Gillian grew up in a family working at the heart of the print industry. Her father worked in a business that was bought out by WHSmith, where all three of her brothers also worked.
Growing up, she remembers enjoying events including Christmas parties and Easter fairs organised by the printers, and in fact she met her husband at a Christmas party for staff and their families. Her father and husband were both trade union Fathers of the Chapel in their workplaces, and she recalls how they played key roles supporting colleagues in the industry throughout a time of significant changes in print.
Right place and right time.
When Gillian’s husband passed away, she was looking for an apartment for herself while staying with family, as she did not want this to be a permanent arrangement. She initially viewed Southwood a couple of years before moving in, but was still working at that time. She remembers: “Time moves on, and I realised that I could be ready to retire, so I got back in touch with the Printing Charity to start the process.”
The quality of the apartments really stood out. “At Southwood, it’s clean and tidy, and it’s all very pleasant, which is positive for the residents,” she comments.
“The outlook from my apartment is beautiful, over trees and fields. It’s nice and quiet, and there’s no-one overlooking. It’s secure, too, which is a good thing for everyone living here. I know I’m safe.”
Wide-ranging support from the on-site team.
Gillian describes the Southwood team as “fantastic, really helpful”. She particularly appreciates the fact that maintenance is carried out by the on-site team, so does not have to be arranged independently. “It was spotlessly clean when I moved in,” she recalls. “The walls were painted and the carpets were clean. I’m not wanting for anything.”
Of course, retiring from a much-loved career and moving to Southwood have required some adjustments, but support from the on-site charity team and the companionship of other residents have helped Gillian. “It’s just like living in a street,” she says. “People chat, and everyone’s friendly.” In fact, she’s already recommended moving to Southwood to a family friend from the print industry who she’s known since she was a child because, as she puts it, “I know it’s a good place to live.”
Please contact our friendly team on 01293 542 820 or e-mail support@theprintingcharity.org.uk to start a conversation about how one of our Almshouses could be the perfect place for your retirement.