WINTER/SPRING.2024
WINTER
WELLBEING
Winter
wellness tips
SPOTLIGHT ON
BATH LEAT
All you need to know
about Bath Leat
HOW LIVING
INDEPENDENTLY HELPS
YOU TO LIVE LONGER
CREATING COSY
SPACES
Winter interior
inspiration
Interview
PAGE 2
Introduction to Pegasus
Welcome from Steve
Bangs, CEO
PAGE 4
Spotlight on Bath Leat
PAGE 6
5 big reasons to rent
PAGE 8
Living in Harmony at
Leyton Road, Harpenden
PAGE 10
Winter warmer recipes
PAGE 12
Winter wellbeing
PAGE 14
How to plan your
allotment this winter
PAGE 16
Get the most out of
your spare bedroom
PAGE 18
Creating cosy spaces
PAGE 20
A day in the life
at Fitzjohn's
PAGE 22
A tailor made lifestyle
Friends share their
experience of life at
a Pegasus later living
community
PAGE 26
Duplexes at Steepleton
Why consider a duplex
apartment at Steepleton?
PAGE 28
How living independently
helps you live longer
PAGE 30
Why move to a
Pegasus home?
PAGE 32
Recent events
PAGE 34
Pegasus communities
Contents
Contents
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I
love this time of year, the fast pace
of Christmas becomes a distant
memory and we start a New Year
full of hope and optimism for the year
ahead. We are starting to step out
of the darkness of the Winter and
the delights of Spring are just around
the corner.
It’s also a great time for me to be able to catch up
with residents living in our communities. I hope
you enjoy reading about how Gary and Cheryl
Summers have made Cobham Bowers their home
and what attracted them to the community in
the first place.
This is a wonderful time to reflect upon our own
approach to wellness and self care. We are proud
of the spaces and facilities we have created with
our communities; which make such a difference
to both physical and mental wellbeing. From Tai
Chi in the Studio to getting the raised beds ready
for seed planting when the weather gets a bit
warmer. There is so much that can be enjoyed,
individually and with friends and family.
The smells which come from the Steepleton
Kitchen at Tetbury are divine. In this issue
Chris Cornish opens his recipe book to share
two fabulous Winter Warmers with you.
I’d love to know what you think of this issue,
or any thoughts you have for future ones.
Please write to me at marketing@lifestory.group
Steve Bangs
Chief Executive Officer
Introduction
to Pegasus
Homes
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Centrally located in the heart of the city
of Bath our Bath Leat community reflects
its surroundings in more ways than one.
Famously labelled the UK’s original Wellbeing
Destination, the city is rich in heritage, culture
and breathtaking architecture. Look beyond
its World Heritage status and
you’ll discover a city that sparks
inspiration and warms your soul.
Rooted in Roman History, the city
features the magnificent Roman
Baths and Temple that were built
around the natural hot Spring
in 60 and 70 AD in the first few
decades of Roman Britain. Today,
remains of coins, jewellery and
sculptures stand proud in the
historical destination.
Brimming with history, the
Theatre Royal Bath is one of
the oldest working theatres in
Britain and was described by the
Theatres Trust as “one of the most
important surviving examples of
Georgian theatre architecture.”
Comprising three auditoria, the
Main House, Ustinov Studio and
The Egg theatre for Children, a
wonderfully varied programme
with top quality entertainment
is on offer all year round.
If food is your passion, the city’s
status as a destination for the
UK’s great and good has long
made it home to some of the
country’s most famous meeting
and eating spaces, which offer sophisticated
dining to this day. Once patronised by Jane
Austen and Charles Dickens, The Pump Room
offers the opportunity to delight in a Champagne
brunch, afternoon tea or dinner whilst sitting
back and enjoying the classical strains of the
Pump Room Trio and resident pianist. Browns’
is another must; here you can dine in a beautiful
listed building while admiring views of the
Abbey, through this former police station’s huge
windows and from its outdoor terrace.
Bath has always been a place of
leisure, and it remains a centre
of sporting prowess. The city’s
great facilities and friendly clubs
make Bath a fantastic place
to keep your eye in – or find
love for a new sport or activity.
Bath Bowling Club welcomes
new members whether they
know how to play, have a little
experience, or none at all. Relax
after a game at the clubhouse
with its bar, kitchen and lovely
outdoor social space.
The city centre’s highstreet and
quaint roads are the perfect
destination for shopping.
