To mark National Grandparents’ Day today, Churchill Retirement Living, which has lodges in Truro and Penzance, asked its owners to pass on their words of wisdom by answering the following question: 

What is the most important piece of advice you would give your grandchild to take with them through life?

A key role for any grandparent is to pass on their years of knowledge and experience to the younger generation.

That was something Churchill owners were very willing to do, so they have taken their best answers to create a “Top Ten Words of Wisdom”, and given grandmas and grandpas the recognition they deserve.

Here are the top ten words of wisdom Churchill Owners had to offer:

1.     “If at first you don't succeed, try try again.” - Kathleen Mercer, West Sussex

2.     “Always try to take time to stop and enjoy the wonderful things around you. They are free.” – Mrs Farnham, Cornwall

3.     “Make sure you get a good education, it will see you through life.” – Mr Macdonald, Cornwall

4.     “Always treat others with kindness and respect regardless of status, gender, colour, creed or disability.” –Patricia Watt, Bristol

5.     “Save a little, spend a little. Save young; you don't want to be homeless. Stop at your parents as long as you can and save, save, save!” – Jeannie Smith, Wiltshire

6.     “Never bark.... Unless you can bite!” – Walter Smith

7.     “What goes around comes around – you will find kindness and good deeds will rebound.” – Mrs Drury, Cornwall

8.     “Be happy and smile at everyone and you will find that they will smile back and look happy too.” – Mrs Reynolds, Cornwall

9.     “Always show kindness and respect to others: Particularly your parents, older people and others worse off in life than yourself. Try to learn from the mistakes you may make in life.” – Florence Cook, Surrey

10.   “A kind word will brighten the darkest day.” – Mrs Lees, Cornwall

Originally championed by Age Concern, National Grandparents’ Day has been celebrated in the UK on the first Sunday in October since 2008.