Aga Khan amongst its owners. Some Lusso owners might discover that James Coburn, Steve McQueen or some other famous personality were past custodians of their cars.
4411GT was first registered on 17th May 1963, having been originally commissioned for the French film actress Mylene Demongeot, whose beauty was reputedly on par with that of Brigitte Bardot. In fact she acted alongside Bardot in the film ‘Futures Vedettes’ and co-starred in significant period films alongside Alain Delon, Jean-Paul Belmondo and Roger Moore, who was a relative unknown at that point.
However, Demongeot did not take delivery of the Lusso and its first registered owner was Clemente Setbon, who used it regularly both in Paris and to commute to his second home in Menton, near Monaco. He did this for around 20 years before putting the Lusso into storage in his underground garage in Paris.
Another decade passed before Setbon sold his car. Advertised for sale in 1996, 4411GT was purchased by Paul Baber, the London-based classic Ferrari enthusiast and dealer, who kept it for nearly six years. Baber sold it in May 2002, but the Lusso only left his care for six months, becoming his property again in October.
John Mayston-Taylor became the fourth owner of 4411GT in December of that year. By then, the car had done the equivalent of 35,000 miles and was rather tired, so the highly skilled technicians at Lynx began a painstaking rebuild of all the components that required attention.
With fresh Rosso Rubino (Code 106 R7) paintwork and Tan interior, the Lusso looks magnificent, but what is important to note is the sympathetic restoration retains the original handbuilt asymmetrical character of the car. Many classic Ferraris have been over-restored and look too perfect.
John was conscious of this, so while the car was fresh and pristine after its restoration, it still retained the character and maturity that comes with a welllived life. In 2003 the Lusso won her class and came second overall in the Ferrari Owners’ Club UK National Concours.
Avery Healthcare Her final triumph in Europe was winning the 2003 Prix de l’Elegance of Louis Vuitton Concours held at Saint Cloud, Paris an invitation-only event. The following spring 4411GT was sold to a collector in Connecticut, and now resides in the USA.
TIMES TWO TIMES TWO
Second weddings are serious business. The over 50s wedding market has seen a boom in the last ten years; second and third marriages are now commonplace. While they can be notoriously tricky to navigate, they can also benefit from the experience of having done it all before. Maybe you won’t be
as nervous the second time, or you’ve gained the confidence to have the type of wedding that you want. The first marriage might have ended through widowhood, or you’ve fallen out of love, or you want to marry a different gender; whatever the reason, there is usually a blended family involved. A second wedding can be whatever you want, big or small, depending on personal choice, but some people are more comfortable following tradition and etiquette.
The truth is, more older people are getting divorced and remarried than ever. One of the main etiquette problems that plague the second time around weddings is whom to invite; there are exes and ex-in-laws to consider, maybe mutual friends from your first marriage. Each case will be different, depending on how well you get along. Traditionally the bridal party comprises friends and siblings, but to make it more inclusive of family members, you might want to choose your or your partner’s
Rachel Carr lives in Norwich, Norfolk with a little furry menace, Walter the cat. Oh, and her boyfriend Sean lives there too, they have been together 18 years. Rachel has been writing for around ten years and has an English degree. She loves reading, travelling around America, and animals, in fact, she admitted on a friend’s podcast that she would rather have racoons than children.
children and grandchildren. They could be ushers or bridesmaids or even walk you down the aisle; for younger children, you could make them page boys, young groomsmen or flower girls. There are plenty of options to get them involved, so they feel part of your big day. Of course, you can always choose to forgo a bridal party if you want to keep the focus on just you two; you also should never feel pressured to invite people who were at your first wedding. If you are getting remarried due to widowhood, then it is a nice gesture to invite your deceased spouse’s family. Still, it is understandable if they decline the invitation if they find it too difficult. Don’t be afraid of memories either; you can always incorporate a favourite poem of the deceased spouse or mention them in your toast or speech, especially if you share children and grandchildren who might be present. The etiquette is different for an ex-spouse; in that case, avoid phrases that sound like a dig in the speeches, for example, ‘You taught me to trust again.’ What to wear? Whatever you like. If you are stuck, there are plenty of older brides to take inspiration from. If you want to go all out, there is no one to stop you; if you want to wear a trouser suit, that’s okay too. The secret is to be yourself and not force yourself into what you think you should wear; no one wants to spend an important day in discomfort. When Joan Collins married Percy Gibson, she wore a lilac gown, and when Camilla and Charles got married, Camilla had two outfits, but the one for the blessing stood out. It was a pale blue and gold embroidered dress coat with a gold leaf feather headdress with Swarovski diamonds. A bold look that is often cited as her best outfit. There are plenty of alternatives to white, ivory or cream if you want to avoid the more traditional route or feel that you’ve already done that the first time. A light silver, light blue or blush are flattering and different. Veils and trains are a personal choice, depending on the level of formality. If a gown you like is strapless but wants a demure look, you can always add a bolero jacket.
When it comes to a gift list, you may already have everything you need, so you can always set up a wish fund; you might have a favourite charity you want to support, which can be done through an online site. Other traditions are totally up to you and your partner; some might feel clichéd such as a garter or bouquet toss; a first dance, however, might be a tradition that you want to include. Whatever your preference, you might want to put your stamp on proceedings, maybe writing your vows to differentiate from your first wedding. If you decide to keep an intimate circle around you for the vows, you want to marry in a different location, or an elderly or infirm person who cannot be there, technology is your friend. You can stream the event via FaceTime, up to 32 people can join, or YouTube Live, which allows unlimited viewers. Whatever you decide, it is about the marriage itself, and a second wedding can be just as special as the first.
Welcome to our #OneFamily
Businesses talking about their company Values can conjure up images of executives sitting around boardroom tables grappling with blue-sky thinking, drinking lots of coffee and throwing around adjectives that all feel best describe their company and its people.
For Avery Healthcare, the process was simple and only involved a small amount of the obligatory buzz words and coffee drinking before the obvious choice was made. Across the business, the term ‘family’ is used all the time. In various contexts, so it is of no surprise that the concept of #OneFamily has been adopted to formally embrace everything that Avery holds dear.
Avery executives, operational, support and care home teams all agreed that ‘family’ is the word that sums up how they feel about their work covering both their relationships with each other and their residents and families. It is something we can all identify with.
It was also clear from talking to staff, residents, relatives and the businesses community partners that Avery is recognised for having three embedded cultural values - Proud, Supportive and Caring – all words that people identify within a family unit.
From here, the Avery business aims sit within one statement underpinned by the three values:
“Together, we demonstrate our caring natures, support each other and are proud of what we do. We create smiles every day. We are proud of who we are. We are #OneFamily”.
Putting our values into practice
Proud
• Work in new ways to improve outcomes for residents, families, and each other • Leaders in quality • Embrace diversity • Celebrate our success
Supportive
• Enable everyone to reach their full potential and achieve their aspirations • Enhance well-being in a fun and supportive environment • Treat everyone with consideration and respect
Caring
• Put people first • Show kindness, warmth, and compassion • Recognise individuality and personal choice • Make life meaningful
“Our staff are our most important asset, and we want to ensure that the culture we have worked hard to develop and maintain over the years continues as we grow. This culture is all about a sense of belonging. Our goal is to build a family culture to drive Staff Well-being.