Here you’ll find a variety of
independent shops including
Paxton & Whitfield - Britain’s
oldest cheesemonger with over
200 years’ history of sourcing
and maturing exceptional
cheese - and Topping &
Company Booksellers - the
biggest independent bookshop
to open in living memory. A
bustling Farmers’ Market is
hosted on a Saturday morning
under the vaulted glass ceiling
of Green Park Station.
UPCOMING EVENTS
IN BATH
Catherine Ducker:
Emotion in Colour at
Victoria Art Gallery
19th January - 14th April 2024
Bath Bachfest
15th - 17th February 2024
Bath Art Fair
23rd - 25th February 2024
9 to 5 The Musical
27th February -
2nd March 2024
VOLUNTEERING
OPPORTUNITIES
IN BATH
Bath Food Bank
Julian House
Bath Mind
Age UK
Save the Children
Spotlight
on
Bath Leat
Take a tour of our Pegasus Bath Leat community
situated just a stone’s throw away from the River
Avon. Our sales prices start from £400,000 and
rental prices from £2,050 pcm
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Freed Up Capital
Selling a home can free up money which can be
invested. Investments often grow at a faster rate
than the value of a property can appreciate, which
can increase your overall income, on top of pensions.
Less Maintenance
As we get older, sometimes it is easier to let the
professionals take on the handiwork. If regular
maintenance and upkeep is needed, renting allows
you to leave these worries in the hands of your
building management.
Fewer Costs
When it comes to the debate of owning versus
renting, the affordability of renting can be an
important factor to consider, such as the reduction
in maintenance and regular upkeep costs when you
choose to rent.
Peace of Mind
Choosing to rent means that you can move in
straight away and removes the need to wait until
you sell your home. Renting allows you to take
the necessary time to ensure that you get the best
possible price for your home and to do so at a pace
that you are comfortable with.
Flexibility
Renting gives you the option of choosing a home
which fits your lifestyle; choose to downsize or
find a home with like-minded neighbours at one
of our Pegasus communities.
Bi
g
Re
as
on
s
to
R
nt
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L I F E . S T Y L E
Cobham Bowers proved to be the perfect local
choice for us.” Cobham Bowers benefits from
being conveniently close to Cobham high street
boasting a wide selection of shops and boutiques,
wine bars, cafés and restaurants.
Like many Pegasus customers, Gary and Cheryl
initially found the home move a daunting
experience, but availed of the moving support
that Pegasus offers to all customers: “The team at
Pegasus were very helpful and supported us with
relocating, providing all the removal expertise
free of charge to ease us into the transition.”
It was important to the couple that the home
they were downsizing to had a modern touch,
prioritising energy efficiency and contemporary
facilities: “The new build style of the spacious
two-bedroom apartment at Cobham Bowers
greatly appealed to us, and we were won over
by the air purification system in each room.”
However, it hasn’t just been about securing a
more manageable home, with Gary and Cheryl
seeing the benefits in other areas of life, adding:
“Downsizing has also meant we have been able
to save money, freeing up extra cash for hobbies
and holidays.”
To complement the contemporary home, Gary
and Cheryl have access to a pavilion with a bar
and lounge, stunning landscaped gardens and a
yoga studio for group or private practice. However,
they’ve also been looking beyond Cobham Bowers,
using their Pegasus perks to explore England.
Like all residents at Pegasus communities, Gary
and Cheryl can stay in other Pegasus guest suites
across the UK at a reduced cost: “We recently
stayed at Pegasus’ Jesmond Assembly community
in Newcastle while visiting friends and plan to
explore Sandbanks in Poole next!”.
At the heart of an independent community
Like each Pegasus community, Cobham Bowers
has a dedicated Lifehost, who is embedded in the
community to bring it together with residents
ary Summers (71), a retiree in a
rock band, and his wife Cheryl
Summers (53) were living in a
large five-bedroom family home in New
Malden. Having lived in the home for
over 32 years, and with Gary’s children
all grown up, Gary and Cheryl decided
Gary and Cheryl Summers, a retired couple
from the UK, decided it was time for a
change and found the perfect beginning
in their Cobham Bowers home.
enjoying the choice to be included as much or as
little as they like.
This is an element of their new home that Gary
and Cheryl have really enjoyed, sharing that:
“There is a strong sense of community among
residents at Cobham Bowers. We regularly meet
up for coffee mornings, summer BBQs and quiz
nights and share a communal workout area
where we can participate in Thai Chi and Pilates
classes.” They’ve also found joy in sharing their
milestones with their new neighbours, with
Gary commenting, “Cheryl and I got married
over the summer and recently hosted an evening
for residents to come together and look at our
wedding photos!”
