When summer becomes us - written by Geoffrey, Pegasus Homes resident

From wartime childhood rhymes to the sunlit promenades of Seaford, this beautiful reflection captures the essence of independent retirement. It offers a heartfelt glimpse into life at Hortsley - a vibrant, award-winning Pegasus Homes community where safety, connection, and coastal adventure go hand in hand. More than just a beautiful place to live, Hortsley resident, Geoff's moving personal journey highlights the power of a supportive community. Step inside and discover a place where you can thrive in the autumn of life.

When I was a young boy living  during the threat of World War II,  I remember my older brother repeating one of his many ‘silly’ rhymes about Spring, it went: “This is Spring and the bird is on the wing” — and the response was — “that’s absurd,  the wing is on the bird!” All very  true but hardly helpful. 

Well, the 2026 spring has flown by, flowers have already shown their gorgeous best and the young birds may by now have left the nest. At last,  we are in glorious Summer and looking forward  to the promise of blue seas, skies dotted with  white fluffy clouds, and sleepy holiday-makers seated along the promenade with cones topped  and gleaming with tasty ice cream.

Summer is a time for love, fun and adventure (but for we retired folk, I need to include safety and comfort.) Hortsley in sunny Seaford provides all these important ingredients: for we are a secure and comfortable community. Outside our main gate, there are major bus stops that connect  us to Eastbourne to the East and to Brighton  to the West. Moreover, with a train station  a mere 200 yards away, trips to London beckon  and others of course to Chichester, Southampton and elsewhere. Then, when you consider that we have the essentials of the Doctors, Dentists, Opticians, Pharmacists and the ancient yet vibrant town of Seaford almost literally on our doorstep, you have to ask the question “What more  do retired, independent, residents need?” 

Hortsley, is of course, one of the many Pegasus Homes developments dotted across the country. Inside the secure entry gate is an attractive, modern, award-winning building that wows many a passing citizen of Seaford — especially when they spy the glistening fountain in the entrance pond leading to our neat and well-tended garden. Our vibrant community is brought together  by the Hortsley Community Forum, which enables all residents to voice their opinions and preferences — so to be communicated to Alex, our very  able Building and Community Coordinator and thence to those that dwell way out in Chichester and elsewhere.

When my late wife Pamela, and I moved to Hortsley, we were impressed by the environment and the thought that we could join in with other residents in the many events arranged by the Buildings and Community Coordinator, and many times arranged by the more active of our great community. The theme that you could go if you wished, or not if you so desired — in other words, it was independent living that could enhance our lives.

Sadly, Pam died, but the support and comfort freely given by all here at Hortsley was nonpareil, and helped me through the grief and welcomed me into other groups of folk similarly bereaved.

Like everyone here, I am an equal member of our society, and able to participate and commence  once more my writing and join other activities  of friendship and true concern. We make Hortsley what it is — a safe place of which we can be proud. I look forward to the blessings of the Autumn  of my life which, given the right attitude,  will be just as exciting as was my Spring, and  am grateful to the excellent community here  that helps to make it so.

Interested in seaside living at Hortsley? With homes available from £195,000 at this previously sold out community, get in touch with our sales team today to find out more  and book a private viewing.

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Telephone: 01323 819 035