Watch how the Avery staff dance, sing and body-pop their way through the #OneFamily launch video to showcase how they feel about their jobs.” Lisa Soper, Avery Healthcare’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer Visit the link below to see the full launch video: https://bit.ly/3o4GhR2
#OneFamily Launch Day
In the lead-up to its April launch, the team held a series of staff well-being roadshows, working with the Home Managers and Well-being Coordinators to develop ideas to benefit all. They produced icons to visually display the values, along with posters of Well-being and Activity Co-ordinators who have embraced the strategy with great enthusiasm, nomination cards to help staff celebrate each other’s achievements and a series of videos.
New staff rewards and recognition ideas were also introduced, giving staff more value from their work, including discounts with major retailers, clear career pathways and staff awards; all of which are important in helping staff feel thanked for their work whilst maintaining a sense of belonging to their team and the broader organisation.
The launch saw many fantastic celebrations throughout our homes, from dressing up and tea parties to staff members competing against one another in fun games such as sumo wrestling and volleyball. It was a joyous day celebrating the importance of our brilliant staff members who demonstrate all that Avery is and stands for and was the first of many monthly events planned throughout the year. #OneFamily Caring and supportive The staff at our home Creating smiles every day So no one feels alone
We’re proud of our staff Here at Rowan Court This is our #OneFamily All talented of some sort
From singers and dancers Comedians too Nail beauticians This is just a few
The staff at our Home The best you’ll ever meet With smiles on our faces A warm welcome, we’ll greet
So welcome to our Avery Home Where the only thing that matters Is laughter through our corridors And good ol’natters
Our values and respect Makes us a team I’m proud to be a part of The #RowanCourt Team!
#OneFamily We want to say a big thank you for everything that you do, For all the love, care and for always being there!
We are one big family; we feel that this is true, From our domestics, chefs and housekeeping, we are so grateful through and through. Let’s not forget our admin team, maintenance, Kristina and Jenna too, Plus, our ladies in pink who are always there for you!
One big family, that’s just what we are, Always so near and never too far.
Today we celebrate and appreciate all that has been done, To make our home, A VERY SPECIAL ONE!
Kerry Sargent, Well-being and Activities Co-ordinator, Newcross Care Home
What is Cutlery-free Dining?
The award-winning culinary team at Avery is at the forefront of creative and innovative care home meals. The cutlery-free initiative aims to inspire and raise awareness of the importance of healthy, nutritional meals that are just as accessible as traditional dishes for residents who find manipulating cutlery for various reasons a barrier to independently enjoying food in a dignified way.
There are many reasons why a person may have difficulty using cutlery to eat a meal or a snack. Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, arthritis or a stroke can all affect how an individual can manipulate cutlery. Cognitive illnesses, including dementia, can also cause a person to have difficulty processing their environment or cause problems with sequencing and coordinating actions.
Typically, residents in care homes who have difficulty using conventional cutlery have either required help to eat from others or have been served ‘finger foods’ at mealtimes, often consisting of sandwiches, sausage rolls and similar buffet-style dishes. Although acceptable and appropriate for a party or similar occasion, reliance on these types of foods for main dietary intake increases the risk of undernourishment for an individual due to the typically lower nutritional content. It also increases the stigmatisation risk by highlighting a person’s disability when one resident is served different food to others at the same table.
Chef Development Day: Cutlery-free Cuisine
Avery’s Culinary and Hospitality and Dementia Support Teams were excited to hold a Chef Development Day on the 15th of June at Bidfood, one of our major food suppliers, at their Headquarters in Slough.
The day’s focus was ‘Cutlery-free Cuisine’ – a sector-leading programme developed by Simon Lawrence, Head of Culinary and Hospitality and Jo Crossland, Head of Dementia Care. The initiative provides recipes, advice, tips and tricks on adapting everyday meals into cutlery-free options.
The recent Chef Development Day focus provided the opportunity to equip our chefs with the underpinning principles of the Cutleryfree initiative, enabling them to use their skills and knowledge to create innovative, striking dishes using the same ingredients as main meals with excellent nutritional values.
Several colleagues travelled to join the course, and we would like to thank them for taking part during what continues to be a challenging time for the sector:
Thank you!
Our Talented Culinary Team
Eager to show their skills, our chefs produced an array of dishes, from stuffed eggs to spiced tortillas, small Yorkshire puddings stuffed with cottage pie or vegetable balti, rich potato cakes with mackerel and coriander, pulled pork and apple croquettes, polenta chips and a variety of arancini.
They also created a selection of delicious desserts, including high-calorie brownies, choux buns, mini vanillas, cupcakes, banana cake and mini chocolate tarts. Robbie McLean
Emilio Pascucci
Juan Lopez
Champa Mistry
James Dugmore
Rafael Espinosa
Gabor Cseh
Zoe Bath
Said Ashur
Kristiyan Dimitrov
Luca Gajewski Acacia Mews Care Home
Astbury Manor Care Home
Birchwood Grange Care Home
Birchwood Grange Care Home
Droitwich Mews Care Home
Elvy Court Care Home
Elvy Court Care Home
Hampstead Court Care Home
Merlin Court Care Home
Rivermere Care Home
Spencer House Care Home
suggested recipes, even creating some new dishes. All who attended thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to learn new skills and network with colleagues; one chef stating ‘’This has been a fantastic day. My take-home message is the importance of ensuring respect for all our residents.’’
Cutlery-free Dining: What’s Next?
Following the successful launch of a Cutlery-free recipe book’s first edition, our team is currently writing a second edition. The new edition will contain further cutlery-free inspired recipes and helpful hints and tips for our culinary teams.
FINDING
THE PLOT
By Nicola McGeorge
Oh, those long halcyon days of summer, fetes, festivals, and fairs, homemade jams and homegrown produce to be found in all those places. Summer is a time to be out in the garden, and whether you are preparing or harvesting fruit, vegetables or herbs, there is nothing better than growing and eating your crops.
Strawberries and raspberries are popular jam flavours, but gooseberries, figs, quince and blueberries make unique options; apricot and peach are two more fruits to use if you are seeking alternatives. Fruits straight out of the bush or the branch and into a jam jar are more satisfying, tastier and healthier, plus they are eco-friendly with the lack of travelling and packaging. It never harmed Tom and Barbara in The Good Life, and it won’t harm you.
A plot, an allotment or a few vines or trees from which to grow and pick your food can be a hobby or a lifestyle. There are various ways to achieve this; in whatever space you have available, there are raised flower beds, window boxes, planters and pots, greenhouses, or it can be a full feature in your garden with trees and fruit-bearing bushes. All you need is a sunny spot, all-purpose soil, a fork and a trowel, a watering can or hose, and your seeds of choice. There are different times of year for different types of fruit to flourish. If you are already a dab hand at growing fruit, then you’ll know that July is a fine time to pick cherries, blueberries and blackberries taste sweet and tart from June to August, and peaches, raspberries and figs are good to go from July through to September. If you haven’t planted any fruit to harvest this summer, local fruit picking is a great alternative, where you can still get that homegrown taste for your homemade jam.
