Tucked along the edge of beautiful parkland and green space in the north end of Brighton and Hove, England, lies Maycroft Manor. The seniors’ home is aptly named, feeling every bit like a proper English manor from the moment one walks through its gardens and into the rich, history-filled surroundings.
Residents and team members at Maycroft Manor have welcomed Schlegel Villages before, extending warm hospitality in the summer of 2025 as a film crew documented the journey of Sandalwood Park resident Doug Robinson as he returned to England from his home in Brampton, Ontario.
During that visit, Doug travelled to London, where he grew up, revisiting the street where he and his future wife once lived. He also returned to the Tooting Broadway station, where he sheltered with his family as German bombs fell on London during the Second World War. Later, he sat on Brighton’s iconic pier, sharing stories of courting his wife with passersby from the Green Bench — the symbol of the #ElderWisdom movement and the inspiration for the documentary directed by Sarah Fodey.
The documentary follows Doug’s journey, along with four other elders who returned to places of deep personal meaning.
It was a screening of The Green Bench that brought Schlegel Villages back to Maycroft Manor in 2026. On a soft May evening, with dampness in the air and a rainbow stretching above the manor, guests filled a small theatre on the upper floor. Sipping prosecco and sparkling water, they watched a story that begins as a journey home for the featured elders and unfolds into a powerful reminder that growing older is a precious gift that allows us to share wisdom, perspective and grace with the world.
In the film, residents of Maycroft Manor saw reflections of their own lives and were inspired by what remains possible, even in advanced age.
Three generations of one family — daughter Andrée, her mother Sheila and granddaughter Olivia — attended the screening together and reflected on the themes of aging, memory, resilience and connection.
Andrée described the documentary as “so humbling” and said the stories would stay with her long after the credits rolled.
“It’s powerful — really, really powerful,” she said. “It’s the sort of thing that tonight, when I’m trying to get to sleep, I’ll still be thinking about.”
The film’s message about the fleeting nature of life resonated deeply with her mother, Sheila, who found the film especially moving during scenes that touched on faith and spirituality.
“It really gets you.”
For Olivia, the documentary underscored the importance of listening to older generations.
“I thought the whole thing was so moving,” she said.
“It’s so nice to see people’s journeys. They have such wisdom.”
She reflected on stories from her own grandfather, who is 92 and fiercely independent.
“The stories he comes out with are amazing. Young people don’t always appreciate that wisdom, but you do as you get older.”
Resident Frances offered a thoughtful critique of the documentary, praising its authenticity. At first, she worried the film might feel overly promotional.
“At first, I thought it was going to be like an estate agent’s brochure,” she said, “but as it went on, and you began to relate to the people talking, it got more and more personal. I thought that was absolutely marvelous.”
At 85 years old, Frances found much to relate to in the stories.
“I don’t feel 85, but I am 85. In my dreams, I’m always younger than I look.”
The evening at Maycroft Manor demonstrated how The Green Bench sparks meaningful reflection across generations. Whether resident, family member or team member, each viewer found something deeply personal in the stories shared on screen.
It was a poignant reminder that aging is not simply about growing older, but about carrying forward the memories, relationships and wisdom that shape a life.
