Brian’s impressive industry history began in the late 1960s, when he started as a trainee print finisher. He remained in the print industry throughout his career, working in varied roles from printing in the factory to driving for the printing trade. His son has subsequently followed him into print, and Brian reflects: “I still have friends in the trade today.”
“The bottom line is security.”
Brian chose to move to Southwood Court, the Printing Charity’s sheltered living Almshouse in Basildon, from private rental accommodation, where, having unexpectedly had to move in the past, he felt insecure. “The bottom line is security,” he explains. “I thought it was time.”
Brian learnt about Southwood from a long-time friend, who is a current Southwood resident. He recalls: “I thought, I’ll wait until she moves in, and then come and have a look. I was well impressed. I saw the place, heard about how they do things, I liked the sound of it, and I loved the location – just off the beaten track, surrounded by green. It’s lovely. My flat is south-facing, so the light comes in all day. I wanted the sunlight, and I got it.”
“Everything’s perfect about the flats.”
He continues: “The flats are well put together, clean and tidy. It’s like walking into a brand, spanking new flat, but it’s built better than new builds. The kitchen is very modern, the apartment is fully carpeted, everything’s perfect about it. All the rooms are a good size, including the wet room, and it’s great to be able to cut off the kitchen when I’ve finished working in there.”
For anyone retired, or on the way to retiring, from a career in print and the allied trades, thinking about housing for the next stage of their life, Brian is very clear. “It’s a no-brainer. When you chat to people and ask how they’re finding it, everyone says they love it there, so, just go for it. I can’t ask for more. It’s plus, plus, plus all the way.”
Our welfare team would love to chat to you about the Printing Charity’s Almshouse options for sheltered retirement living. To find out more, please start the conversation. Phone us on 01293 542 820 or e-mail support@theprintingcharity.org.uk.