Beyond what is on offer within the community,
Gary is part of a four-piece melodic rock band
called The Gary Summers Band and has performed
at the Cobham Village social club, which is just a
three-minute walk from the development.
Cobham Bowers is a stylish collection of bright
and spacious open-plan one- and two-bedroom
apartments, situated just a 10-minute walk from
Cobham village centre in Surrey. If you are looking
for a more manageable yet spacious apartment
with hotel-style facilities, this could be the perfect
home for you.
Prices start from £480,000 or rent from £2,900 pcm.
For more information please contact our friendly
sales advisors
T: 01932 321 027
E: cobhambowers@lifestory.group
at Cobham Bowers
“ We’ve lived here for
7 months and have no
regrets whatsoever”
it was time for a change and embarked
on a journey to find the perfect home.
Just over eight months ago, the couple
began a new chapter at Cobham
Bowers within the Pegasus community
and have not looked back since.
Downsizing without compromising comfort
In the hunt for a new home, Gary commented:
“It was important for us to downsize while
remaining close to family and friends, and given it
is just a 20-minute drive away from New Malden,
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Spiced
parsnip
soup
Ingredients
2 parsnips diced
2 potato diced
1 onion peeled and chopped
Teaspoon of cumin
1 veg stock cube
1 litre hot water
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon of olive oil
1 clove of garlic
1 small pot of crème fraîche (optional)
Croutons
Method
• Add olive oil to a saucepan. Add your
prepared vegetables to the pan along
with your garlic and cumin to give the
vegetables a delightful flavour.
• Separately, use a jug to add your hot
water to your stock cube and make sure
the cube is fully dissolved before adding
to your main saucepan. Leave to simmer
gently until your vegetables are soft.
• Once your vegetables are soft and
flavourful, use a food blender to puree
your soup to a smooth consistency.
• Season your soup with salt and pepper
to taste.
• For a creamy soup, add a small amount
of crème fraîche to your bowls when
serving, along with some croutons.
Butternut
squash and
pumpkin bake
Ingredients
1 butternut squash diced
250g pumpkin diced
3 large peeled and sliced potatoes
500g passata
Fresh herbs
2 cloves of garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
1 jar green pesto
100g grated cheddar & parmesan
2 slices of bread grated into breadcrumbs
Method
• Heat your oven to 180 degrees. Roast
the squash and pumpkin with salt and
pepper for 30-40 minutes until cooked.
Check your vegetables are fork tender,
and if so, leave aside.
• Boil water in a saucepan and add salt.
Cook your potatoes until tender - about
10 minutes.
• For your sauce, use a frying pan to fry
garlic and onions until soft. Add pesto,
and cook until fragrant. Add your
passata and bring to the boil with salt
and pepper to taste. Leave on a simmer
for a few minutes.
• To assemble your bake, make layers
of your roasted squash and pumpkin,
before adding a layer of potatoes and
cheese. Repeat to create a few layers.
For the topping, grate breadcrumbs and
mix with cheese and pesto. Spread this
across the top of your bake.
• Place the bake back in the oven until the
top is golden brown.
by Steepleton’s resident Chef
Chris Cornish
Winter
warmer
recipes
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n the winter, it's easy to feel the
blues kick in. At Pegasus, our
residents’ well being is at the
heart of everything we do. Whether
you need tips on looking after your
mental health or, you’re just looking
for inspiration...
1. Routine
Waking up in the morning can feel like a chore
in the winter. Creating and keeping to a routine
is one of the easiest ways to feel motivated
and start your day. Consider investing in a
sunrise alarm clock to help align your body
clock naturally and wake-up peacefully to the
appearance of the sun rising (even on a gloomy
winter’s morning!).
2. Light
Naturally, our body’s source of Vitamin D is
greatly decreased in the winter months, but that
doesn’t mean that our bodies or minds need it
any less. Even if there’s no sun, some fresh air
can do a world of good. If you’re unable to get out
for a walk, remember to open your blinds in the
morning and let in the sunlight.
3. Get talking
We know it can be a really lonely time of year. At
Pegasus we pride ourselves on creating a sense of
community within our developments. Why not
join in with your neighbours and attend a weekly
event in the communal area? Or, have a chat
with your Lifehost on the way out. They would
be delighted to find out more about you and keep
your company.
4. Get moving
Whether you’re engaging your entire body in
Thai Chi with your neighbours in your communal
area, or moving a single body part at Chair
Yoga, it’s important to keep your body moving
and encourage your blood to flow. Keep an eye
on your weekly newsletter, or speak to your
Lifehost, to find out what activities are running
in your Pegasus community each week. It’s also
another great opportunity to get out of your
home and socialise with others!
