Grove Place, a luxury retirement village managed by LifeCare Residences, recently played host to beloved TV personality Alison Hammond and the production crew from Specsavers. The village was chosen as a key location for the Specsavers Home Visits advertising campaign, highlighting the role accessible healthcare plays for people who are unable to leave their home without support.
In the feel-good national campaign, Alison hit the road with Specsavers optometrist Julie Benson, shadowing her on real Home Visits as she met people who face daily challenges with reduced mobility, and lifelong disabilities. This included David and Celia, and Peter and Barbara, Grove Place residents who are existing customers of Specsavers Home Visits.
Alison Hammond, a BAFTA-nominated presenter whose impressive career spans two decades of British television—from her breakout role on Big Brother to commanding the screen on This Morning and The Great British Bake Off—was the perfect choice to front the campaign. Her natural ability to connect with people was on full display as she filmed scenes within the residents’ bespoke private apartments set across Grove Place’s 27-acre estate in Hampshire. The chemistry was instant, with the film crew capturing genuine moments of laughter and connection against the backdrop of our Grade I listed Manor House.
One particularly enchanting moment saw resident Celia Batten take to the piano for a spirited Christmas singalong with Alison. “It was an absolute joy to accompany Alison on the piano for a festive singalong; she has such a wonderful voice and spirit,” Celia remarked. “My husband and I, along with our wider circle of friends here at the village, have always delighted in doing things that are a little bit unique. This experience was the perfect embodiment of that philosophy – it’s not every day you have a national treasure singing Christmas carols in your living room!”
Nicolae Seulean, General Manager at Grove Place, commented:
“We were absolutely thrilled to welcome the Specsavers team and the wonderful Alison Hammond to Grove Place. There was a palpable buzz of excitement in the air, and our residents thoroughly enjoyed stepping into the limelight alongside such a national treasure. Alison’s energy was contagious, and it was heart-warming to see her chatting and laughing with our residents as if they were old friends. It perfectly illustrates the engaging and spirited lifestyle we all enjoy at Grove Place.”
A spokesperson for Specsavers added:
“We believe everyone deserves access to quality eye and ear care, including people who, due to a physical or mental health disability can’t access a store without help. So, it was fantastic to invite Alison to join us as our newest ‘Recruit’ to lift the curtain on our Home Visits service and show the warmth, care and professionalism behind every appointment. Filming with Celia and David, and Peter and Barbara, was an absolute pleasure – and the staff at Grove Place were incredibly accommodating during our time there.”
Watch Specsavers feel-good mini-series, The Recruit, on YouTube.
