Growing a community
Frances Chalk and Steve Paignton, residents at Burnham Court in Malmesbury, talk to Abbeyfield Voice about how they have rediscovered their love of gardening, and their life as part of the Burnham Court community.
What made you decide to move to Burnham Court?
FC: I moved in around Christmas time last year after a six-month search. In total I must have looked at around 25 different places around the south of England. I had to wait a bit before a flat became available at Burnham Court, which was the best suited to me in terms of the size and location.
It was quite a big change for me, as I knew nobody in Malmesbury at the time, and it was also very different living in a flat as opposed to my house. Opening your door and seeing people having a chat outside is a bit strange at first, and it took a while to get used to it. But I’m hoping to get more involved with the local community soon, and I’m looking to join the U3A and some nearby reading groups.
SP: We fortunately didn’t have to spend that long looking. My wife Karen and I used to run a caravan and campsite on the other side of Malmesbury. Burnham Court was recommended to us when we decided to move, and we took a look around. We loved it so much that it only took about 10 minutes to ask where we should sign, and we moved in February.
Although we loved it from the off, it’s actually exceeded my expectations. The staff are so caring and helpful – nothing is too much trouble for them, and we can never ask too many questions. I’m probably the opposite to Frances in that I immediately loved the community feel. I’ve never lived over 1¼ miles from the centre of Malmesbury, so I see a lot of people that I know. All my family and friends are nearby, and they regularly come to visit. Had I known about Burnham Court before, I would have moved in much earlier without a doubt.
How did you start volunteering in the garden?
FC: It wasn’t my intention at all when I moved in. I thought with living in a flat there wouldn’t be much opportunity for me to be involved in that sort of thing. Although I had done some gardening at my house and even completed an RHS course, I got rid of the majority of my plants and equipment and came to Burnham Court for a nice, relaxing retirement!
It was when I saw the courtyard, which had a lot of dead or dying plants, that I began to get itchy fingers and started to do some work. I then found out through a member of staff that Steve was also a keen gardener, and I hunted him down.
SP: We both looked at the courtyard to see what we might be able to accomplish. Like Frances, I also thought I had left gardening behind, but have rediscovered my passion for it. I love tending to the plants, even talking to them, and it’s tremendously beneficial for my wellbeing. It’s something I really enjoy, and it gives me a sense of purpose.
FC: We recognise that we are doing this for all the residents as well as our own satisfaction. Contributing to Burnham Court helps us to feel more connected to the community here. The fact that I can do something I enjoy as a hobby to make that contribution is of course a bonus, and I sometimes get frustrated not being able to do everything that I can see that needs to be done!
There are some great things we’ve been able to achieve between the two of us. For example, we had 200 plug plants that we’ve had to plant into pots, and we can now watch them grow. I’ve had plants going in and out of my lounge if they’re not ready to be outside at night! It takes a lot of patience and nurturing, and it’s something I enjoy.
SP: We have asked the other residents what they want in their garden and that has inspired what we’ve planted. Some donated a plant that means something special for them, and we’ve raised funds from very generous residents – but we always need more! Bright colours were especially suggested – colour is so important and brings a space to life. It’s worth it just to hear someone, a member of staff or a resident, say how nice it looks and to see people enjoying it in the good weather.
We’re not resting on our laurels though. The garden is never really a finished project; it needs to be renewed regularly and nurtured all year round. Another resident has just moved in who is a very keen gardener, and she is going to help us to make our own compost so we can liven up the soil and grow a greater variety of plants.
How important is community life at Burnham Court?
FC: We see ourselves as residents first, volunteers second, and doing what we do in the garden gives us a greater sense of belonging and helps us to feel part of a bigger whole.
There’s a nice array of social activities here to get involved in. I enjoy the regular coffee mornings and I’m an avid reader, so tidying the library gives me satisfaction too – but someone else got there first today!
SP: There’s also the Tuesday Club where we do puzzles, and the Thursday social evenings where we can have a proper grown-up drink! It’s very sociable, you can talk about anything, and it’s nice when you can get together with the other residents.
We’re like one big family here and everyone has time for everyone else. Whether you’re having a good or bad day, you can always count on the staff and your fellow residents to help you feel at home.
Burnham Court offers independent living in Malmesbury, providing comfortable, private flats within a warm and welcoming community. Residents can enjoy a variety of regular social activities, support from on-site staff, and welcoming shared spaces, including a resident-led courtyard garden where residents can connect and pursue their hobbies together.
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