During these unusual times in COVID-19 lockdown, I am often asked how things are at Kithbrooke Park Country Club with retirees living independently in their own homes. With all the anxiety that is around in the public domain, it is nice to know that we are all just getting on with life. It’s pleasing that your neighbour next door or across the street from you is not unknown and that like-minded people are a community who care for one another. This is a key factor that attracts retirees. Coupled with this, we co-ordinate and deliver a range of services to villas so that everyone has access to shopping and local services. Everyone’s home and backyard are plenty big enough to isolate within, but most residents living at Kithbrooke are making the most of the 50-acre grounds and the “Coastal Walk” path.
Simply walk out your front door into the open space of the property and stroll the grounds or simply walk the dog. That is one of the noticeable features here. Whether it is a “hello” or conversation around the grounds, many residents are out and about and getting fitter for the experience. Some even meet neighbours they did not know from nearby streets. There has always been a strong camaraderie at Kithbrooke. The Clubhouse, usually the hub of social events for entertainment and leisure for all homeowners, has been temporarily closed. However, the hairdressing salon and physio are operating as well as single access to the library. Some are accessing DVDs, books, puzzles, crosswords and newspapers and others are swapping books, patterns, recipes, and ideas on what they are doing. With the slight easing on some restrictions, lawn bowls is starting to be played, albeit with distancing. That said, we cannot wait until normality returns. The news is always referring to how retirees are sometimes isolated, but I can only use residents living at Kithbrooke Park as an example, they are connected and active in so many ways. They say tough times brings out the best in people, and we have risen to the occasion.
BY WENDY ATHERTON, Manager, Kithbrooke Park Country Club
