Living life to the full with HPB

“We love cycling, walking, exploring the local countryside, swimming – you name it we’re up for it,” enthuses Jane Fleetwood. “Above all we love socialising, meeting people and getting involved in new activities. So the Bond is perfect for us!”

Living in Kendal, Jane and Neil Fleetwood inherited their Bond from Jane’s parents, themselves Bondholders for over 30 years. “My parents had a wonderful time visiting almost every UK site and many of the overseas sites,” she continues. “They were great fans but were finding it increasingly difficult to travel, so during Covid they decided to gift it to us. And what a lovely gift!”

Recently retired from Electricity North West, Jane spent much of her working life in a car.“It was a great career but to be honest I was tired of driving, and ready to start enjoying myself. Neil is still working as a joiner but, because he’s self employed, we can pretty well take off whenever we want. Which is one of the great things about the Bond – it’s so flexible. That and the fantastic choice of locations here in the UK and throughout Europe.”

And the couple certainly haven’t wasted any time, having already visited Rosedale in the Yorkshire Dales, Merlewood in Cumbria (several times), Ivy House and Braithwaite Court in the Lake District, Henllys in Anglesey, Duloe Manor in Cornwall, St Siméon near Paris, Le Manoir du Hilguy in Brittany and La Reserva de Biniorella in Mallorca.

“We decided from the outset that wherever we holidayed we would try and avoid using the car as much as possible, and instead use public transport,” adds Neil. “It’s so much more relaxing. We’re also keen walkers so will happily take off for the day with our rucksacks. And we always take our bikes to the UK sites. It’s such a lovely way to explore further afield.”

“Our absolute favourite is Merlewood, it’s only 12 miles from where we live but it’s a spectacular site with so much to do,” says Jane. “We take our bikes on the train from Grange to wherever we decide on the day and then cycle back. We have a different adventure every time! And last Christmas we bought my parents over for the day which was very nostalgic for them.”

Jane and Neil are busy planning their next trip. “We’re like kids in a sweet shop,” they laugh, “spoilt for choice! And to cap it all, our good friends have recently become Bondholders on our recommendation, so we can look forward to some wonderful holidays together.”