5. Hobbies
Why not take up a new hobby this winter? It
is reported that having a hobby leads to higher
levels of happiness, self-reported health and life
satisfaction. Many of our residents take up new
hobbies such as fashion, gardening and even
wing-walking!
WELLBEING
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Weeding and pruning
Weeding now in the winter means
your allotment will stay weeded for
quite some time and any regrowth
can be easily controlled - the fall
in temperature will slow plant
growth right down and halt new
germination. Have a good clear out
and harvest any remaining tender
crops that won’t grow over winter.
This will set you in good stead in the
new year, and it's much easier to plan
ahead with a blank canvas. Compost
as much of the weeds and cuttings as
you can.
Mulching
By far the most useful thing you
can do is to mulch any bare earth in
your plot with well rotted manure or
soil conditioner/compost. Not only
does it help feed next year's crop by
bringing in more nutrients but the
added organic matter also aids in
moisture retention and loosening up
heavy soil. The good news is that you
don't need to dig it in either, there is
a growing body of evidence which
suggests that constantly digging and
turning soil disrupts many of the
beneficial bacteria and fungi which
help unlock nutrients in the soil for
plants to use. Let it lie as a thick
layer on top and allow nature to do
the work for you, worms and other
insects will soon bring it down into
the soil and in the meantime it also
acts as a weed suppressant. Source
your manure/compost/mulch as
locally as possible if you can.
Autumn cover crops
These can include: alfalfa, barley, red
clover, white clover, mustard, oats,
radish, rye, and vetch.
Bare soil is the enemy of a healthy
garden or allotment as more moisture
is lost through evaporation, rain
compacts the soil structure and
nutrients are lost to the wind or
washed away. On top of this pioneer
weeds are perfectly adapted to
exploiting this niche where there is
no other competition. An alternative
to mulching is to plant a cover crop
to cover the soil in between harvest
and the next seed sewing. This helps
protect the soil structure and nitrogen
fixing crops will actually help improve
the soil fertility. When you are ready
to plant next season simply cut
the crop down and compost or re-
incorporate it into the soil.
Winter sowing crops
These can include: Turnips, Celeriac,
Brussels sprouts, Purple sprouting
broccoli, Chard, Chicory, Winter
cabbage.
If you do wish to sow crops in the
winter time, the above crops can be
sown in winter, and planting out sets
will also give you a head start! Be
sure to do so before the frost sets
in and not if the ground is frozen.
lthough it may seem
that not much is
happening in your
garden, winter is one of the
most important seasons
to prepare your allotment
or garden for the coming
growing season. Winter
work can be some of the
most beneficial in terms
of time and energy saving
in warmer months giving
you more time to enjoy
the fruits (or vegetables)
of your labour!
How
to plan
your
allotment
this
winter
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our spare bedroom doesn’t
need to be a guest room that
sits and collects cobwebs! Give
it purpose again with any of these
brilliant options and make every part
of your home feel lived in.
1. Keep your brain active with a home office
space! Whether you use this room to work or
to enjoy your hobbies, having a separate room
for these activities gives you peace of mind that
everything is in one place, and provides a quiet
space to help you concentrate and focus. You
can even use this space to have video calls with
family and friends without any interruptions; a
must in today’s digital world.
2. Feel like a celebrity with your own dressing
room! Add storage to this room and fill to
the brim with your favourite clothes and
accessories, so that before every outing you
can spend time getting ready and practising
some self care. This also frees up your main
bedroom for more storage space, and helps you
keep your home clutter free.
3. Snuggle up and get reading in your cosy library!
If you’re an avid reader, why not furnish your
spare room with bookshelves filled with your
favourite books, and invest in a comfy chair
to read in. Reading has been shown to reduce
your stress levels, as well as improving your
vocabulary and comprehension. It can also be a
nice break from screen time before bed, which
can aid your sleep.
4. Invite guests to the premiere of your new home
cinema! Grab a projector or large screen to set
up a home cinema. Comfy sofas are a must!
If you’re not sure how to inject some fun and
excitement when guests visit, or perhaps you
just like to watch cinema the best kind of way,
this space can be a great place to relax, unwind,
and overindulge in sweet and salty popcorn.
Get the most
out of your
spare bedroom
Dressing room...
Home office...
Home office...
Home office...
Cosy library...
Home cinema...
Cosy library...
Home office...
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