From There to Here: Rob and Carol Simonds
When Rob and Carol Simonds made their move to St. Thomas in 2020, it wasn’t just a new chapter; it was the culmination of a five-year journey that started with a simple question from their daughter: “Have you ever thought about relocating in your retirement?” Originally from Nantwich, a Tudor town in Cheshire, England, Rob and Carol had no immediate plans to cross the Atlantic. But after their daughter moved to Canada in 2008 and married a Londoner in 2010, thoughts of retirement near family began to take root. That seed grew slowly. “It hit home when we had to cancel a holiday due to illness,” Rob recalls. “I think that’s when our daughter started thinking seriously about having us closer.” Their immigration journey was anything but straightforward. What began as a standard parent and grandparent sponsorship process quickly changed into a lottery-based system. After missing out the first time, they were finally selected and approved in 2019. They sold their house in the UK and arrived in Canada in October 2020 — masked, quarantined, and still waiting on their furniture. Their daughter and son-in-law helped them purchase a home in St. Thomas. “We had their phones and a realtor walking us through the house virtually,” said Carol with a laugh. “It was a leap of faith.” Initially, they considered settling in London to be close to family, but the traffic and pace didn’t suit them. “St. Thomas felt just right,” says Carol. “Big enough, but not too big.” They were particularly drawn to the sense of space and the city’s slower rhythm. “ Since arriving, they’ve immersed themselves in the community. From historic walking tours on Talbot Street to an active schedule with the Seniors’ Centre, fitness classes, and the Railway City Cycling Club, Rob and Carol have made the most of retirement life. “We wanted to get out there and meet people,” Rob said. “And we have.”
They’ve also discovered some local favourites: shopping at Briwood Farm Market; enjoying fish and chips at Your Fish & Chips; sipping craft beer at Railway City Brewing and Caps Off, and relaxing by the lake in Port Stanley. “That’s like a holiday for us,” enthuses Carol. “It reminds us of Devon.” While they still cherish their British roots—along with a proper cup of tea and a good ale, Rob and Carol say it’s the friendships they’ve made here that truly make St. Thomas feel like home. “Canadians really are as friendly as they say,” Rob adds. “We’ve built a network of friends we never expected. It’s made all the difference.” Most recently, Rob and Carol proudly became Canadian citizens. “We couldn’t have chosen a better place,” Rob notes. “The people have been so welcoming, and the sense of community is real. We’re lucky to call St. Thomas home.”
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Hometown St. Thomas • September 2025 • Page 19
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