From Early Retirement Onwards
Mrs. Rosemary Wray: “From early retirement onwards”
Rosemary Wray is the last surviving member of the original residents at Manor Court. She moved here in 1980 – and has no intention of moving! She wrote: -
"In October 1980 I saw in the Times Personal column an advertisement saying that there was a flat at Manor Court for sale. I had read about Manor Court a year before. I rang my sister in law in Great Bedwyn and she saw it and said it was just what I needed. I came to see it and the sale was organised in three weeks! I moved in on December 12th 1980.
In a few days I met everyone at a Christmas Lunch at the Close Restaurant, now a private house, just over the bridge from Manor Court. To-day our residents are still permitted to walk through their grounds, on the way to the village. It was like going to a new school. All were older than me and many were different from my family background of Royal Navy and Royal Marines, but they were all so kind and friendly.
I knew this area anyway because, during the war, my father was in the Admiralty in Bath and we lived near by and Pewsey, Marlborough, Salisbury and Devizes were all within easy reach.
I have lived at Manor Court since I was 55. Now, nearly 30 enjoyable years later, I really have seen life “from early retirement onwards” with the English Courtyard Association. Sadly I am the last of the original residents - though some others have moved on into nursing homes.
DID YOU MAKE GOOD FRIENDS HERE?
"Yes. Of course there were some residents that I scarcely saw, but I made many good friends. There were lots of nice people at Manor Court."
YOU SAY THERE WERE PEOPLE FROM A WIDE RANGE OF BACKGROUNDS. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THEM?
"The residents at Manor Court came from a variety of backgrounds, which made it more interesting. Many came from the professions, what in my day would have been called “the professional classes” or had been in business. Whenever new residents arrived I always invited them over for a drink."
DID THE LIFE STYLE AT MANOR COURT SUIT YOU FROM THE START?
"Yes, but you needed to involve or develop interests outside life at Manor Court – otherwise there would not have been enough to do!"
WHAT WERE YOU ABLE TO DO AND TO ENJOY THEN?
"Obviously I travelled widely: involved myself in charity work: went up to London by train (the train service at Pewsey has always been so convenient for day trips): visited exhibitions, the theatre, as well as involving myself in village activities: took painting and embroidery courses: attended Marlborough Sumer School – and for years I had generations of Siamese cats, usually two of them at a time. Being able to have pets was very important. I also took great pleasure in having my own small garden."
DOES LIFE AT MANOR COURT STILL SUIT YOU?
"Yes, perfectly: could not be better."
DOES IT OFFER YOU WHAT YOU NEED AS YOU GET OLDER?
"Obviously the ageing process limits you in the things you can still do. Fortunately I have not had a day in bed since I came here. I am a very independent person – but now my sight is bad. I keep my car, but have a former taxi driver from the village drive me as and when necessary. Friends sometimes do my shopping and I have paid cleaning help – and I know the Courtyard Managers will help me in an emergency – but I have always tried not to bother them unnecessarily."
HOW HAS YOUR LIFE CHANGED OVER THE PAST 28 YEARS?
"As I said, my sight is bad. I also have M.S. My last Siamese cat died recently, and now I will not replace him. Many of my earlier friends are no longer here but I have made new ones - and being on the Courtyard I can see them whenever I want. I can no longer do my garden, but I employ someone to look after it for me. But I would never consider moving to a nursing home. Should ever it be necessary I will arrange nursing care at home here."
WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU HAVE LIKED?
"I think it would have been useful if there had been some communal room/area for meetings, entertaining friends and family etc. I know you have a cricket pavilion at Dunchurch that has kitchen facilities. That sounds ideal.
Being the first development you only built 20 garages for 24 properties. I know you now provide all properties with garages – but I was one of the unlucky ones and am rather dependent on friends that no longer have cars letting me use theirs.
The minibus, which you provide at many of your developments, could also have been useful at Manor Court."
WHAT WAS THE AVERAGE AGE OF THE RESIDENTS WHEN YOU FIRST CAME TO MANOR COURT?
"I know, but only because you told me! It was 64, and it does not surprise me. I think part of the reason for this comparatively young age, is that the word “sheltered housing” did not exist when Manor Court was built. No one felt they were moving into an institution. Unfortunately that description gives entirely the wrong impression of what life at Manor Court is like. It is about a life of independence and security that can suit anyone from early retirement on."
WOUULD YOU RECOMMEND PEOPLE TO COME TO AN ENGLISH COURTYARD DEVELOPMENT
"Yes – perhaps my son-in-law will live here!"
AT 55?
"Certainly, but as I said earlier they would need to travel: create a life outside Manor Court."
AT 85?
"Of course, I had a friend that did not come to Manor Court until she was well over 90! But you do need to be in good health both mentally and physically."
WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ADVANTAGES OF LIVING AT MANOR COURT?
"I can go away and leave my property in safety, thanks to the security provided by Courtyard Managers living on site. My children live only two hours away and my sister-in-law used to live in Great Bedwyn. It is important, when moving to a new area, that you have friends or family near by. One’s grand children, when they were younger, could come and visit and - as long as they did not cause a nuisance – play in the large grounds. I have also been extremely glad of the guest room and continue to use it frequently. I suppose, to me, the two most important things were the security that Manor Court offered – and the knowledge that my children did not have to worry about me."
HAS THE SUPPORT OF THE COURTYARD MANAGERS BEEN A FACTOR IN YOUR BEING ABLE TO CONTINUE TO LIVE HERE?
"The fact that they are there – and available in an emergency – is extremely important. However, I have been fortunate in not having had to call on them for that. They also do a very good job in maintaining the grounds and our properties - but they also do so many small things - which make such a difference to our lives here."
ONE LAST WORD OF ADVICE?
"Come sooner rather than later. Too many people leave it too late. Most residents I know only wish they had come here earlier."