New village manager appointed at Cheshire retirement village

Gifford Lea, a later living community in Tattenhall, near Chester, has appointed Rachel Butterworth as its new village manager.

Rachel joins the team with 20 years’ of experience working in the health and fitness industry. Rachel took on her first General Manager role 15 years ago running clubs for Nuffield Health and David Lloyd, where she managed their flagship site in the north west. Rachel’s passion for staying fit and healthy is at the heart of Inspired Villages’ ethos when it comes to later living and something she aims to share with residents at Gifford Lea.

 

Operated by later living provider Inspired Villages, Gifford Lea is situated in the Cheshire countryside. The village currently offers 104 later living apartments and boasts a range of impressive facilities, which include: a wellness spa with relaxation pool, restaurant, bar, hair and beauty salon, gym, craft room and library/cinema room. Work is currently also underway on phase 3 which when complete, will offer 162 retirement properties in total.

When asked why she chose Inspired Villages, Rachel commented: “I was ready for something new and wanted to make a difference. After 20 years of travelling for work, I also wanted to come home to Cheshire.  The very first time I arrived at Gifford Lea I was blown away and it totally changed my mind about what a retirement village was. Something felt right!”

Rachel also has plans to continue Gifford Lea’s community development by raising further awareness of the village with non-residents and the wider community who can enjoy the state-of-the-art facilities such as the restaurant, The Dining Room.

There are also plans to expand community outreach for Gifford Lea residents. Rachel comments: “It is on the agenda to look at our resources and see how we may be able to get out and assist any older or vulnerable residents in the village, whether that be helping with some gardening or collecting medicines or groceries.”

Jamie Bunce, CEO of Inspired Villages, comments: “We are happy to have Rachel join our team at Gifford Lea and look forward to seeing the visions she has for the village come to life. Rachel’s years of experience in the health and fitness industry, paired with her leadership skills make her an excellent addition to the Inspired Villages team, helping us ensure our residents live the best years of their lives with us.”