Top Tips for Juicy Fruits
To help them grow, all plants need water, but overwatering can be as damaging as not watering them. It is important to have good drainage for roots; mixing compost with the soil will certainly help hold the water where the plants can reach it; organic compost is best. Most fruits need six to eight hours of sunlight daily, so choose your plots carefully. Figs, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries are the easiest to grow, especially in small spaces. Fruit trees grown on a dwarfing rootstock are ideal in pots on balconies; cherries, peaches, and apricots are selffertile, so you will only need one tree. Passion fruit is a perennial fruit which grows on a vine; again, suitable for limited spaces. With rhubarb, plums, and pears, along with red, white, and black currents, shaded spots are better. Fruit trees are best planted in winter to settle the roots in before growth in spring. Ensure the area around the roots is clear of weeds and grass, so they aren’t vying for nutrients. Don’t let mulch sit against the trunk as this can cause rotting.
Damsons, a more tart and hardy subspecies of the plum tree, make a nice, rich jam, as they are ideal for cooking. They are a drupaceous fruit, so make sure the stone is removed from each one. You can also add other ingredients to your jam; rhubarb is delicious with ginger, for example. You can even mix several fruits and add nuts to make conserve rather than jam or preserve, which requires whole fruit pieces rather than mashed up fruit. Jam is simple to make; it just requires your favourite fruit, sugar; some jams need sugar with pectin if the fruit doesn’t already contain it as it acts as a thickener, juice of a lemon, heat and sterilised jam jars. The ratio of fruit and sugar is 1:1. Granulated sugar grains dissolve more slowly than caster sugar, but it produces a better result, although caster sugar can be used. Depending upon whether you are making jam or preserve, the fruit will need to be pulped for jam; pushing the pulp through a sieve will remove any seeds if you prefer seedless. After boiling for five minutes and adding the lemon juice, decant into jars.
Jams in nicely presented jars with ribbon, and material on the lid for decoration, make wonderful gifts for family and friends; the same goes for a fruit box or hamper. They can be donated as prizes at raffles or, if you feel confident, entered into competitions or sold at local fetes. Along with you and your family enjoying the (literal) fruits of your labour, the whole community can benefit from your green fingers. So, channel your inner Tom or Barbara and make your summer fruitful.
GLENMOOR HOUSE
Glenmoor House Care Home is located in Corby, Northamptonshire. With many shops, restaurants and cafes just around the corner, the home sits in an ideal location close to the town’s shopping centre. There are several idyllic walking spots for residents to enjoy with visiting families and friends, including West Glebe Park, which you will find just behind our home.
The home is also close to Corby Cube, a municipal building in the town centre which, among many other things, houses a public library and a 450seat theatre with a programme of live productions, dance, music and stand-up comedy. The Cube is a particular point of interest for our residents and their families.
“I very much like living at Glenmoor House. The staff are amazing and have so much time for all of the residents. They are truly like a family to me. I am a private person and enjoy watching TV in my room and doing crosswords. However, I also enjoy the many daily well-being activities on offer, such as bingo and dominoes. Overall, I am very happy here and can’t fault a thing.” – Agnes W. Glenmoor House Resident. Opening on the 25th of May in 1997, Glenmoor House celebrated its 25th anniversary in true Avery style. The day was commemorated with a big party held at the care home for all staff, residents and their loved ones, enjoying a crisp glass of fizz and tapping their feet to the live entertainment from local singer Neil.
Glenmoor House was joined by a unique visitor, the Town Crier, Cllr Anthony Dady, who opened the event and presented a long service award to Head Housekeeper Maureen Sombach as a token of appreciation for 25 years’ service to the home- a remarkable achievement! Maureen, now 60, started at the home in October 1997, within six months of the home opening. She said of this milestone, “I love working here; it’s brilliant. Every day there’s something different. I’ve met beautiful people while working here, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone.” Maureen is not the only Sombach family member to have had the privilege of working at the home, as all of her children have also worked at the home in numerous roles throughout the years, and three continue to do so.
Since 2019, the home has been run by the dedicated Home Manager, Angela Roughton, who comes with years of experience with a background predominantly in care for the NHS in hospitals A&E, mental health and various roles in other care homes before joining Glenmoor House.
Speaking of the three and half years that Angela has had the privilege to work there, she quoted, “I have absolutely loved every minute of it. The support from Avery’s Group Support Centre is so refreshing. Whenever you have a question, there is always someone there to help. One of the best things is the team spirit throughout the home, and everyone works together. We are like one family, and laughter can always be heard around the community. It is a pleasure to meet the many residents who have lived at Glenmoor House and hear their life stories over the years. My favourite achievement since being Home Manager would be helping turn the home’s CQC score from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’.”
Glenmoor House Home Manager, Angela Roughton
Care Home Open Days
Avery’s care homes across the UK were delighted to celebrate Care Home Open Week from 27th June to 3rd July.
our homes opened their doors to serve copious pots of tea and delicious home-baked cakes from award-winning chefs and provided entertainment, activities, and celebrations.
Edenbridge Manor Care Home in Kent chose to theme their open day. As a forward-thinking home, they wanted to celebrate Pride Month and support the LGBTQ+ community during the annual commemoration to mark those involved in the Stonewall Riots in 1969.
Organised by Championing Social Care, the event is designed to connect care homes with their local communities. More poignant this year than ever after enduring so many Covid-19 restrictions in recent years, our homes embraced the opportunity in true Avery style, welcoming relatives, professionals, and local community supporters to celebrate with residents and staff.
The events proved an emotional come-back for some, with one relative visiting Rivermere Care Home in Sevenoaks commenting, “Thank you for the effort and welcome you put into today’s open day. Mum has been with you for nearly 18 months. She arrived traumatised, bereft, and frightened in the middle of a pandemic. Although I knew this was the right decision, it felt as if I’d abandoned her on your doorstep at the time. It was almost three months before I could visit in person. During that time, you cared for her and communicated with me, reassuring me and making her life which was previously lonely and isolating, happier and more fulfilling. Today I felt we were part of a family. Watching mum interacting, it’s plain to see she’s happy and content and more than this, the love exudes from the staff towards her and all the residents. Such gentle kindness and affection. It’s beautiful to witness it in action. Priceless. There are no words to express how happy this makes me, and quite obviously my mum. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Throughout the week, Resident Noel said, “I think this is quite wonderful. The attitude of everyone is remarkable, thank you.” Residents loved seeing staff dress in bright colours, and the day reflected Avery’s values of being proud, supportive and caring.
The home’s community visitors included ladies from the Women’s Institute and the Edenbridge Chamber of Commerce. The home also had visitors travel from afar to visit on the day. Sylvia, from Hampshire, loved the day and the food! As a keen player, she enjoyed spending time chatting with members of the resident Scrabble club.
Highcliffe Care Home in Sunderland welcomed a puppet show and Marley Park Fire Station to their event. Residents and guests tried out the seats in the fire engine, tried on some of the sweltering uniforms and had a splashing time trying out the hose!
Activities from our homes have been shared across our social media channels, receiving fantastic comments from visitors and followers, and we hope these are the first of many more to come!
The Granfluencer Generation
What is this new portmanteau word, ‘granfluencer’? Well… it is an influencer, someone with a large social media following but over 50; hence, the ‘granfluencer’ was born! Brands are now using new marketing strategies to satisfy an appetite for authentic and positive content. There is a shift toward more real content while moving away from heavily edited and staged content, and the new breed of social media savvy seniors can provide a new voice and perspective for that. The success of the older generation on platforms such as Instagram (or should that be ‘Instagran’?) and TikTok proves that social media is no longer just a young person’s game.
