JANE SLADE discovers that you don’t have to retire to live in a retirement community, working retirees are welcome too
Although he gave up his full-time job 15 years ago, Michael Jackson (pictured above) missed the daily routine – and at the age of 75 still heads off to work two days a week.
Michael volunteers as a part-time stationmaster on the Bluebell Railway at Kingscote Station, just four miles from his new home at Charters Village, on the outskirts of East Grinstead.
“I missed getting up every day and travelling to work,” says the former re-insurance employee.
Michael is part of a new generation, best described as the “active retired” — a phenomenon driven by increased life expectancy, better pension planning and even greater opportunities to live life to the full.
Free of family duties, and with savings or equity released from downsizing from large family homes, this 55+ generation are expanding their horizons in a variety of ways, notably by travelling further and more frequently than their own parents and grandparents and returning to the workplace either as a paid employee or volunteer.
“My daily duties include checking the station is safe and secure, observing activities on the lines, selling and checking tickets and ensuring all is in order, even down to the cleanliness of the toilets” adds Michael who six months ago moved with his wife Pamela from their six-bedroom detached house in East Grinstead, East Sussex to a two-bedroom bungalow at Charters retirement village nearby.
A cgi aerial view of Charters Village in East Grinstead
“Even though we are both still very active we decided it was time to downsize,” adds Michael who also gives talks about the history of the Bluebell Railway.
“Our bungalow is so spacious and in the most beautiful setting. Surrounded by a meadow and beautiful gardens, I can enjoy the attractive grounds without worrying about maintaining them!
“Charters has given us everything we were looking for but most importantly it is close to the railway for work,” he laughed.
Charters Village, run by Retirement Villages (www.retirementvillages.co.uk), occupies a 16-acre site and comprises 33 one and two bedroom homes and a 60-bed nursing home.
A second phase of a further 49 properties will be sold off plan from September priced around £300,000 for a one-bed apartment. Currently available is a two-bedroom apartment in the clubhouse for £425,000.
Facilities include a grand hall, conservatory, restaurant, library, bar and multi-function room where singing sessions, Zumba classes, picnics and pop-up shops are organised.
Leighton Yorath, photographed at Richmond Bede Village in Bedworth where he lives, with the van which he drives to deliver NHS prescriptions.
Miner’s son Leighton Yorath, 75, lives in Richmond Bede Retirement village (www.www.richmond-villages.com) near Coventry and works full time driving between 60 and 70 miles a day delivering medication for a local pharmacy.
He was just 60 when he retired but wasn’t ready to put his feet up.
“It started out as a part time job doing just a few hours a day but now I work from 9-6.30 five days a week,” says the former council worker.
“I like getting out and about meeting people. I’m well taken care of at the village so I have time to work.
“Having a job gives me a reason to get up in the morning. I also have time for others and drop in for a cup of tea to people I deliver to.
“Some are very glad to see me as I’m the only one they may chat to or see all day.
“A retirement village is the ideal place if you are on your own, widowed or divorced because there are always people around if you want friends. I’m never lonely. There are lots of activities and can provide extra care if you need it. I don’t intend moving again.”
Leighton, a widower, paid £60,000 for his one-bedroom flat years ago and £280 a month for charges – “It’s good value,” he says, “as it includes my utility bills”. One-bed assisted-living apartments now cost from £85,000 and from £110,000 for independent.
The newly-refurbished village has a restaurant, café, library, bowling green and hair salon, as well as 60 care-bedrooms.
Also at Bede is a resident who commutes to London two days a week working for one of the members of the House of Lords.
“We are living proof that you don’t have to retire to live in a retirement village,” adds Leighton who also enjoys driving his touring caravan on holidays to France.
Anthony Hancock, 79, and his wife Margaret, 72, recently relocated to a Blue Cedar Homes retirement community in the Somerset village of Wrington after spending the past 15 years living in France.
Expats Tony & Margaret Hancock who live in Blue Cedar home at Brook Gardens, Wrington.
Retired lawyer Tony said: “For people moving back to the UK after they have retired, this kind of set up is absolutely ideal. It provides a small, ready-made community within the community with no worries about upkeep.”
He and Margaret, who are keen sailors, run a French conversation group for the locals, play croquet and have joined a music association. Anthony is also secretary of the twinning association (Wrington is twinned with Villeneuve-les-Beziers).
“Through the French classes we have met a number of local people of varying ages and we are now planning to run SKYPE sessions with our twinning partners in France,” he adds.
Devon-based Cedar Homes (www.bluecedarhomes.co.uk) has built nine gated enclaves of 10-20 homes in Bristol, Wales, Somerset and the West Country for active over 55s. They are sold freehold and priced from £300,000 for a three-bed home in Abergavenny with parking.
Managing Director Nick Hole says: “We coined the phrase “active retired” for our customers because the majority enjoy busy lives.
Most would not consider themselves old nor ready to retire from life. In fact, many still work and do voluntary work in the community if they’re not on holiday.”
