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Bob Lewis, aged 98, is one of Richmond Villages Wood Norton’s longest-standing residents living in an assisted living suite. Bob was encouraged to relocate to the village in 2019 by his daughter, Sally, as she was apprehensive, he might be lonely after his wife’s passing but since moving to the village, Bob has formed many friendships with fellow residents.

As a keen fitness and wellbeing enthusiast, Bob was instantly attracted to the village’s luxurious Wellness Spa and facilities and has since enjoyed many a swim with his daughter and granddaughter, which he still credits as being of his most enjoyable activities at the Wellness Spa to this day.

During his 30’s, Bob experienced a few health complications which led him to change his lifestyle, becoming healthier and more focused on his overall wellbeing. After losing some weight, Bob found people looking to him for guidance and inspiration, which spurred him to write his own book at 38 years old, called ‘A Gourmet Loses Weight.’

Fitness remains an integral part of Bob’s day-to-day life, and his daily routine includes thirty minutes of exercises every morning, in which time Bob does thirty press ups. 

Commenting on his passion for fitness, Bob said: “I’ve experienced a couple of health complications in my life – including some back pain, so I find that physical fitness really helps to aid and prevent this. In addition to participating in a variety of activities on offer at the village, I have always been a member of Wyre Mill Club – a caravan and moorings club on the River Avon, which is only ten minutes from the village. I used to sail boats and race dinghies when I was younger, so to be able to continue this hobby in my later life meant a lot to me.”

When Bob isn’t busy in the village’s Wellness Spa or enjoying his daily exercise regime, he also takes great pleasure in socialising with other residents in the village. Despite not knowing anyone at the village when he first moved there, he has since “made some great friends” and finds that “everyone in the village is friendly.”

Whilst being at the village, Bob helped found the Wood Norton village bridge club, that is still proving to be popular amongst residents and continues to run weekly. The club now has around twelve members who attend every week and is even in a need of a few more chairs, thanks to popular demand.

Reflecting on his life at Richmond Villages Wood Norton so far, Bob concludes: “I have nothing but praise for this place, I think it’s lovely. The architecture is first class, and the staff go above and beyond. I can’t commend them enough. I am a very contented resident; I truly cannot fault the village. I’ve even signed up to the ‘lifestyle package’ where I get all my meals provided for me and a housekeeping visit. I honestly thought I would miss all of the cooking, but I haven’t at all. The quality of the food has been excellent.”

Richmond Villages Wood Norton offers a range of retirement accommodation from apartments and suites to a residential care home, all of which are tailored to the individual needs of each resident.