Seniors are breaking stereotypes online and getting paid for doing so, monetising their social media accounts by proving that there is more to life than age. Their positive outlook, wisdom and perspective encourage their followers to live without fear of judgment and enjoy each other’s differences. Brands are tapping into this life experience that the granfluencers have to offer with sponsored posts and paid partnerships. These seriously cool senior citizens are racking thousands, if not millions, of followers. Whereas age is just a number, the cash they earn most definitely is not; some are raking in a few thousand pounds per sponsored post. It isn’t just the younger generation forging a career creating content on social media platforms. At one point, marketers overlooked the older generations, but as they become more tech-savvy and are making their presence known on social media and building their brand, companies are flocking to work with them. As consumers, the seniors have more disposable income, so brands are clamouring to get a piece of the ‘grey pound’. The granfluencers are getting followers from younger generations, too, due to their engagement, optimism, realness and use of amusing captions with wise life-affirming phrases. The trend has turned away from using too many filters and presenting an Instagram-perfect life, and that is where an older, fresher and more confident brand ambassador gains followers’ trust.
Irvin Randle, aged 59, has earned the name #MrStealYourGrandma because of his dapper style of dressing in magazine-worthy pictures on Instagram; he has been featured in magazines such as Cosmopolitan and is paid handsomely for his social media posts.
One of the most popular granfluencers is Helen Ruth Elam, aged 92, with 3.3 million followers, otherwise known by her Instagram handle Baddie Winkle. She is known for her love of brightly coloured fashion, which mirrors her carefree attitude. Her bio states she has been ‘Stealing Ur Man Since 1928’. Helen earns nearly £8000 per sponsored post; she has lucrative deals with various brands, including Amazon, Canada Dry, LG, and Svedka vodka, to name a few; she also has the beauty and fashion industry queueing up to work with her.
67-year-old Lyn Slater gives herself the Instagram username ‘Accidental Icon. She has a master’s degree and a PhD but says it is in her 60s that she is the most visible she has ever been.
It isn’t only fashion icons attracting attention online; fitness fanatic 74-year-old Joan McDonald has 1.6 million followers and a fitness app, Train with Joan. Other popular topics with the older influencers are travelling, cooking, and gaming, with power couples gathering followers and sponsorships.
You can follow the solo adventures of the Traveling Black Widow, 65-year-old Charlotte Simpson, and 85-year-old Shirley Curry has gamer skills to rival any of Generation Z.
The granfluencers are shaking up TikTok, too, a video-only platform. ‘Grandad Joe’, real name Joe Allington, went viral after making a video on how to bond with grandkids. He now has 5 million followers; he began making singing and comedy videos during the lockdown. 7% of UK grandparents are currently active on TikTok, and 35% of grandparents say that they feel closer to the younger members of their family since engaging with social media. Although some of the granfluencers don’t have grandchildren, 82-year-old Steve Austin, for instance, ‘Old Man Steve’, the name he goes by online, has requests from people asking him to be their grandpa.
The most well-known granfluencer is 100-year-old Iris Apfel, with 2.2 million followers, but her fame and influence preceded social media. Iris became famous aged 84 when she found herself the subject of an art exhibition at a New York museum. She has recently designed a flamboyant clothing collection, collaborating with H&M where most of the styles sold out. The international style icon, who turns 101 in August, has a cheerful, no-nonsense approach to ageing and an optimistic outlook on life; her mantra is, ‘Be true to yourself, and you’ll always look wonderful’. No wonder many people, old and young, are finding the granfluencer set an inspiration.
At Avery Healthcare, we are looking forward to opening a number of new care homes in 2022, delivering on an ambitious new build programme of award-winning residential and dementia care homes. This includes our new home, Middleton Lodge, in Littleover, Derby.
Residents in the local area have been working to create a bee corridor within the local community, planting bee-friendly flowers and plants along Middleton Avenue, and Avery is pleased to be sponsoring this project. The bee corridor plays a vital role in helping to pollinate crops, as well as ensuring the insects’ survival.
During the spring, residents selected and planted perennial flowers that spring bees love, including Aubretia and Pulmonaria. Local schools have also got involved, with one school growing a new garden area within their grounds. The bee corridor is marked by a series of yellow bee signs, which the local schools plan to incorporate within their new garden. Richard, a Middleton Avenue Doing Our Bit Community Group member, explains how the bee corridor project has been a ‘fantastic way of bringing community members closer together.’ During the summer, residents enjoyed a street party to celebrate planting bee-friendly flowers in 46 of the 51 properties. The group also have further projects underway, including litter picking. So far, they have completed several neighbouring streets and a car park in Littleover village centre.
We are looking forward to getting involved with the bee corridor project, as the grounds of Middleton Lodge will be planted with bee-friendly flowers. Creating a vibrant space for insects and wildlife to flourish, we look forward to watching the bee corridor grow and hope this will continue to encourage friendships between all community members.
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11/09/2020 16:20:06
Not only do we treat more hedgehogs than any other wildlife hospital, but our caring team saves lives every single day. Our aim is simple; to treat all injured British wild birds and animals, then return them to the wild. Like Rudolph, who ararr rivedived badlybadly i injurnjureded a at t justjust f fiveive dadaysys old.old. The road accident that killed his mother left him with three badly broken legs. Our specialist care saved this poor little deer from suffering and he is now facing a brighter future. But it is only with your support that we can help casualties like Rudolph, so please remember Tiggywinkles when making youryour Will.
CELEBRATING LONG-SERVICE
AT CLAYTON MANOR CARE HOME
At Avery, we reward our staff members who demonstrate commitment to our organisation and great passion and dedication to their work. Three of our Clayton Manor in Congleton employees have recently received long-service awards, each celebrating 27 years of loyal service.
Jackie Blackhurst
Jackie started working at Clayton Manor in 1995 as a Registered General Nurse with her husband, David, working as a Kitchen Assistant at the home also. Together, they have two daughters, one son, three grandchildren and another grandchild on the way. Jackie enjoys holidays, taking the time to visit new places with family and friends.
Lynn Oakes
Lynn started working at Clayton Manor in 1995 and is also a Registered General Nurse. Lynn has a daughter and a son, as well as two grandchildren. Lynne is passionate about horses and enjoys looking after them in her spare time.
Julie Kelly
Care Assistant Julie began working at Clayton Manor in 1995. Julie has two children and two grandchildren and is green-fingered, enjoying spending time in her allotment where she grows her own vegetables.
Long and faithful service is the watchword for Clayton Manor. As one of our longest-running nursing homes, it has provided outstanding care for the past twenty years. All staff have not only a wealth of knowledge and experience under their belt, but their compassion and dedication are second to none.
Avery’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Lisa Soper, said of the accomplishments, “Our staff are our most important asset, and our culture is about a sense of belonging. The Clayton Manor family fully embrace and demonstrate our values of being proud, supportive, and caring, as evidenced by these achievements. I want to thank Jackie, Lynn and Julie for their continued loyalty.”
Congratulations to Jackie, Lynne, and Julie for their incredible contributions and for being valued team members.
