Finding joy at Queensway Court: Kath’s story
In our ‘At Home’ series, we meet people in our communities who share their personal stories and reveal what their home really means to them. This week, we meet Kath.
For Kath, life at Queensway Court is all about comfort, creativity, and companionship. Having been retired for 20 years, she now lives happily with her husband on the top floor of the scheme, where she enjoys the quiet, warmth, and the little balcony where she keeps a few pots.
“I always wanted a bungalow, but we couldn’t afford it,” Kath explains. “And this is even better, because it’s less work. It’s warm. It’s so warm and so quiet. Very well insulated."
A life in stitching
Before retirement, Kath worked as a seamstress, specialising in wedding dresses, a role she adored. “Dressing the bride was a labour of love to me. It really was,” she recalls. “But the mothers, oof!”
Although she no longer sews for a living, Kath still enjoys creative hobbies. She attends a sewing club and takes part in art activities at Queensway Court. A friend even encouraged her to step in front of the camera for the Orbit photoshoot, which she admitted she was hesitant about at first, but ended up enjoying.
Community life
Community life at Queensway Court suits Kath perfectly. She values her independence and prefers a small, close-knit circle.
“I don’t want a big circle of friends. I couldn’t cope with it. But I’ve got two very, very good friends there, and I really am happy there.”
From art clubs to pantomimes organised by fellow residents, there’s no shortage of activities. Kath feels fortunate to have found a place where she can enjoy life on her own terms.
“Now I’m happy. I’m the sort of person that will make my own decisions of what I want to do.”
Support that makes a difference
One of the aspects Kath values most is the support from Emma, the scheme manager.
“Emma’s very, very proactive,” she says. “She will listen to you… she usually lets you go on ahead with it (activity ideas). She’s lovely.”
With a strong sense of independence, creative outlets, and the warmth of good friends and supportive staff, Kath’s life at Queensway Court is exactly what she hoped for in retirement and even more.
