Part of the Churchill charm
EVERY year owners of Churchill Retirement Living apartments raise thousands of pounds for charity, whether it’s for the Macmillan World’s Biggest Coffee Morning annual event or charities local to its lodges. Recently auctioneer Philip Allwood, well-known for his appearances on Bargain Hunt and Dickinson’s Real Deal, joined residents at Churchill’s Beecham Lodge in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, for a charity valuation event.
Owners and visitors made a £3 donation for each item valued by Philip, a partner at Moore Allen & Innocent, to raise money for The Nelson Trust charity. It provides a residential treatment centre and comprehensive programme of care and support for people seeking recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
Among those who took part was apartment owner Sylvia Hadlow, who says: “I had a number of items in my home that I was intrigued to know the history of, so it was a wonderful opportunity to meet Philip.
“He was particularly interested in my gold charm bracelet. My husband bought it for me a long time ago and everyone in my family has put their own charm on it over the years so it means a lot to me.
“This was one of a great list of events that are held here regularly at Beecham Lodge. From charity coffee mornings to fish and chip suppers, to shopping events and cinema outings, there is always something going on and I’m very pleased I made the decision to move here.”
Beecham Lodge is in a residential area close to the centre of Cirencester and still GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY: Auctioneer Philip Allwood offers advice on Sylvia Hadlow’s valuable bracelet has one and two-bedroom apartments for sale from £207,950 and £297,950 (01285 600154; churchillretirement.co.uk).
Specially designed for older people they have fitted kitchens that include a hob and oven at an easy-reach height, built-in fridge and freezer and illuminated light switches. There’s a 24-hour emergency call system and camera entry system.
Other benefits include the guest suite, available to rent by the night for family or friends, landscaped communal gardens and the owners’ lounge where so many of the community events take place.
RACHEL Walsh, regional sales manager at Churchill Retirement Living, says: “It was a real coup for us to have Philip offering valuations at the Lodge, especially for people that were already familiar with his work on television.
“Our owners and visitors always thoroughly enjoy attending all of the different types of events that we host in our owners’ lounges.”
Historic Cirencester has one of the oldest Charter Markets in Britain and a great reputation for independent shops and restaurants, and high street stores.
With the Cotswolds on its doorstep there are also great road and rail links to Oxford, Bristol and the south coast of Wales, making it the perfect base for those who want to explore.
Beecham Lodge showroom complex is open daily from 10am to 5pm and visits can be arranged by calling 01285 600154.