Market-leading pay rates
Supportive induction programme
Career development with apprenticeship opportunities
Workplace pension
Discounts for retailers, restaurants, and days out
Paid holiday
Staff well-being programme
Refer a friend & refer a resident benefits
Avery Healthcare Group 3 Cygnet Drive | Swan Valley Northampton | NN4 9BS
AVERY HEALTHCARE
Join Our Team
Our ambition is simple. To provide the very best care and a fulfilling life to all our residents within a warm and friendly community - the most important part of this aspiration is you!
We are seeking high-quality people to join our enthusiastic and dedicated team. Whether you join as an experienced professional or this will be your first job within the care sector, we are committed to your continual learning and development, regardless of role.
• Care, Senior Care & Well-being • Office Support & Management • • Catering, Housekeeping & Maintenance •
Wild Swimming By Nicola McGeorge
In the last few years, wild swimming, sometimes called cold water therapy, has increased in popularity. There are clubs dedicated to it, and we have also seen a programme about it in the shape of Freeze the Fear with wellness guru Wim Hof. It has far-reaching benefits, it’s good for the mind, body and soul, and it has also become a social pastime too. Although Wim Hof’s methods are quite extreme, there is a tamer, more localised version you can do; one which doesn’t require you to swim under inches thick ice. The trick is to do it safely and adhere to medical guidelines. People who practise cold water swimming become addicted to the endorphins that the shock of the water temperature release.
If you are medically fit, a good swimmer and know the safety precautions, then this might be for you. If you are new to this, summer is a good time to ease yourself into it. One of the bonuses about this pastime is that it isn’t seasonal and
can be done almost anywhere at any time. Rivers, lakes, lochs, the sea, any body of water as long as it is safe. Some people choose to have a swimming pond installed in their garden, complete with a jetty and wild plants and flowers surrounding it. It is easier to maintain than a swimming pool but with the convenience of one and the experience of swimming in a natural habitat. The trend has been booming since the pandemic; with little to do and our primal urge to reconnect with and rediscover nature, it is pretty addictive. The trend has not diminished. There is even a wild swimming map of the U.K. online, guiding you to your prime local spots, and groups have sprung up all over the country. Joining or creating a group is not only a social endeavour; it is safer too. There are plenty of groups across the U.K. The Outdoor Swimming Society has an extensive list on its website. A lot of them have amusing monikers to make you smile; there are Blue Balls Cold Water Swimming which is for gentlemen only and based in There are many health Cornwall, Brighton has the Salty Seabirds, the ladies-only Bexhill benefits to cold water SeaGals in East Sussex, Midlandsor wild swimming, it based Swim and Tonic, and the improves circulation, Cumbrian Bluetits which is a mixed(...) it boosts the immune gender group. There are many more to be found online, and most offer system, (...) it relaxes cake and a swim. There are plenty of you and reduces stress.
beautiful locations too, where you can appreciate the scenery as you take a dip.
The connection to nature releases lots of feel-good hormones. There are many health benefits to cold water or wild swimming; it improves circulation by forcing your blood to the surface of your skin, your body’s way of warming up. It also burns more calories than swimming in warm water, as your heart pumps faster, another way for your body to keep warm. Long term, it boosts the immune system. As your body adapts to the cold temperature, it produces more white blood cells, making your body adept at initiating its defences. It also enhances the libido with the cold water helping the body produce more testosterone and oestrogen. It is good for mental health, too; it relaxes you and reduces stress. It is not recommended for water temperatures lower than 12 degrees Celsius, especially if you have asthma or a heart condition. It is an invigorating way to start the day, giving you an energy boost. Wear the correct clothing – a neoprene wetsuit or a sports swimsuit is ideal, especially as the seasons change; sports swimsuits have sleeves that come up to your neck and are thicker. You could also invest in wetsuit socks and gloves. Goggles (you can get prescription ones) and a brightly coloured silicone swim hat are good. The swim cap helps you to be visible. A tow float is an extra protection in case of any cramp.
Don’t push yourself – ease your way into it by beginning with short sessions in the water, and keeping close to the shore; you can lengthen the time you spend in the water as you become more experienced. It is also a good idea to splash your face and head with the water before completely immersing yourself. Cold showers – it is essential to acclimatise to the cold water; otherwise, you could be at risk of shock and hyperthermia. Warm-up – it is advisable to jog on the spot or do some other physical preparation beforehand; it improves flexibility and increases heart rate and body heat. Aftercare – you need warm clothes, a poncho towel robe (to change under), and a hot drink once you step out of the water. Change as quickly as you can and try to keep your body moving.
Avery Park INDEPENDENT
Living Apartments
Avery Park Care Home is located in Kettering, Northamptonshire. It offers the best of luxury retirement living in beautiful and spacious surroundings, amongst which is a range of stylish independent living apartments.
Residents can live safe and well in a warm and friendly retirement community with housekeeping, property upkeep, and utility bills all included. Each apartment has a beautiful, fully fitted kitchen, integrated appliances and bathroom, making them the ideal choice for single-occupancy or couples. All rooms are spacious, well-lit and airy, with high ceilings, which allow for plenty of natural light throughout the day and an open feel throughout the entire Avery Park complex.
Wicksteed Park
With Avery Park Independent Living Apartments on the same site as Avery Park Care Home, residents can relax and enjoy all the features you would expect of a luxurious independent living community, including an emergency 24-hour call system for peace of mind. You are also welcome to join fellow residents in activities and outings and use the range of on-site facilities, including a private dining room. We have a beautifully modern salon, therapy suite, and gym when you fancy a spot of selfcare and relaxation. Our cinema room is the perfect choice for film lovers too.
Life in the Garden
Outside, you will find a beautifully vibrant garden where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors. Our expansive outdoor space is the ideal location for an afternoon escape, spending time tending the plants or growing fresh produce.
The Local Area
What better place to enjoy independent retirement living in comfort than in the heart of the country, with many beautiful surroundings? Areas of interest include Wicksteed Park and Boughton House, within a few miles of Avery Park. Our apartments are also a short distance from Pitsford Reservoir and the beautiful Althorp House.
Find Out More
Come along and see our beautiful apartments for yourself. Take a guided tour and learn more about our independent living facilities.
LAST TWO REMAINING From just £475 per week Call 01536 629954, or visit averyhealthcare.co.uk
ROCK STARS
Probably the most famous prison on the planet, the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary was operational for less than 30 years, it welcomed such notorious inmates as Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, Mickey Cohen and “Bumpy” Johnson. Occupying the site of a former fort on Alcatraz Island off San Francisco bay, the main building was erected between 1910 and 1912 to serve as a military prison, becoming the renowned federal facility and first maximum-security prison in August 1934.
Known simply as Alcatraz or “The Rock”, the prison was initially intended as a sort of last-stop shop for the worst of the worst criminals, those untamed by other facilities and believed in most cases to be beyond rehabilitation. It swiftly garnered a reputation as the toughest, most feared prison in America, with former occupants recounting systematic brutality, inhumane conditions, and frequent violence between inmates. Described by one writer as “the great garbage can of San Francisco Bay, into which every federal prison dumped its most rotten apples”, it’s no wonder several inmates attempted to escape “Hellcatraz”, a feat thought nigh on impossible due not just to the rigorous security measures in place, but the location of the imposing building itself. Sitting 1.25 miles from the San Francisco coast, the shark-infested waters boasted frigid temperatures and dangerously strong currents likely to deter anyone brave or desperate enough to have made it past the razor wire fences and gun-toting guards.
