Driving without wheels

Have wheels, will travel? Well that's not the case for one Chester retiree, who found that giving up his car in later life opened his eyes to a whole new world away from the driving seat.

When Peter J Saunders, 81, first moved to McCarthy & Stone's Forest Court Retirement Living development in Chester last year he still relied upon his trusty Fiat 1.6 to get around. However, when his eldest daughter started having troubles with her own four wheels, Peter decided to give her his car and go it alone on public transport - an experience that he soon discovered he thoroughly enjoyed.

"Travelling big distances in the car had become far too much of a hassle anyway, and since moving to Forest Court I hadn't been using it for the short distances either, so giving the car away really wasn't too much of a big deal," explained Peter.

"What I hadn't expected was the feeling of freedom I got from using public transport instead. You see so much more when you're walking or travelling by bus on the train - all the little things you never notice when you have your eyes firmly fixed on the road. Despite having lived in the county of Cheshire for many years, I began to see it in a whole new light and it gave me a proper appreciation for the things I'd been missing all these years."

Conveniently located on Union Street, Forest Court is ideally placed for public transport with numerous bus routes running close-by and the well-connected Chester railway station only short distance away.

"I had seen the development a few times when walking from my former home in nearby Handbridge into the town centre, and one day curiosity got the better of me, so I went in for a look," added Peter.

"It's so well situated, and the people here are so friendly, but at first I didn't really feel like any of the apartments were right for me. However, it was then that I was shown this wonderful top floor property which had terrace views across Grosvenor Park and the River Dee, and right there I just knew I had to have it. Back then I might not have appreciated the sights from the driving seat, but I certainly knew a room with a beautiful view when I saw one - so its brilliant that now I feel like I can enjoy both."

With the over 60's benefitting from reduced train fares and free bus services, the use of public transport is something widely promoted across many McCarthy & Stone developments through its 'Green Transport Plan' which aims to help residents make the best use out of the local transport facilities available.

Peter concluded: "It's important to maintain a level of independence as you get older, and my move to Forest Court has provided that, whether I'm at home, or out and about. I feel quite adventurous when I decide to go somewhere and I have to research routes and timetables - and best of all, it's cheaper than a car too. The amount I'm saving on insurance, tax, petrol and maintenance is incredible, and every penny certainly counts.

"To start with it was strange moving from a house into an apartment, and then to give up my car too. But I have to admit, they were both great decisions, and I am really enjoying my new lifestyle."

Retirement Living at Forest Court promotes the enjoyment of active and independent lifestyles for residents over the age of 55. Providing a selection of 53 purpose-built one and two bedroom apartments, each especially designed with maximum comfort and minimum maintenance in mind, prices at the development start from £155,950.

For further information about the apartments, or to get advice on giving up your car when moving to Retirement Living, please visit the show complex, open Tuesday to Saturday from 10.30am to 5.00pm.

See Also: Property News (6705), McCarthy & Stone retirement (241), Forest Court (9), Chester (14)