Book Launch success for Stow-on-the-Wold based author Christine Marsh

The team and homeowners based at Brio Retirement Living’s Beechwood Park in Stow-on-the-Wold enjoyed an exciting weekend as they hosted their very first book launch event at the development – with author and businesswoman, Christine Marsh, putting on a fabulous show.

Christine is a proud homeowner of a Brio Retirement Living apartment at Beechwood Park, located in the beautiful Cotswolds, and has just released her brand-new book entitled Flashpoint Transformation: Life's Choices.

Christine hosted two sessions, welcoming members of the business community, journalists, friends and work colleagues old and new and of course her family – including her new family at Beechwood Park. Impressive custom-made ‘Flashpoint’ cocktails were served by Damaine Hinds of Cocktail Barman, with guests enjoying both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions.

Trish Staite, General Manager at Beechwood Park, commented: “Christine’s book launch was a huge success! It was so lovely to open up our beautiful development and host such an exciting event. We enjoyed a day of socialising and learning all about Christine, her fabulous life experiences and of course her brand-new book.

“Guests were also keen to hear about the offerings at Beechwood Park – so I was happy to share details of our stunning development in Stow-on-the-Wold and welcome them to have a look around.

“I, alongside her audience, was in awe of Christine and this huge accomplishment which we’re all very proud of her for. We all wish Christine the very best with her new book.”

Christine is thrilled with her home at Beechwood Park and shares: “If you can’t be happy here, you won’t be happy anywhere!”. Her positive outlook on life is infectious – and thankfully she’s now sharing some of her experiences and wisdom in her brand-new book.

“I’m a great believer in embracing life,” Christine says. “Hence my decision to do exciting things – like deciding on my future direction and a new home at Beechwood Park last year.”

“I was living in our family home, a stunning large 4-bedroom Cotswold stone property on a country estate. It was our dream home – one both my husband and I had ogled for 16 years as it was being renovated, and eventually we moved there 30 years ago. I met my husband Colin when I was 17, but sadly lost him just before Christmas 2020.”

Christine revaluated her life, and shares her experiences from when she decided it was time to move. “I was advised to put my home on the market, sell up and then find somewhere to live – but that’s not me! I did lots of research and visited lots of properties – many of which I found very depressing as they seemed to be a one-way ticket to nowhere. I’d written down my wish list and was thrilled when I visited Beechwood Park as it genuinely ticked every one of them! I craved space, a balcony, stunning views, within walking distance of a village, plus a lively community spirit – and that’s exactly what I’ve got. It really is perfect here.”

Breaking the mould, Christine has used her move to a retirement community to advance her career as an author. Her new 96-page book is designed to be a taster, to give you easy access to her accumulated wisdom and provoke you to take stock of your own life’s path. Plus, the bonus of three inspiring true-life stories from her respected friends and colleagues, who have achieved their desired goals. 

Christine’s believes life is not linear but circular. She reflects on her life spanning 18 years of age to 81 - when she re-kindled her artistic talents.

The book also contains extracts from her challenging nomadic childhood. Christine’s father served in the military, and she was born during his time in India. She had a variety of educational experiences in both Singapore and the UK, as his postings determined where her family moved to, but this also meant she had the wonderful opportunity to experience life in different countries and explore different cultures.

Her book focuses on the impact of her life’s experiences as a daughter, sister, wife to Colin, mother to Alison and Rachel, her life as a corporate highflyer, and starting her own business – Prime Objectives – at 50.

Christine feels age should be embraced and, more importantly, what life learnings can bring to the younger generations and those fearful of the negative connotations age can bring: “What’s age got to do with it? We have no sell by or best before date!” adds Christine with a youthful grin. I’m in a very happy place. Life is good and I have no intention of stopping – life is for living and that’s exactly what I’m doing here at Beechwood!”

Beechwood Park is an age-exclusive community, situated in the picturesque market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, in the Cotswolds. This highly acclaimed ARCO (Associated Retirement Community Operators) registered integrated retirement development, features a stunning new collection of homes, where the one, two and three-bedroom apartments and two and three-bedroom bungalows, are now available to buy, rent, or part buy, part rent.

All homes come with their own outdoor space as well as access to landscaped gardens; there is also an extensive range of facilities including a contemporary wellness suite, hobby room, roof terrace, landscaped gardens, fitness studio and outdoor exercise trail, plus the Slate & Grain brasserie, bar and coffee lounge – the venue of the Warm Hub.

Brio offers modern retirement that is attainable for all, and each development has staff on hand as well as a range of care and support packages which can be delivered by a local and qualified domiciliary care provider with personal assistants who can help with everything from washing, bathing, dressing, preparing meals, attending medical or other appointments as well as providing management of medication or short-term care during illness or recuperation to palliative care.

Christine’s book entitled Flashpoint Transformation: Life's Choices book is available to purchase at Borzoi Bookshop in Stow-on-the-Wold, or online for £15 via Christine’s dedicated website: https://thechristinemarsh.com/