Rhumba keeps Jessop Court resident on his toes
Bruce Forsyth has nothing on Les White. The 80 year old goes dancing up to six times a week and when he moved into McCarthy & Stone’s Jessop Court development in Ellesmere Port his first question was - “When’s the dance floor being laid?”
Les, who started dancing at the age of three, said: “My parents took me and my sister to Irish dancing lessons when we were very little and I was hooked. I loved the rhythm and the noise generated by everyone tapping their feet at the same time. Performing in front of an audience was exhilarating and so much fun. In fact, the only time I haven’t danced was when I joined the Air Force. However, as soon as I left and went back into engineering I started dancing again – I just love it.”
The retired engineer dances at a host of venues close to Jessop Court, including Whitby Leisure Centre, Poulton Victoria Sports and Social Club and local church halls, learning everything from the Rhumba to the Cha Cha Cha, sequence dancing and salsa.
Les added: “I don’t have a favourite dance – I’ll have a go at anything as long as it’s fun. Learning all the steps takes some doing but dancing keeps my mind active, as well as keeping me fit physically. I’ve lost three stone in the last few years just by dancing. One of the reasons I chose to live at Jessop Court was the fact that the public transport is so good, enabling me to get to all the dance venues easily.”
Les moved into Jessop Court when his wife Shirley died, as he felt their four bedroom home was too big for him on his own.
He said: “I was rattling around in this big house and the maintenance of it was getting a bit much. When I saw Jessop Court I thought it would be ideal as I am still close to my friends and family but I don’t have to worry about security or DIY. The bus stop outside the development means I can get about easily and there are loads of amenities close by. The only disadvantage is that there’s no dance floor in the residents’ lounge…yet!”
Fiona Brooks, regional sales and marketing manager, said: “Les is an inspiration to us all and we’re delighted that he has settled in so well at Jessop Court. Numerous studies have highlighted the benefits of dancing in helping people keep fit, healthy and happy. As well as being sociable, dancing is also great cardiovascular exercise and learning complex steps keeps people mentally alert. If you’d like to follow in Les’s footsteps and start a new life here at Jessop Court why not come and see us, or get in touch?”
Jessop Court is a collection of 58 one and two bedroom retirement apartments with prices starting from £124,950. Located on Chester Road in the Little Sutton area of Ellesmere Port, the development is well served by public transport as well as a host of amenities, including a newsagent, post office and convenience store. For a wider range of shops and services Ellesmere Port is just two miles away.
For further information about Jessop Court, the office is open daily from 10.30am until 5.00pm. Alternatively log onto mccarthyandstone.co.uk.
