Two friends, Mollie and Frances first met in Switzerland nearly 50 years ago. Now they’ve settled in the same UK retirement village
They say friendships should last a lifetime. In this case, it has lasted 50 years, crossed borders and ended up at the same retirement village.
It can be quite the rarity these days to have such strong bonds, particularly as younger generations tend to move location regularly. But Mollie Lufkin and Frances El-Housami weren’t going to let distance get in the way.
The pair are both British born, but it was actually in Geneva, Switzerland, where their friendship was forged.
Mollie moved to Geneva in 1969 with her husband Frank and their three children. While Frances had moved to the city for a three-month temporary job, only to end up staying for 43 years after meeting her husband Riad whom she had a son with.
Friendship travels a long way
After her husband passed away, Mollie decided the time was right to move back to the UK.
She eventually opted for a Retirement Villages property in Charters Village, West Sussex, which shocked her family at first.
“They were horrified. They said I was too young to move to a retirement village and that I would get old. Without exception, though, they’ve all changed their minds.”
Frances also lost her husband in Switzerland, and soon decided to follow Mollie back to the UK, but was keen to move back to her birthplace of Scotland.
“I really missed my son but I also wanted to make the move so as I could remain independent. I wanted an easy to manage property that was in a peaceful location and secure. Likewise I wanted an opportunity to make new friends and not be reliant on friends and family in the future.”
Things didn’t work out for Frances in Scotland and she was soon on her way to Charters Village to be reunited with Mollie.
“I found what I thought was the perfect apartment in Edinburgh. Unfortunately, quickly after moving in, I realised I had made the wrong decision. My son realised I was unhappy and called Charters to ask if they had any available properties.
“Molly spoke very highly of the village and I could see she was so very happy here so it was an easy move for me to make the second time around.”
Don’t wait
There are number of brand new and pre-owned properties available at Charters Village. Pictured here, Medway House.
Now the pair enjoy the best of both worlds, together. Charters Village means there is always plenty to do; Frances regularly holds dinner parties and visits her son in London.
Soon after moving in, Mollie decided the best way to settle was to meet as many people as possible, particularly as many of her friends were still abroad:
“As I had lived outside the UK for so long, the risk was I would be lonely if I didn’t have a community around me, but that’s exactly what I’ve got here.
“I can easily pop down to the clubhouse for a cup of tea and meet people, I’m part of the local golf club and local ramblers.
“I’m also on the residents’ association committee, helping with events and so on – it’s the best way to do it and there’s always something going on.”
Mollie insists that a retirement village has very little to do with your age.
“It’s not a question of getting old here – it’s just such fun.”
Frances believes the only influence age should have is to encourage you to move to a retirement village sooner:
“My main advice to anyone considering a move to a retirement village is to make a conscious decision to do it early in your retirement, I live such an active lifestyle here but without the stress or worries of everyday life. There is a wonderful community feel here, it is peaceful and secure and if you need help, it is available.”
Find out more about what our vibrant villages have to offer by visiting www.retirementvillages.co.uk or telephone 01372 383950.
Charters Village
West Sussex
