testimonials

Ruby – Young Volunteer

Student shop volunteer Ruby discusses her role volunteering at an ExtraCare charity shop.

Ruth Finnegan – Shenley Wood – Author

Quite apart from the amazing comfort, spaciousness and support, the village is a wonderful combination of lots of activities, wonderful friendliness, and the chance, when you want, to be alone and undisturbed. Everyone can do their retirement their way!

John Wheeldon – Lark Hill Gymgoer

My favourite thing about working out at our gym is the positive outcomes, physically and mentally, that my regular exercising brings. It’s never too late to exercise!

Penny and Peter – Lovat Fields

We’ve made some very close friends here; we meet downstairs and feel very safe and secure.  In your own house you may not know your neighbours, you feel much less lonely here. Here you can have a cup of coffee with anyone!

Julia – Lark Hill Village’s Housekeeper

Lark Hill Housekeeper Julia is celebrating ten years in her role. Julia discusses the key to her long service, and why Lark Hill Village remains close to her heart.

The Art of the Matter

Former Art Director at Solihull Society of Arts Nick Worley discusses his new art course at ExtraCare’s Solihull Village and what volunteering means to him. 

Here at the village there is always something going on and always someone to talk to. What I look forward to most is the oil painting class on a Friday morning followed by catching up with friends over coffee. Life at Stoke Gifford Village is good!

Janet Masters

Swimming is the best form of exercise especially for older adults. I have swum in National, European and World championships winning medals in Sweden, Russia, Hungary, Italy and the UK.

Shena Davidson

I just love to perform. I even recorded my own song in the Netherlands at a studio. Soon I’ll be going on tour in America with fellow competition winners at a talent agency.

Roy Elis

I've always collected music and been a fan of it, I don't know why but I collected karaoke songs. After a year of living at the village I stepped in and DJ’d at a 90th birthday party, after that I ended up doing it regularly. That’s how I got my nickname ‘DJ Roy’.

Val Benjamin, Author

I used to have low self-esteem and now I empower women to recognise who they are. As a life coach after I completed my training I thought how can I share this with people? A book was the answer. I ended up writing two books in 2010!

Ray Hawkes

I love to build illusions and create magic equipment. I auditioned for the Magic Circle and was accepted when I was in my 40s!