In its 29 years of operation, Alcatraz recorded 14 escape attempts by 36 prisoners, with two particularly persistent souls trying twice. The official score sheet records 23 would-be escapees recaptured, six shot whilst fleeing, two found drowned, and five “missing and presumed drowned”. The prison records NO successful escapes.
Nevertheless, June marked 60 years since three of those “presumed drowned” disappeared and, according to relatives who’ve decided at last to speak out, alongside an initially buried letter revealed to have been sent to the FBI, Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin did succeed in evading guards, sharks and treacherous currents, starting life afresh in Brazil.
The prisoners, serial offenders incarcerated for the not-particularly family-friendly crime of attempted bank robbery, nevertheless demonstrated the type of craft skills and ingenuity during their bid to freedom deserving of Blue Peter badges. Using tools such as a metal spoon adapted with dimesilver soldering and an electric drill improvised from a pinched hoover motor, the convicts gradually chiselled their way through the salt-damaged walls of their cells, concealing the noise of their efforts with the sound of Morris’s accordion played during music hour. They constructed false walls from painted cardboard to mask their escape route, accessing an unguarded utility corridor via the widened air vents in their cells. Once through, they climbed to the unoccupied top level of the cell block and initiated
a secret workshop, stitching together over 50 stolen raincoats and other donated items to create not just inflatable life preservers but a 14ft rubber raft with seams stitched by hand and sealed with heat pipes.
While they laboured outside their cells, bundled towels and papier-mâché dummies with real hair stolen from the barbershop gave guards the impression they were fast asleep. On the night of the escape, a stolen carborundum abrasive cord from the prison workshop saw them removing the rivets of a steel grill, allowing them access through another vent to the roof. Hauling their handmade wares, they descended 15 metres to the ground. They then scaled two 12ft barbed wire fences, settling on a surveillance blind spot near the northeast shoreline. They proceeded to inflate their makeshift vessel using a stolen concertina modified to act as a bellows before launching toward their intended destination, Angel Island, two miles north. Allen West, the gang’s fourth member, provided this detail to authorities, whose own escape attempt was thwarted. Despite an extensive 10-day air, sea and land search, Morris and co. were not found, dead or alive, though instruments of their escape and some personal artefacts were recovered from the rough waters. The FBI case remained active until 1979, eventually concluding the trio must have drowned, but in the years since, family members tell of clandestine contact with their kin, said to have fled to South America. In 2015 a grainy photo allegedly taken of the Anglins in Brazil in 1975 emerged, and five years later, facial recognition analysis using AI confirmed its subjects as the industrious Alcatraz escapees.
Though it wasn’t made public until 2018, in 2013, the FBI received a letter purporting to be from a cancerstricken John Anglin, reaching out for medical treatment in exchange for his surrender. DNA and handwriting analysis proved inconclusive, and his surviving family questioned why this potential evidence was buried. According to the letter, Anglin’s brother and their accomplice Morris had both died in the preceding decade.
Though their successful escape was always refuted by prison officials and law enforcement in what many believe to be a face-saving cover-up, details of their efforts, alongside reports of the prohibitively high costs of maintaining the crumbling island fortress (more than three times the cost-per-inmate of comparable American prisons) saw Alcatraz shuttered in March 1963.
Today it lives again as a phenomenally popular public museum and tourist attraction, whilst the plight of Morris’s crew was immortalised in the 1979 film “Escape from Alcatraz” starring none other than Clint Eastwood.
SEE IT. TRY IT. LIVE IT
Live safe and well in a luxury studio, 1-bed or 2-bed apartment at the Hawthorns, a warm and friendly all-inclusive rental retirement community for the over 70s.
• Includes quality dining three times daily, housekeeping, property upkeep, and utility bills
• Full calendar of events, exercise classes, day trips and activities
• Cinema, library, hair salon, therapy room and short mat indoor bowling
• Staff on hand 24/7
Call today to request a free information pack
0800 0125260 | hawthornsretirement.co.uk
YOU ARE INVITED
The highly social aspects of the four Hawthorns locations, Braintree, Clevedon, Eastbourne and Northampton, make them a retirement community like no other. Each community provides a variety of daily well-being activities where there is always something for everyone to join in with and weekly trips out in their private minibuses, making valuable companionships become almost impossible to avoid.
With most government covid restrictions being lifted, the Hawthorns are delighted to bring more exciting activities and classes back for residents to get involved in. Each service also provides plenty of open days, allowing other like-minded retirees to discover the unique Hawthorns retirement living environment by taking a private guided tour of the facilities. The return of the monthly events that bring live entertainment to the communities’ doorsteps has also received a very warm reception from their residents and members of their local communities who are invited to join them.
Across the four Hawthorns, there have been some truly unmissable events, including Braintree’s ‘Saturday Night at the Hawthorns’, which guarantees the most showstopping acts in town. During June’s event, the audience was blown away by the breathtaking vocals of award-wining Italian Tenor Yuri Sabatini, whilst enjoying a delicious restaurantquality 3-course meal prepared by the talented culinary team. Speaking of Yuri’s performance, Customer Service Manager Michaela Saunders said, “Yuri wowed the crowd with his exceptional voice making this an evening not to forget! He truly deserved the standing ovation at the end, and we look forward to inviting him back in the near future.”
Recently, Clevedon hosted a spectacular falconry display which brought fascinating birds of prey to their retirement community. Guest host, John
Dowling from John Dowling Falconry Ltd, visited Clevedon with his feathered friends to show off to residents and visitors.
The crowd was immersed in the experience as they witnessed falcons with a wingspan up to 47 inches, hawks, buzzards and owls soaring across the Hawthorns gardens. A daughter of a resident who was in attendance exclaimed, “I am amazed by the range of diverse and exciting entertainment that the Hawthorns arrange for their lucky residents. So much fun and enjoyment!” She added, “I am so glad we found this perfect place for our muchloved mother to reside. I am very jealous of her!”
Don’t miss out on the next event at the Hawthorns. Search for your local Hawthorns on Facebook to find out more.
by the Sea
One of the sunniest places in the UK, the seaside town of Eastbourne in East Sussex boasts award-winning beaches and many exciting local attractions.
It is the perfect backdrop for the Hawthorns retirement community, a unique style of all-inclusive retirement living, with a choice of elegant studio, 1-bed and 2-bed apartments, plus bungalows and maisonettes in the grounds.
The Hawthorns provide a free daily programme of activities and events to keep your mind and body active and to support you to stay healthy with dedicated Well-being Co-ordinators arranging various stimulating and interesting social events alongside interest clubs such as gardening, knitting, and cultural and sporting pursuits.
Trips out include venues such as the Towner Art Gallery, which includes modern British works, and the nearby Redoubt Fortress, built during the Napoleonic Wars and has a military museum. A short drive southwest along the coast is also the South Downs National Park and the tall chalky cliffs of Beachy Head with its 1902 lighthouse. Of a historical note, Eastbourne was the most bombed seaside town in England during WWII. Bombers would drop any bombs left over on Eastbourne before returning to Germany using Beachy Head as their landmark with almost 4,000 bombs falling on the town during the period. Trips to Royal Tunbridge Wells, Brighton, and the 15th Century Herstmonceux Castle are also often on the visiting schedule.
