Seaside Smiles at Tudor Rose Court
Life at Tudor Rose Court in Southsea has been a little different for our homeowners, but not as much as you may think.
The modern, beachside development is home to 80 homeowners, who can adore idyllic views out to sea. Exclusively for over 70s, they enjoy freshly prepared food from the onsite bistro and have access to beautifully landscaped gardens.
The dedicated team of 15 staff is headed up by the wholehearted Samantha Weller, who has been Estate Manager since the opening in 2017.
Staying onsite to provide reassurance and peace of mind to our homeowners and their families for the first couple of weeks of the lockdown, she explained that the positive outlook and community spirit through this time has been truly uplifting. Many homeowners have simply made small adjustments to their day-to-day routines to meet the government guidelines, and have found new means to socialise virtually with their neighbours and loved ones.
“The party at the end of this is going to be fantastic! There has always been a lovely welcoming and community feel here at Tudor Rose Court, and if anything, this situation has brought our homeowners and staff even closer. “They all love to party, and plans are already being made for a belated VE Day bash once lockdown is over. We had previously planned for a BBQ with live music, so hopefully we will be able to host something similar in coming months. Instead to mark the occasion, everyone enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea with scones on their balconies which was lovely.
“We are extremely lucky here, as our homeowners can enjoy access to the beach as well as the gardens. Many are enjoying long walks or bike rides as part of their daily exercise. We have rearranged the garden furniture so that they can socialise at a safe distance outside with each other in the afternoon sunshine, and we have reserved the mornings as a time for them to book slots to see family and friends in the gardens too.
“The onsite bistro overlooking the seafront is usually one big social area. Our team of chefs are now serving the daily menu of seasonal meals directly to apartments, and I’m helping everyone with their shopping should they need additional supplies.
“There’s a Tudor Court WhatsApp group which I’m a part of too, a great way for us to keep in touch. For those who don’t have FaceTime, once a week I go to their apartment, following social distance guidelines, so that they can call their family. It’s so lovely to see their faces light up when they see them.
“Each week we send a newsletter and quiz for everyone to have a go at. And we have the most amazing appreciation window which faces out to sea, populated with pictures, paintings, messages and poems from our homeowners and their families. One poem was so wonderful, it brought a tear to my eye.
“We of course take part in the #clapforcarers every Thursday, and were honoured to be joined by members of our local police force one week outside the development. It was such a moving moment for us all, and it really hit home the difference all our small changes are making today.
“I can’t stress enough how positive everyone’s outlook has been. We haven’t had one negative response to it all, from our wonderful homeowners to my amazing team supporting them, and all I can say is thank you. Making sure everyone is happy, seeing people smile, supporting the ones that are finding things difficult, and making a difference is why I do my job, and I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.”
