From its lofty vantage point amid the rolling downs above Bexhill-on-Sea, Ashridge Court affords its residents and staff stunning long-distance views of the Sussex coastline and the sparkling waters of the English Channel; however, of all the wonderful views at Ashridge, Alan believes his room has the finest. Alan is 95 and came to Ashridge initially for respite care following pacemaker surgery. He was delighted with the care he received while he was recovering and he became instantly smitten with the view. So much so, he decided to stay.
That was over a year ago. His room at Ashridge is spacious and bright. It looks out over the gardens and neighbouring fields towards the sea. Alan has strong connections with the local area and can see where he used to live from his room. He points it out as we chat, “Before my pacemaker was fitted, I was finding it a struggle to manage on my own in a four-bedroom house. I kept falling,” he explains. “So when this room became available, I decided to sell my house and move here.”
Despite having experienced his fair share of hardship – Alan has been widowed twice – he has led a very full life. He is unable to walk these days, but he doesn’t let that hold him back. He is lively, optimistic and has a wry sense of humour. He also has a taste for the finer things in life, “The attention here is pretty good,” he says. “If I ask for smoked salmon sandwiches, I always get them. I have everything I need right here.” Together with the other male residents, Alan recently became a member of a new “Gentleman’s Club” at Ashridge. He tells me that they recently met for a wine and cheese evening, “There were only a few of us, but it was great to get together for a chat. The cheese was wonderful.” And the wine? Alan laughs, “It was all right, but I would have chosen a different one.”
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