With a low-commitment rental package, one simple monthly rental fee covers all living costs; weekly housekeeping, bed linen and towels, laundry, maintenance, all utilities, council tax, three restaurant
meals and refreshments throughout the day, plus a minibus and car service to take you on outings or to local appointments. Night concierge and emergency call systems in each apartment offer peace of mind and a worry-free lifestyle. Games Room
Dining Room
Coffee Lounge
Cinema Room
Gardens
Guest Suite
Hair Salon
Library
Led by General Manager, Anne-Marie Maynard the Hawthorns Eastbourne team provide a welcoming and hospitable environment to a variety of people from different vocations and locations. So much so, that they have been accredited with the prestigious Hospitality Assured Award, thanks to their remarkable levels of customer service. Snooker Room
FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS TO SUIT YOUR RETIREMENT
Hawthorns’ retirement communities for the over 70s offer certainty, safety, easy planning, and flexibility.
Now has never been a better time to consider renting. Instead of tying up money in a property purchase, residents decide to adopt the Hawthorns’ model that provides a unique, open, and genuinely all-inclusive package with no hidden extras. Working with leading house-purchase and moving support partners they can help you unlock your dream retirement living lifestyle and apartment. Hawthorns’ retirement communities provide a unique, open, and genuinely all-inclusive package with no hidden extras.
No stamp duty, service costs, maintenance charges or exit fees • No long-term commitment – just 30 days’ notice Maintain financial flexibility over your capital and assets • Avoid the restrictions of a property purchase
We can signpost you to reputable house-buyers who can provide a flexible home buying solution that guarantees a quick sale with no chain, no inconvenience of viewings, no estate agents fees and a smooth move at your own pace.
Our specialist moving partners provide bespoke support to relieve the emotional and physical demands of moving. They provide sensitive, practical ‘hands on’ support for your move including change of address and utility notifications, sale of furniture, arrangement of removal companies, and moving day support. Experience an apartment, restaurant-style dining, and Hawthorns’ lifestyle for yourself. Book a trial stay and make new friends*.
HOUSE PURCHASE SOLUTIONS EASY MOVE SEE IF IT’S FOR YOU TRIAL STAY
*Terms and Conditions Apply.
COMPARISON MADE EASY
See for yourself how our worry-free all-inclusive monthly rental compares to your current potential outgoings.
YOUR MONTHLY COSTS
Rent or mortgage
Water, gas, and electricity
Building insurance & Council Tax
Maintenance (roofing, gardening, plumbing & other repairs)
Breakfast, lunch & supper
Laundry
Daily refreshments (tea, coffee, juices, biscuits, fruit, etc)
Weekly housekeeping
£
Transportation (your car, insurance, repairs, petrol & oil)
House-owners association (fees, club, dues, etc)
Security/night guard
24 hour emergency aid
Cable TV service
TV licence
Telephone landline and mobile phone
WiFi
Contents insurance Rent
THE HAWTHORNS
Water, gas, and electricity
Building insurance & Council Tax
All maintenance and repairs
✓ INCLUDED
✓ INCLUDED
✓ INCLUDED
✓ INCLUDED
✓ INCLUDED
✓ INCLUDED
✓ INCLUDED
✓ INCLUDED
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X NOT INCLUDED
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✓ INCLUDED
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Breakfast, lunch and supper
In-apartment or communal area laundry
Daily refreshments (tea, coffee, juices, biscuits, fruit, etc)
Weekly housekeeping including fresh bed linen and towels
Scheduled local transportation with our own private bus
All activities, trips & events organised by our event coordinator
Staff on hand 24/7
Emergency call system
Freeview TV and in-house cinema
TV licence
Telephone landline and mobile phone
WiFi (communal areas)
Contents insurance
Contact your preferred service for apartment availability and pricing
Retain Prestigious Accreditation
Following recent assessments, all four of the Hawthorns retirement living communities are delighted to share that they have retained their Hospitality Assured accreditations, reflecting the achievements and creativity of our teams during what has been a demanding 24 months.
Hawthorns Clevedon
Describing the effort and devotion shown by the team as being ‘’beyond belief’’, the report recognised the focus on living life well at the Hawthorns Clevedon. Strong partnerships have been developed within the local community, for example, with the Clevedon Pier and the Curzon Cinema. The report also stated there is a ‘’wide range of visiting artists and clubs, providing residents with plenty of choices and supporting a holistic focus on well-being.’’
General Managers Alison and Steven Bryant stated: ‘’We are extremely proud of all our staff who have made this achievement possible. Our ethos of ‘We Work in Your Home’ has been instilled into our culture here at the Hawthorns Clevedon, and the team is dedicated to ensuring our residents remain happy.’’
Hawthorns Eastbourne Hawthorns Braintree
The report stated it was a pleasure to visit the site and observe the ‘’passion and attention to detail that makes everyday life as comfortable, stimulating, and enjoyable as possible for every resident.’’ The wellbeing team were praised for their ‘’exceptionally wide, thoughtful and fun range of activities.’’
General Managers Paul and Sandra Tripney stated: ‘’The team are thrilled to have retained our accreditation with Hospitality Assured. The standard and self-assessment provide the perfect framework for achieving excellence in customer service and align with our aims of putting residents first and continually improving our services. The team have collectively worked incredibly hard to overcome the many unforeseen challenges presented by the pandemic. We are immensely proud and look forward to working together to provide the very best for our residents.’’
coming to work, and residents enjoy life at Eastbourne.’’ In addition, the Well-being Co-ordinator ‘’brings a great deal of enthusiasm, introducing a variety of activities and events’’, and the Culinary Team offer ‘’a wide choice of freshly prepared food served by a friendly team of colleagues.’’
General Manager, Anne-Marie Maynard, stated: ‘’I am incredibly proud of the team, who all made this achievement possible. We are committed to ensuring we continue to meet the needs of the residents, who remain at the heart of all we do.’’
The report stated it was a pleasure to visit Northampton and recognised the success of the team building and supporting relationships with the local community. Current partnerships include intergenerational links with local schools, bowling clubs and the Northampton Town Football Club. Residents felt the team have ‘’worked hard to establish strong partnerships with residents, their families, and friends, building strong mutual trust.’’.
General Manager, Sarah-Lou Haskins, stated: ‘’Working alongside Hospitality Assured is a pleasure. It is a great achievement to share along with the rest of our Hawthorns family.’’
Success for the Hawthorns at Hospitality Assured Awards Ceremony
The Hawthorns celebrated further success at the Institute of Hospitality Awards 2022, held at the Hilton London Bankside on 4th July. The awards aim to find the very ‘best’ from within the global hospitality industry.
During the event, IoH CEO Robert Richardson FIH said, “It was fantastic to see so many members and wider hospitality family gather together to celebrate the considerable achievements of our industry and the people within it. We wanted to showcase and celebrate the best the global hospitality industry has to offer, across all segments, and we did just that. We were overwhelmed by the fantastic calibre of all the award nominations this year and it was fantastic to recognise the highly skilled talent we have. The winners truly deserve our adoration.” Against worthy competition in all categories, the Hawthorns scooped the Hospitality Assured Award for Service Resilience During Covid-19. During a challenging 24 months, our teams have remained devoted to ensuring residents remain happy, with passion and attention to detail, making everyday life as comfortable, stimulating and enjoyable as possible.
