Teacher, traveller, and enchanting talker - inspiring Jenny shares how Brio brightens every day

From enjoying a successful career as a teacher, to skiing, sailing, listening to jazz and strutting her stuff as a regular walk leader for a local club, Jenny, 81, embraces everything life has to offer and happily shares that she has "absolutely no intention of stopping being active".

After recently moving into her beloved new home in pretty Hackbridge, here Jenny tells us about her life, and how she is excited for her future at Button House.

“I love being active - I still go skiing every year and was sailing until fairly recently too, but now there is something going on every day, here, to enjoy at Button House too - and that's just how I like it!” shares Jenny. "This week I’ve got my daily gym sessions planned, a storytelling event and a music and movement session to attend, a chair yoga class, and I'll also probably walk to the local pub with my new 'Brio-buddies' to enjoy a sociable drink and possibly a pub lunch together."

Although an extremely positive lady, it's not all been plain sailing for Jenny, after a bereavement last year and moving house after her loss. Nevertheless, she feels blessed for all the happy times she has spent with her family and partner. “I was very sad to leave the family home after so many years, but I’m happy I sold it to a lovely family who I know will love it as much as we did.” says Jenny.

Jenny found out about the Brio Retirement Living’s Button House development via a leaflet which was posted through her door. She explains: “The leaflet was advertising an open-weekend and it caught my attention straight away. I contacted a friend who lives nearby, and we booked an appointment. From the very first visit I loved Button House and knew it would be my new home – I revisited four times that week!

“I enjoyed looking around the show-home but when I saw my beautiful two-bedroom, two-balcony apartment I knew I'd found the special one for me. From my balconies I can see Hackbridge railway station, many birds, and the rolling hills where I enjoy walking - plus the pretty cottages in the village too. As the development is so new, the soundproofing is fabulous so I can't hear any traffic noise either. It really is perfect!” 

Since moving into Button House Jenny has made some great friends in other residents and has been keen to embrace every opportunity on offer. "I've felt so content since I moved into my new property. Not only have I met new people who I’m now honoured to call my friends, but I’m still able to keep in touch with my old friends and activity groups in nearby Wallington. Some of my walking group friends have been to look at properties at Button House so I’ve been able to share my happiness at being a resident of this lovely development. I’m delighted I’ve become an ambassador for Button House!” shares Jenny, laughing.

Although Jenny drives, she loves the location of her apartment as getting around by train or bus is so easy. "It's a doddle getting out and about" she continues. “I can walk to the train station and be in London Victoria in 20 minutes and it's so handy for family to travel here to visit me, plus the bus stop is in walking distance too, so I can still visit the larger Sainsbury’s store in Wallington if I need to – although with the local Lidl and smaller Sainsbury’s on my doorstep it’s really not necessary to go any further afield!

“I've also been getting around via coach too. I have family in the Midlands and North - I’m very close to my sisters and extended family of nieces, nephews and great nephews too. The last time I travelled by coach to see my family it was such a joy to not have to drive, and I loved taking in the scenery on the journey.”

Further afield, Jenny also has family in Canada and close, supportive friends in Norway who she recently visited to spend time with. “I so love to catch up with everyone and Gatwick is only a short taxi ride away from Button House, so I feel like the world is my oyster!”

Although Jenny has lots of family and friends, she's thrilled to have embedded herself in the community at Button House. She's been a key part of evolving everyday life at Button House. "We really are like a little family here", Jenny explains happily. "Not only do we have lots of activities put on for us, but the team here always make such an effort to celebrate birthdays and special occasions. We've just celebrated the general manager Karl's Birthday in a joint celebration with another resident. Karl is just as much a part of our community as the residents, plus - who needs an excuse to celebrate! We've another birthday party coming up and we also enjoy fish and chip Fridays and themed lunch get-togethers too. Life takes its twists and turns but I’m so happy that I found Button House.

“Of course, I’d be lying if I said I'd not had my sad times but the support I've received from the team here is first class. I genuinely only have great things to say about them all - they are fabulous! I can't wait to spend more time outside now the weather is getting warmer and I’m sure we'll have a wonderful summer here at Button House - living here is certainly my dose of daily sunshine!”