Pupils from Ashley Primary School in Walton-on-Thames visited Churchill Retirement Living’s Ash Lodge to share a story with the owners.

30 children from Year 3 visited the Lodge to present special pop-up books about the rainforest, which they have been busy making in class, before splitting into groups and reading aloud from their story books. The visit marks the ongoing partnership between Ash Lodge and Ashley Primary school, as Churchill looks to build community links in the areas surrounding its Lodges.

Class Teacher Gill Hood said: “The children were delighted at the opportunity to visit everyone at Ash Lodge and were so excited to show the Owners their handmade pop-up books. It was lovely to hear the children sharing their stories with the Owners too. The children’s journey to becoming fluent readers will benefit greatly from the opportunity to read to the Owners at Ash Lodge.”

Anne Scherrer, regional marketing manager at Churchill Retirement Living, said: “We thoroughly enjoyed the visit from the children and their reading was brilliant. It’s great for the Owners to get involved with visits like this. We are always keen to arrange an assortment of events to take place in the Owners’ Lounge at the Lodge, and look forward to welcoming the children back again.”

Ash Lodge comprises 58 one and two bedroom privately owned retirement apartments and shared facilities, designed exclusively for the over 60s. Offering quality retirement accommodation and safe and independent living, the development is in a convenient location close to local shops and amenities. Apartments have spacious rooms throughout and are an ideal combination of design and functionality. Owners also enjoy ultimate peace of mind from a fitted camera entry system for the highest level of security and a 24 hour emergency call system.

With less to worry about, Owners have more time to do the things they enjoy, including taking advantage of the host of other benefits which will be on offer including having family or friends to stay in the development’s well-appointed Guest Suite, enjoying a chat with neighbours in the landscaped gardens, or attending one of the many events, in the Owners’ Lounge.

The Ash Lodge Show Complex on Churchfield Road is open daily from 10am to 5pm. For more information on Ash Lodge or Churchill Retirement Living, call 01932 283839 or visit www.churchillretirement.co.uk.

Submitted by Claire Saltmarshe