Lynne Carter, Operations Manager at the Hawthorns, stated: ‘’It was a brilliant night, and all General Managers of the Hawthorns have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic – this award is very well deserved.’’
Abbey Court
1 Heath Way, Heath Hayes, Cannock, WS11 7AD T. 01543 277358
Acacia Lodge
90A Broadway, New Moston, Manchester, M40 3WQ T. 0161 688 1890
Acacia Mews
St Albans Road East, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 0FJ T. 01707 278160
Acer Court
172 Nottingham Road, Nuthall, Nottinghamshire, NG8 6AX T. 0115 977 7370
Acer House
141B Milton Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS22 8AA T. 01934 637350
Acorn Lodge
132 Coventry Road, Nuneaton, CV10 7AD T. 02476 642680
Adelaide
35 West Street, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA7 4BE T. 020 83043303
Aire View
29 Broad Lane, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3ED T. 0113 388 5440
Albion Court
Clinton Street, Winson Green, Birmingham, B18 4BJ T. 0121 554 7261
Alder House
172A Nottingham Road, Nuthall, Nottingham, NG8 6AX T. 0115 975 8110
Alma Court
2 Heath Way, Heath Hayes, Cannock, WS11 7AD T. 01543 273860
Amarna House
Rosetta Way, Off Boroughbridge Road, York, Yorkshire, YO26 5RN T. 01904 798509
Aran Court
Braymoor Road, Tile Cross, Birmingham, B33 0LT T. 0121 770 4322
Ashurst Mews
Northampton Lane North, Moulton, Northamptonshire, NN3 7RQ T. 01604 493233
Astbury Manor
Crowthorne Road North, Bracknell, RG12 7AU T. 01344 359100
Avalon Court
1 Glendale Way, Tile Hill, Coventry, CV4 9YQ T. 02476 470246
Avery Park
231 Rockingham Road, Kettering, NN16 9JB T. 01536 851745
Avonmere
339 Badminton Road Downend, Bristol, BS36 1AJ T. 0117 9579210
Avon Valley
Tenniscourt Road, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 4JW T. 0117 428 8800
Birchmere House
1270 Warwick Road Knowle, Solihull, B93 9LQ T. 01564 732400
Birchmere Mews
1270A Warwick Road, Knowle, Solihull, B93 9LQ T. 01564 732660
Birchwood Grange
177 Preston Hill, Kenton, Harrow, London, HA3 9UY T. 020 83851115
Clare Court
28 Clinton Street, Winson Green, Birmingham, B18 4BJ T. 0121 554 9101
Bourn View
47 Bristol Road South, Bournville, Birmingham, B31 2FR T. 0121 516 3500
Clayton Manor
Rood Hill, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 1YZ T. 01260 299622
Bridge Manor
Mary Bond Court, Wombourne, Wolverhampton, South Staffordshire, WV5 8DA T. 019 029 44001
Cliftonville
Cliftonville Road, Northampton, NN1 5BE T. 01604 238850
Crispin Court
385A Stone Road, Stafford, ST16 1LD T. 01785 785900
Darwin Court
Wissage Road, Lichfield, WS13 6SP T. 01543 250824
Derby Heights
Rykneld Road, Littleover, Derby, DE23 4BU T. 01332 540060
Droitwich Mews
Mulberry Tree Hill, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, WR9 8QS T. 01905 958716
Dukes Court
159 Northampton Road, Wellingborough, NN8 3PN T. 01933 445690
Elvy Court
200 London Road, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 1QA T. 01795 437449
Edenbridge Manor
Mont St Aignan Way, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 5EG T. 01732 927469
Glenmoor House
25 Rockingham Road, Corby, Northamptonshire, NN17 1AD T. 01536 205255
Greensand House
West Avenue, Salfords, Surrey, RH1 5BA T. 01737 933011
Grove Park
100 Grove Lane, Headingley, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS6 2BG T. 01132 789612
Hampstead Court
48 Boundary Road, London, NW8 0HJ T. 020 3822 0040
Hanford Court
Bankhouse Road, Hanford, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 8EN T. 01782 645140
Hawthorns Aldridge
Erdington Road, Aldridge, West Midlands, WS9 8UH T. 01922 452087
Hempstalls Hall
Hempstalls Lane, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 9NR T. 01782 349320
Highcliffe
Whitchurch Road, Witherwack, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, SR5 5SX T. 0191 516 0606
Hinckley House
Tudor Road, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 0EH T. 01455 639710
Horse Fair
Horse Fair, Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 2EJ T. 01889 571980
Knowle Gate
1331 Warwick Road, Knowle, B93 9LW T. 01564 332233
Lady Jane Court
1 Monsell Drive, Leicester, LE2 8PP T. 0116 495 0010
Lavender Lodge
10 Bruntile Close, Reading Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 6P T. 01252 517569
Loxley Park Assisted Living
Loxley Road, Sheffield, S6 4TF T. 0114 2321583
Merlin Court
The Common, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 1JR T. 01672 512454
Milton Court
Tunbridge Grove, Kents Hill, Milton Keynes, MK7 6JD T. 01908 699555
Miramar
165 Reculver Road, Beltinge, Herne Bay, Kent, CT6 6PX T. 01227 374488A
Newcross
378 Prestwood Road, Wolverhampton, WV11 1RH T. 01902 866890
Pemberley
Grove Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 3HL T. 01256 632000
Poets Mews
2 Cherry Avenue, Clevedon, Somerset, BS21 6DY T. 01275 404840
Priory Court
Priory Road, Stamford, South Lincolnshire, PE9 2EU T. 01780 766130
Rivermere
64-70 Westerham Road, Chipstead, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 2PZ T. 01732 748400
Rowan Court
Silverdale Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 2TA T. 01782 622144
Scholars Mews
23-34 Scholars Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6HE T. 01789 297589
Silvermere
Redhill Road, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 1EF T. 01932 576650
South Lodge
307 London Road Leicester, LE2 3ND T. 0116 2748000
Spencer House
Cliftonville Road, Northampton, NN1 5BU T. 01604 619960
Seagrave House
Occupation Road, Corby, Northamptonshire, NN17 1EH T. 01536 270400
St Giles
122 Tile Cross Road, Birmingham, B33 0LT T. 0121 770 8531
Hawthorns Braintree
Meadow Park, Tortoiseshell Way, Braintree, Essex, CM7 1TD T. 01376 335500
Hawthorns Clevedon
18-21 Elton Road, Clevedon, North Somerset, BS21 7EH T. 01275 790060
Hawthorns Eastbourne
4 Carew Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 2BF T. 01323 644111
Hawthorns Northampton
Weedon Road, Upton, Northampton NN5 4WR T. 01604 684920
We provide a range of PH neutral, commerical Deep Clean solutions that surpass the CQC and NHS Guidelines.
Did you know?
Air is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which can stay active for up to 7hrs! 1. Complete 360-degree audit 2. Extraction of loose soil and debris 3. Pre-treatment of surfaces 4. Agitation of fibres 5. Hot water extraction 6. Liquid Evaporation from surfaces 7. Odour elimination and Air purification
7 STAGE Deep Cleaning Process
We perform our 7 stage cleaning processes accross surfaces and throughout the air at a time to suit you.
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